Abarth 500e landing with $60,500 price tag, nudging Tesla Model 3 money
When asked what car you drive, what price being able to say “Scorpionissimaaaa…” in your finest faux Italian?
Abarth Australia demands you hand over $60,500 for the privilege, and for that you get this 500e limited edition, the first full electric model in Abarth’s history.
Today’s price announcement follows confirmation the tiny four-seat hatch will hit Australian showrooms late this year.
When it lands, the Scorpionissima trim will have a limited run of 219 models. A cheaper ($58,900) Turismo grade arrives in 2024, but really, it’s worth the extra $1600 to roll out the “Scorpionissimaaaa…” surely?
This extrovert grade does away will dull monochrome and can be had in just two hues: Acid Green (as above) or Poison Blue.
We’ve already driven the little Italian overseas – see the full review here – where John Carey deemed it “an electric entertainer that’s unlike anything else,” and “this small package of EV joy from Italy is sure to make those who buy it smile wide and smile frequently.”
He expected its Australian price to be circa $60,000, and so it’s proved.
What’s included with the Abarth 500e?
Under that ‘look at me’ paintwork are 18-inch diamond-cut titanium grey alloy wheels, while Scorpionissimas score ‘Abarth’ decals along the car’s profile.
Inside is Alcantara-slathered trim, with sports seats featuring an Acid Greed scorpion lasered onto the headrests. More of that green plus Poison Blue is found on double stitching for seats and door panels.
All 500e grades use a front-mount electric motor offering a reasonable 114kW/235Nm.
But thanks to its diminutive size and not overly-heavy 37kWh battery, it’ll hit 100km/h in a warm hatch-like seven seconds flat.
That battery takes up to 85kW charge rate at a public DC charger, meaning 0-80 percent’s possible in 35 minutes. Range is a very city-specific 253 to 265km (WLTP).
While purists may baulk, the electric Abarth features a fake ‘roar’ via the Abarth Sound Generator. It’s included as standard and replicates the sound of an Abarth petrol engine through the brand’s signature Record Monza exhaust.
Is the price right?
You’ll stand out more in the Scorpionissimaaaa… (try resisting saying it out loud) than practically any other car available, and shoppers will pay handsomely for such a privilege.
A normal Fiat 500e is a few grand cheaper at $52,500 before costs, while the larger BYD Dolphin is yours from $38,890, the GWM Ora $39,990 and MG4 $38,990.
A fairer comparison would be fellow Euros: the Cupra Born Electric ($59,990) and Mini Cooper Electric ($64,975), both of which are a good deal larger than the Abarth.
As ever, we can’t overlook the Tesla Model 3, priced almost line-ball with the Scorpionissimaaaa… at $61,900 plus charges.
The ubiquitous Model 3 will accelerate faster, has twice the range, charges quicker and has significantly more room inside. But you’ll also be a sheep.
What do you drive? Say ‘Model 3’ in an American accent? Or “Scorpionissimaaaa…” like you’re in The Sopranos? Your choice.
Abarth 500e specifications
Price: $60,500 plus on-roads (Scorpionissima); $58,900 plus on-roads (Turismo)
Basics: EV, 4 seats, 2 doors, small hatchback, FWD
Range: 253 to 265km (WLTP)
Battery capacity: 37kWh
Battery warranty: 8 years/160,000km
Energy consumption: 17.1 to 18.1kWh/100km
Motors: 1 front, 114kW/235Nm
AC charging: 11kW, Type 2 plug
DC charging: 85kW, CCS plug
0-100km/h: 7.0 seconds
