Italian carmaker Fiat is back in the B-segment with a new electric SUV. Sister of the 500e, the new 600e is based on the same Stellantis CMP electric platform as the Jeep Avenger. The Italian boasts similar performances with a WLTP range of 409 km thanks to a 54-kWh battery. The Fiat is also cheaper, starting at €36 000.

At the same time, the Topolino quadricycle for urban mobility announced the end of May already, was presented on the Lingotto roof track circuit at the factory in Turin. The Topolino, with its only 2.53 meters length, a range of 75km, and a max speed of 45km/h, is said to be well-suited for the new 30 km per hour trend in cities. It will be on sale in Belgium and Luxembourg from 2024.

Stellantis’ push for electrification is starting to bear fruits. The group’s multi-energy CMP platform is now the base of a new electric Fiat. One that offers Italian flair, interior space, range, and affordability.

+400 km range

Just like the recently launched Jeep Avenger, Fiat’s new 600e enters the B-SUV segment in all-electric form. Not only does it use the same platform as its brother from another mother, the Italian SUV is also equipped with the same powertrain. Comprised of a 154-hp electric motor at the front and a 54-kWh battery under the floor, it gives the new 600e an official WLTP range of 409 km.

That battery can charge up to 100 kW, giving drivers and passengers about 30 minutes to drink their espressos while charging up to 80 %. Not unlike its brothers and sisters from the group, the 4,17-meter-long 600e is still relatively light at 1 520 kg.

Big sister

Fiat gave the new 600e a distinguishable Italian look despite the underpinnings being shared. In the 50s, the 600 was the larger, more family-oriented version of the 500. The same goes for this new electric version, which enlarges the small urban 500e’s styling.

The 600e boasts the same rounded looks, with Fiat’s distinctive LED light signature mimicking eyes and eyelashes, and the ‘600’ inscription instead of a logo. At the back, the round shapes mix with straight lines and rough plastic protections to emphasize the SUV side of the new Fiat.

The new electric SUV is Fiat’s flagbearer for its new color campaign. All but a week ago, the Italian brand announced that it would take the grey out of its color pallet. To immerse into the Italian Dolce Vita – Fiat’s words, not ours – the 600e is available in numerous flamboyant colors reminiscent of Italian landscapes.

For small families

Inside, the resemblance with the small 500e is even greater. The dashboard takes the same round bow shape, with a round instrument binnacle and a 10,25-inch screen at the center of it all.

The center console is lifted straight from the Jeep Avenger, the iPad-like foldable lid included. Fiat says the 600e has the best-in-class interior storage, and the trunk space comes at 360 liters. It’s 20 liters less than the electric Jeep, but still a good performance for the B-segment.

‘Affordable’

The comparisons with the Jeep Avengers and the other electric SUVs from Stellantis are numerous, but the Fiat wins on one major point: price. In Belgium, the 600e is available for €36 000 in its entry-level (RED) version. Not only is it €2 500 less than the small American SUV, but it’s also cheaper than the Peugeot e-2008, Opel Mokka Electric, Citroën ë-C4 and DS 3 E-Tense.