New Fiat 600e electric SUV to start from just under £33k

• Replaces the Fiat 500X and 500L models
• Over a 250-mile official electric range
• Order books open in October 2023 starting from £32,995

Fiat has just announced official pricing information for the upcoming 600e electric SUV, which will launch in two trims. The entry-level 600e Red edition will start from £32,995, with top-of-the-line 600e La Prima versions commanding a hefty premium at £36,995.

A petrol-hybrid version is also due to join the 600 lineup at some point in 2024, which we’d expect to cost less than the electric version.

The Fiat 600e is the brand’s second fully-electric vehicle, and first electric SUV. It gets styling that draws heavy inspiration from the latest Fiat 500, including its semicircle headlights and clamshell-style bonnet, and uses the same underpinnings as found in the new Jeep Avenger.

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The 600e’s interior gets a round digital instrument cluster like in the 500, but with a similar central touchscreen infotainment system. As a whole, its cabin appears more restrained and less retro-inspired than the 500 city cars. It’s a slightly more minimalist design, with just a few heating and climate control buttons sitting beneath the central screen.

Fiat 600e interior, practicality and trim levels

Entry-level 600e Red models will be available as standard in the colour red, although customers can also order it in black or white. These cars get 16-inch steel wheels with covers in contrasting colours.

In terms of interior equipment, Red models get a seven-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a four-speaker audio system.

All cars also get a synthetic leather steering wheel, auto climate control, auto wipers and lights, rear parking sensors, keyless go, seats made from recycled fabric, LED headlights and taillights, electric door mirrors and windows, and safety kit such as driver fatigue monitoring, traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking tech, and lane keep and speed limit assist.

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Upgrading to a La Prima commands a £4,000 premium, but adds an integrated sat nav and DAB radio system with an uprated six-speaker sound system, and a wireless charging pad for smartphones. Other niceties include 360-degree parking sensors, a 180-degree rear camera, synthetic leather seats which are heated up front, a driver’s seat with a massage function, a powered tailgate, adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection among other features.

While the new Fiat 600e is undoubtedly more practical than the brand’s other EV, the Fiat 500, its 360-litre boot capacity is quite a way behind the Hyundai Kona Electric’s 466-litres, and even behind the closely related Jeep Avenger, which gets up to 380 litres. Fiat is keen to point out that the 600e’s interior does get an additional 15 litres of storage thanks to a central compartment up front, seat pockets and storage bins.

Fiat 600e powertrains

The 600e will use a 54kWh battery for an official range of around 250 miles – that’s similar to the Citroen e-C4 X and Vauxhall Astra Electric with which it shares these components. Fiat says this can be up to 375 miles on the urban cycle, meaning the 600e’s range fares much better at urban speeds. A 100kW charging capability means an 80% top-up in around half an hour is possible at a public charging station. 

The 600e’s powertrain lineup is simple – it gets just one electric motor option: a 154bhp unit powering the front wheels and giving it a 0-62mph time of nine seconds. Drivers can choose from three driving modes: ‘eco’, ‘normal’ and ‘sport’.

Order books will open from October 2023 in the UK, with first deliveries due at the beginning of 2024.

What does this mean for buyers?

The Fiat 600e is a hugely significant car for the brand, not only is it a new entry in the rapidly expanding SUV sector but it also makes use of the latest electric platform technology from Fiat’s parent company Stellantis.

As far back as 2020, Carbuyer spoke to Fiat boss Olivier Francois and he hinted at the plan to replace both the 500X and the 500L MPV with a single electric model. Now we have that car in the shape of this new Fiat 600e. Fiat will be hoping that it hits the mark with car buyers in the UK and around the world, but it’s up against some stiff competition. 

Want to know what we think of the electric Fiat 500? Check out our in-depth review…