Abarth 500E

The interior of the Abarth 500e not only helps the driver drive at his or her best, but also ensures that all passengers are comfortable and well-entertained inside the vehicle. There is an abundance of soft-touch materials on this hot hatch’s cabin. Its racing-inspired seats that are made with a combination of high-quality fabric and Tecnoprene provide supportive cushioning and good ergonomics for everyone on board. These seats also have integrated headrests for elevated comfort.

 Aside from these, drivers have access to a 3-spoke steering wheel that is good-to-the-touch and a premium-looking 7-inch digital TFT color display cluster with the brand’s “AVAS sound.” For high-end entertainment and information accessibility, all passengers can enjoy a 10.25-inch UCONNECT infotainment system NAV that has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is linked to a Premium JBL Audio sound system for top-notch acoustics all around the vehicle.

The Abarth 500e showcases the brand’s mastery when it comes to developing a visually-appealing exterior design that is both posh and sporty. It has an aggressive facade that is illuminated by full LED headlamps with Abarth light signature. Additionally, it also comes with a unique-looking pair of circular DRLs. It has a lower grille that showcases a clean honeycomb pattern, and underneath it, is a white diffuser that gives this hot hatch a two-tone look. 

On the sides, it has sharp lines and a sporty-looking set of 17-inch alloy wheels (standard) that emphasize its quick character on the road. Meanwhile, at the rear, it has C-shaped LED tail lamps, an angular windscreen, and an inclined boot lid. 

Overall, the Abarth 500e measures 3,632 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,527 mm in height. It has a 2,322 mm wheelbase.

The Abarth 500e utilizes a suspension combination of a MacPherson Strut at the front and a Torsion Beam at the rear. For a hatchback with a small stature, it has decent absorption of bumps and a very responsive steering. It also offers a very stable ride that helps all passengers avoid motion sickness or that jumpy feeling. However, some might complain about the tendency of its maneuvering to be too firm or too planted, making turning or cornering a bit of an arm workout. 

The Abarth 500e is powered by a combination of an electric motor, which produces a maximum power output of 155 hp and a maximum torque of 235 Nm, and a 42.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, which delivers a maximum driving range of 265 km. Its battery has a 85 kW fast charging time of 0% to 80% in just 35 minutes. It also has a maximum speed of 155 kmph

With this in mind, the Abarth 500e offers a quick and enjoyable cruising experience that could definitely rival (or even surpass) the performances of its petrol-powered siblings. It also has an eargasmic engine sound courtesy of its sound generator.

In addition, this would definitely be an efficient daily vehicle in the city. However, its driving capability is limited by its lower-than-most maximum driving range of just 265 km. Hence, this hot hatch is not advisable to use for longer trips outside the city. But, overall, the car can deliver an exhilarating driving experience that is made possible by its three new driving modes: Turismo, Scorpion Street, and Scorpion Track.

The Abarth 500e is equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as autonomous emergency brake, blind spot warning, lane keeping assist, attention assist, traffic sign information, intelligent speed assist, and an e-call and breakdown call. It also comes with 360-degree drone view sensors and a rear camera. Its braking setup is protected by an anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, and electronic stability control.

The Abarth 500e would be a great choice for first-time car owners who are looking for a vehicle that is both luxurious and performance-oriented without sacrificing comfort and functionality. Driving range aside, it is pretty well-packed and offers an impressive road performance for a small 4-seater hatchback.