How the Fiat 500e combines fashion and function in one EV

The worlds of fashion and technology are constantly colliding, whether it’s on the catwalk or on our roads.

And no other car epitomises that convergence better than the stylish new Fiat 500e, the first dedicated battery-electric version of Italy’s quintessential and classic people’s car.

The Fiat 500e is available in one model grade here, the fully loaded (and lovably Italian) LaPrima that starts from $38,990 driveaway.

The Fiat 500e is built on a unique electric vehicle platform that provides a slightly larger footprint and charming new look compared to its petrol-powered predecessors.

Yet, it still carries the unmistakable style of the legendary ‘cinquecento’ (500 in Italian) that was first introduced in 1957, and remains one of the most recognisable automotive icons.

The 500e, however, features its own design with smoother bodywork thanks to unique front and rear bumpers that improve aerodynamics to help extend its driving range, and distinctive 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.

Inside the cabin, the LaPrima features sustainable Ice Biege leather on the seats, steering wheel, and door arm rests that not only makes the interior feel more spacious, it adds a fashionable element of contrast to its overall aesthetic. A full-length glass panoramic sunroof adds even more light and amplifies the sense of roominess.

All four seats include the FIAT script embossed on the cushion backs, while occupants in the front are treated to heated seats with excellent support and plenty of adjustment to suit all sizes.

There’s also a generous array of other comforts, including climate control air conditioning, keyless entry with push button start, and a twin digital screen configuration that pairs a 7.0-inch multi-function instrument cluster with a 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen that incorporates a six-speaker audio system, embedded sat-nav, wireless smartphone mirroring for Apple and Android devices, DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity and a wireless phone charging pad.

The Fiat 500e is available in six distinctive colours: Rose Gold, Celestial Blue, Ice White, Onyx Black, Red, and Ocean Green.

The Fiat 500e is like a Fendi Baguette. It might look compact, but it can carry more than you think.

And what’s inside is just as classy too, blending the cinquecento’s classic influences with modern technology, high quality materials and convenient packaging solutions.

The front seats offer excellent comfort, and the leather trim is as sumptuous as a Sunday brunch. There’s plenty of adjustment in the driving position to suit all types of drivers with excellent vision through the expansive glasshouse.

And the 500e’s iconic style provides decent headroom for taller occupants in the front while the glass panoramic roof amplifies the sense of space with extra light filling the cabin.

The back seats can accommodate two adults at a pinch with easy access via one-touch straps on the front pews. But it is fairly tight back there and best suited for small kids or short trips.

And the boot has enough space for a fashion splurge or the weekly groceries, but not much more.

The digital instrument cluster is bright and displays all the information necessary for the driver through a range of themes depending on the drive mode.

The infotainment screen is easy to access and runs the latest iteration of the Uconnect interface, which has a logical menu structure.

And it’s nice to have a row of physical buttons to adjust the climate control functions.

Around the cabin, there’s a practical array of small item storage solutions including the wireless phone charging pad with a grippy base (and a silhouette of the Turin skyline embossed on it, as a design Easter Egg), decent door pockets, twin cupholders and a deep centre cubby with a sliding lid.

The Fiat 500e range scores a four-star ANCAP rating and comes with a comprehensive array of advanced driver aids and six airbags.

This includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane keeping assistance, blind spot warning, driver monitoring, traffic sign recognition, tyre pressure monitoring and a reverse camera with front and rear parking sensors.

The Fiat 500e is powered by a front-mounted electric motor that produces 87kW of power and 220Nm of torque, both of which are significantly higher outputs than the petrol-powered version, which has a 1.2-litre four-cylinder that delivers 51kW and 102Nm.

Energy is supplied to the electric motor from a 42kWh lithium-ion battery under the floor that delivers a claimed 311km of driving range and can be replenished between 0-80 percent in around 35 minutes on an 85kW DC fast charger.

Like all Fiat models, the Fiat 500e is covered by a factory three-year/150,000km warranty while the battery is guaranteed for eight years and 160,000km.

Fiat provides the first year of roadside assistance for free, and will renew the annual membership each year, for the lifetime of the vehicle, if it is maintained through its official dealer network.

The Fiat 500e requires servicing every 12 months or 15,000km, and is capped at $300 per annum for up to 10 years.

So, should you buy a Fiat 500e? That’s like asking ‘should I buy these Manolo Blahniks?’, ‘this Hermes scarf?’ or ‘a Fendi bag?’. Of course, you should. Treat yourself.

Sure, the Fiat 500e comes with a premium price tag, and it might not be as practical as a pair of sneakers or a backpack, but it is high quality and high fashion motoring that can be used every day.

It’s classy, comfortable, quiet and zippy to drive with enough range for darting around town for a week or more. Plus, it makes you smile each time you look at it.

Now is the perfect time to take one for a test drive. Explore more about the Fiat 500e today.

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