Abarth 500e 2023: all-new fully-electric hot hatch revealed to rival the Mini electric

Abarth has pulled the covers off its first fully-electric model, bringing hot hatch fun without any emissions at the tailpipe

Abarth, the performance division of Fiat, has announced its first electric 500e model, based on its new-generation Fiat 500 underpinnings.

The 500e has been introduced to replace the outgoing turbo-petrol Abarth 595 and 695 hot hatches as the brand aims to transition into an electric-only manufacturer by 2030.

Abarth says its new electric car offers “a playful yet bold style and a thrilling driving experience”.

The Abarth 500e will replace the 595 and 695 models

The electric hot hatch is powered by a 42kWh battery pack and an electric motor mounted on the front axle that produces 113kW of power. Torque is rated at 235Nm.

The 0-100km/h sprint will take around seven seconds, making it 0.3 seconds slower than the claimed sprint of the turbo-petrol 695 sold in Australia.

Battery range for the Abarth model has not been stated, however it’s likely to be somewhere around 315km (WLTP) – the figure for the closely-related Fiat 500e’s 42kWh battery.

Abarth 500e 2023 rear 3/4 wide — The Abarth 500e could compete with the Mini Cooper SE hatch

The Abarth 500e is likely to compete with the Mini Cooper SE hatch which has a smaller battery (28.9kWh usable) but more power and torque (135kW/270Nm).

Although unconfirmed, the new Abarth 500e is likely to land in Australia late in 2023 or into 2024. Pricing is also yet to be determined.

Launch edition to celebrate first electric Abarth model

Abarth will launch a fully-equipped Scorpionissima special edition model of the new 500e that will include 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto and a 7.0-inch instrument cluster.

Abarth 500e 2023 wheel and screen — Digital screens for the driver and passenger will be standard

Also included with the Scorpionissima edition is wireless charging capability, a JBL sound system, 360-degree camera and safety equipment including AEB, lane-keep assist and drowsy driver detection.

How does the electric Abarth compare to its petrol-powered predecessors?

Currently, Abarth sells the 695 model in Australia that is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making 132kW/250Nm.

Abarth 500e 2023 seats — Abarth 500e gains sporty suede seats

One of the biggest differences between the 500e and the 695 will be the sound, with the turbo-petrol model coming standard with a Record Monza exhaust system for extra theatrics.

However, Abarth says that the new 500e is not lacking in the sound department despite being fully-electric.

The outgoing Abarth 595 with its 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder engine

A sound generator has been installed on the 500e that gives the car the “unmistakable Abarth roar” and “faithfully reproducing the sound of an Abarth petrol engine”.

The sound system is offered as an alternative to the standard sound that the car produces – this is oddly the sound of a strumming guitar according to Abarth.