Fiat 600e: Fiiiinally an electric Punto replacement

There should have been a car like this back in 2013: Fiat once wanted to replace the Punto with a four-door 500 – which, at the time, seemed too risky for then-CEO Marchionne. Later, the platform was too old – so Fiat is only now re-entering the core of the B-segment – with the 600e.

Yes, it definitely has charm and no – we wouldn’t have made it in the Punto-something style, but (almost) exactly like this! We’re talking about the new Fiat 600, which will only be launched in Germany as the electric 600e – on the Stellantis E-CMP platform, which mobilizes 115 kW (156 hp), enough to reach 100 km/h in nine seconds in sport mode.

A 54-kWh battery lies under the floor, which, according to Fiat, is good for “more” than 400 km range under WLTP; those who realistically expect around 300 km might be closer to the mark – in the city, the 600 should live up to its name under WLTP and achieve around 600 km. At a fast charger, it can charge with up to 100 kW, then the boost from 20 to 80 percent ideally takes just under half an hour, unfortunately, AC only works with 11 kW.

The 600e sits right between the Punto, 500 L, and 500 X

Measuring 4.17x1.78x1.52 meters, it is slightly more voluminous than the Punto but more compact than the 500 X, which it explicitly does not replace. Nevertheless, it’s intended to appeal a bit to Punto, as well as 500 L and 500 X drivers, which is why Fiat positioned it right between all these models. The trunk offers up to 385 liters of space; with generous compartments, the total volume increases to exactly 400 liters in the 600e. Much like the Jeep Avenger, with which it shares more than just the magnetic center console cover, four tall 1.9-meter passengers can fit comfortably, provided they make a few compromises. Here too, the 600e resembles the Jeep. The 600e, like the Jeep, is built in Tichy, Poland.

The “Red” version starts at €36,490 (approximately €30,664 net) before subsidies, which is about €500 less. The “La Prima,” which feels more premium especially in the front, will cost €42,490 (approximately €35,706 net), putting it right next to the noticeably larger, and not much less fun inside, BYD Atto3. It also competes against the VW ID.3, MG4, Renault Mégane, and all its Stellantis siblings.

The 600 leans on the retro card like the 500 – but here it's toned down and not quite as rounded

Does it bring enough “Dolce Vita” with it? We think yes: Inside, it visually draws heavily from the 500e, bringing with it a certain basic quality. In the “La Prima,” the seats can be adjusted electrically and offer massage functions; the quilted faux leather feels premium. The 10.25-inch central screen operates smoothly. You can quickly find a good seating position and grip a fine flat-bottomed steering wheel. In the rear, you’ll have to make do with hard plastic door panels, and we’re not fans of the third fake side window any more than the slightly clunky sound of the doors closing.

On the bright side, the trunk is neatly lined and the engine hood is fully painted inside – an area where cuts are often made these days. Fiat has also upgraded in terms of infotainment and safety: the 600e can drive semi-autonomously at Level 2: the adaptive cruise control (ACC) brakes or accelerates based on surrounding vehicles; the intelligent speed assistant should recognize most speed limits. Additionally, there’s a blind spot warning system. Fiat has included the Stop&Go function, autonomous emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, and drowsiness detection. Finally, the 360° sensors and 180° rearview camera with dynamic gridlines help avoid obstacles during parking or complex maneuvers.

Orders can be placed from 7/5/2023

The sound system comes with six speakers, along with a charging dock in the front and, in the La Prima version, a USB port for the rear, which makes the 600e somewhat more economical here. The basis for the digital services is Uconnect and the navigation relies on TomTom. How all this functions in everyday life will be revealed in the autumn. The order books will open on 7/5/2023 – ten years later than originally planned – but the 600e will now quietly flow to customers, while the four-door 500 would still have been drumming around with a combustion engine.

What does that mean?

Fiat is slowly building itself back up: Following the 500 e, now comes the larger 600 e, aimed squarely at the B-segment and picking up where the Punto once left off. Therefore, the 600 e is likely to find its way back into the B-segment, as it scores with nice details, a touch of Dolce Vita, and reasonably sensible prices. However, since Fiat is not quite confident in Southern and Eastern Europe, the 600 will also come there as a hybrid without the “e” – significantly cheaper. The main markets for the electric version are set: Italy, Germany (which loves Italy), France, and the United Kingdom, and of course they also hope for a bit more Dolce Vita in the Nordics. Could work!