Introducing the Abarth 500e – the most groundbreaking hot hatch since the Simca 1100 TI ignited the genre in 1973.
That might seem like a bold statement, but the Abarth 500e is arguably the first truly performance-focused hot hatch powered entirely by electricity, rather than petrol or diesel. It’s here to challenge the notion that electric cars can’t be just as exciting as their fuel-powered predecessors.
However, straight-line speed is just one piece of the puzzle—handling is just as crucial. In this area, the 500e boasts bespoke suspension, wider wheels and tires, and specially engineered rear brake discs.
Overview
The Abarth 500e and its convertible version are engaging city cars with impressive handling and quick acceleration. However, they don’t quite deliver the same level of exhilaration as traditional petrol-powered hot hatches, and their ride quality can feel harsh. The entry-level version is our top recommendation, as the convertible and Turismo trim can get quite expensive.
Performance & Driving Experience
Let’s address one key point before diving into the Abarth 500e’s performance. Traditional Abarth models have never been the most technically refined hot hatches, but their lively engines have always made them incredibly fun to drive.
That signature character is difficult to replicate in an EV—or is it? To capture the essence of the petrol-powered 595, Abarth has equipped the 500e with a sound generator that mimics the exhaust note of its combustion-engine counterpart.
Press the start button, and the 500e roars to life with an artificial engine sound, as if powered by petrol rather than electricity. This effect comes from a powerful external speaker, a multi-channel amplifier, and a subwoofer positioned beneath the boot floor.
While loud, the synthetic noise lacks the rich tonal quality of a real exhaust. Many drivers will likely switch it off after the initial novelty wears off.
On the bright side, while the 500e may not sound like a traditional hot hatch, it certainly launches like one. With a 153bhp electric motor, it accelerates from 0-62mph in just 7.0 seconds—slightly quicker than the Abarth 595.
The instant torque delivery of the electric motor means that while some petrol hot hatches achieve better official 0-62mph times, the 500e feels exceptionally quick off the line, especially up to 30mph.
These competitors also boast greater range. The 500e’s 37.8kWh usable battery provides a maximum range of 164 miles for the hatchback and 157 miles for the convertible. In contrast, the 58kWh Cupra Born manages 215 miles, the MG4 XPower reaches 239 miles, and the Smart #1 extends to 273 miles.
Still, as long as you have charge, the 500e offers plenty of driving fun. In medium-speed corners, its neutral and predictable handling balance allows for easy mid-corner adjustments, while its sharp steering enhances control and precision.
Tackling a winding road in the 500e is genuinely enjoyable. Body control has significantly improved compared to the Abarth 695, meaning the car remains composed over mid-corner bumps and road imperfections, rather than being unsettled by them.
Interior & Features
If you’ve ever sat in an Electric Fiat 500, the Abarth 500e’s interior will feel very familiar.
However, Abarth has added its own sporty touches, including supportive sports seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, contrast stitching, a darker headliner, and aluminum brake pedal covers. The top-tier Turismo trim further enhances the cabin with Alcantara upholstery.
One minor drawback is the seating position—the driver’s seat doesn’t adjust as low as we’d like, making it feel like you’re sitting on the car rather than in it.
That said, for city driving, a higher seating position provides better visibility. This is particularly true for the hatchback, though less so for the convertible. The latter’s small rear windows and fabric sliding roof significantly limit rear visibility, especially with the top down.
Fortunately, all 500e models come equipped with rear parking sensors. Turismo trim adds 360-degree sensors and a rearview camera for extra convenience.
The tech package includes a 7.0-inch digital instrument display positioned behind the steering wheel and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen centrally mounted on the dashboard.
The screen’s placement makes it easy to read on the go, and its intuitive interface is responsive and user-friendly—an improvement over the Cupra Born’s infotainment system, which can be slow and requires navigating through numerous menus.
Standard features across all trims include DAB radio, built-in satellite navigation, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatibility for seamless smartphone integration.
About the Author
