Abarth 500e Scorpionissima: sporty electric exclusivity in a mini format

Although the brand has extensive experience in preparing models, dating back to 1949, it is now time to adapt electrification without losing the sporty style and exclusivity that have always defined it. To this end, it has started with a variant derived from the Fiat 500e, adapted and enhanced to satisfy its customers. The Abarth 500e is the brand’s first 100% electric vehicle, with which it aims to attract a young audience split 50% between men and women from the middle and upper-middle classes, who are aware of the need to help build a more sustainable world.

It is a “zero emissions” model capable of delivering a great deal of driving sensation. To achieve this, apart from a very sporty tuning that delivers every sensation of driving, the “roar” of Abarth’s combustion engines has been taken into account: thanks to the “Sound Generator” function, acceleration can be paired with an artificial sound. Likewise, the floor-mounted battery layout, the power output, the torque from idle, and the weight distribution all make sporty driving easier.

It features a 42 kWh gross battery (37.3 kWh net) which, connected to the electric motor producing 113 kW (154 CV), allows it to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 7 seconds. It accepts DC charging at 85 kW and AC charging at 11 kW, which shortens charging times: 5 minutes to add 50 km of range, and 35 minutes to charge the battery to 80% if you opt for a DC fast charger.

Driving modes

It has three different driving modes: Turismo, Scorpion Street and Scorpion Track. In Turismo mode, acceleration is smoother and less power is drawn. Scorpion Street mode delivers high engine performance and increases regenerative braking, while Scorpion Track mode is designed to deliver the maximum level of performance. Compared with the Abarth 695, it offers greater responsiveness off the line. It is one second quicker in urban starts, that is, 50% faster from 20 to 40 km/h than the equivalent petrol-powered car. It is also quicker outside the city, for example on tight bends, where between 40 and 60 km/h it can reach the target speed in just 1.5 seconds, much faster than its petrol version, which covers 15 metres more before reaching 60 km/h one second later.

In addition, the better response of the electric motor, the longer wheelbase, the improved grip thanks to wider track widths, and the better balance between the axles enhance driving dynamics and allow higher speeds through corners. Acceleration from rolling speeds is also notable: starting from 60 km/h, it reaches 100 km/h in a time during which its petrol equivalent is still at 91 km/h, a difference of roughly one second.

Limited edition

The Abarth 500e initially goes on sale in the Scorpionissima special series, in both saloon and convertible body styles, characterised by its comprehensive equipment level and its bold Acid Green and Poison Blue colours. It is already available for €43,000 in the hatchback version and €46,000 in the convertible variant (excluding Plan Moves III). In addition, the brand has launched a promotional plan that allows purchase for €319 per month (over 36 months) with an initial payment of €6,412.75 and a final payment of €21,822.50.

The Scorpionissima special series, limited to 1,949 units, comes as standard with 18-inch diamond-cut titanium grey alloy wheels with 205/45 tyres, a fixed glass roof and tinted rear windows. It also has sport steel pedals and a protective plate with engraved logo, a titanium grey dashboard and steel door sill plates with the Abarth name printed on them. It features sport seats upholstered in Alcantara with double stitching, a dashboard also trimmed in Alcantara, a three-spoke sport steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara, and heated front seats.

For now it is only available in this exclusive version with special equipment (60% of production is already reserved), although the brand plans to begin sales of the conventional versions from April at a price yet to be determined. For the time being, combustion-engine versions will coexist with the electric ones at least throughout 2023, although the brand’s management has not announced how long it will continue producing the petrol versions.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackAbarth 500e3 versions · from 39,350 €