Abarth 500e Review: Why This Electric Pocket Rocket Has Enthusiasts So Divided

You know that sinking feeling when you realize every new car in the lot looks and sounds exactly the same? The quiet hum, the grayscale paint, the polite acceleration that feels more spreadsheet than soul. Efficient, yes. Exciting, not so much.

If you grew up idolizing snarling hot hatches and buzzy city cars that begged to be thrashed, today’s EV world can feel a little… sterile. No crackles, no drama, no mischief. Just range, kilowatts, and yet another 0–60 time that impresses your friends but leaves you oddly cold.

That’s the itch Abarth is trying to scratch.

Enter the Abarth 500e, Stellantis’ attempt to inject proper attitude into the small electric car segment. Based on the electric Fiat 500e, this is the scorpion-badged version that dials up power, sharpens the chassis, and—controversially—adds a synthetic exhaust soundtrack so the experience feels more old-school Abarth than silent commuter pod.

On paper, it’s a modest hot hatch. In practice, it’s one of the most personality-packed EVs under the sun.

Why this specific model?

The Abarth 500e isn’t trying to be the fastest electric hatchback. It’s trying to be the most fun. And the difference matters.

Official specs (from Abarth’s own data and Stellantis communications) point to a front-mounted electric motor with around 113 kW (152 hp) and roughly 235 Nm of torque, driving the front wheels. That’s a significant bump over the regular Fiat 500e. Real-world tests and European reviews consistently clock the 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time at around 7 seconds, with a 0–50 km/h blast in about 2.9 seconds—exactly the kind of instant punch you feel every time you dart away from a light.

But the specs only tell half the story. What makes the Abarth 500e special is how deliberately it leans into character:

• Abarth Sound Generator: A speaker-based system that simulates a classic Abarth exhaust note outside the car, complete with upshift-like audio drama. It’s switchable, and yes, it’s divisive—some drivers love the theater, others call it cheesy. But nobody calls it boring.
• Firmed-up chassis and steering: Tighter suspension and more focused steering compared with the Fiat 500e make the car feel more planted in corners and more eager on twisty roads.
• Driving modes designed for personality, not just efficiency: You still get usable range, but the sportier modes prioritize response and fun.
• Compact dimensions, big attitude: This is a genuinely small car—perfect for European?style cities and tight urban streets, but with performance that makes every short journey feel like an event.

Early special editions like the Scorpionissima launch model layered on exclusive paint, graphics, and well-equipped interiors, but the core recipe is the same: take a friendly, approachable EV and give it a stinger.

At a Glance: The Facts

Feature	User Benefit
Approx. 113 kW (152 hp) electric motor, FWD	Genuinely brisk performance with instant torque for quick city sprints and confident highway merges.
0–100 km/h in around 7 seconds	Hot-hatch pace without the fuel bill, making daily commutes and backroads drives feel exciting.
Abarth Sound Generator (synthetic exhaust)	Adds emotional drama and character to EV driving; can be switched off if you prefer quiet.
Compact city-friendly footprint	Easy to park, easy to thread through traffic, and feels playful rather than intimidating.
Sport-tuned suspension and steering	Sharper turn-in and more feedback than the Fiat 500e, making it feel like a true hot hatch.
Electric platform derived from Fiat 500e	Modern EV architecture with familiar ergonomics and proven city-car practicality.
Exclusive Abarth design details and badging	Visually stands out from standard EVs, signaling that this is the performance-focused version.

What Users Are Saying

Look at Reddit threads and enthusiast forums and you’ll notice something interesting: there’s almost no neutral take on the Abarth 500e. People either love its audacity or can’t stand what it represents.

The praise tends to focus on:

• Fun factor in the real world: Owners and testers describe it as “a riot at city speeds” and “finally an EV that feels like a toy, in the best way.” You don’t need triple-digit highway runs to enjoy it; the entertainment lives between 0 and 60.
• Character vs. other small EVs: Compared with the many anonymous, efficient city EVs on the market, the Abarth 500e feels intentionally extroverted. The steering weight, the punchy acceleration, the visual flair—it’s made for people who care about driving.
• Daily usability: Despite the sporty positioning, owners report that it’s still easy to live with: simple to park, fine for short commutes, and comfortable enough for everyday use.

The criticism is equally clear:

• Range anxiety for longer trips: While range figures vary by test cycle and spec, many commenters point out that this is not a road-trip EV. It’s purposely biased toward short to medium journeys. If you expect long-range highway comfort, you’ll be disappointed.
• Price vs. performance: Reddit users frequently question whether the premium over a Fiat 500e (or over other small EVs) is justified, especially when some competitors offer more range or space for similar money.
• Sound Generator love–hate: Some call it a brilliant way to make EVs engaging; others say it feels gimmicky, especially from the outside. Thankfully, you can turn it off.

Overall sentiment? This is a niche car for people who knowingly want a niche experience. If you’re the type to cross-shop rationally on range-per-dollar, you’ll find better deals elsewhere. If you want a compact EV that actually makes you look forward to your morning drive, the Abarth 500e hits a sweet, slightly unhinged spot.

It’s also worth noting that Abarth sits under the Stellantis N.V. umbrella (ISIN: NL00150001Q9), alongside brands like Fiat, Peugeot, Jeep, and others—so while the car feels boutique, the backing is anything but small-scale.

Alternatives vs. Abarth 500e

The Abarth 500e lives in a growing crowd of small electric hatchbacks and crossovers—but its rivals usually play a different game.

• Fiat 500e (standard): The obvious sibling. Quieter, softer, more range?minded, and generally cheaper. If you like the looks and city usability but don’t care about performance or theatrics, the regular Fiat 500e is the rational choice.
• Mini Electric / Mini Cooper SE: Probably the closest in spirit—cheeky, premium-feeling, and fun to drive. The Mini’s interior feels more upscale, but its range is also limited. The Abarth 500e leans harder into the loud, playful persona.
• Peugeot e-208 / Opel Corsa Electric: More grown-up supermini EVs from within the Stellantis stable. They typically offer a bit more space and practicality, and a more restrained driving experience. If you occasionally do longer journeys and want a less extreme personality, they’re compelling alternatives.
• Renault Zoe and similar city EVs: These competitor cars usually prioritize range and comfort over performance. Ideal if you see your EV purely as an appliance, but they won’t stir your soul the way an Abarth is trying to.

In a spec-sheet fight, the Abarth 500e doesn’t always win. Some rivals will give you more space, more range, or a more polished interior for similar money. But none of them match the Abarth’s commitment to being a fun first EV, particularly in tight urban environments where outright range isn’t the deciding factor.

Final Verdict

The Abarth 500e is not the EV for everyone—and that’s exactly why it matters.

If your priority list reads: maximum range, uber-practical cabin, silent cruising, and value-per-mile, this car will frustrate you. It’s deliberately compromised, unapologetically focused on short, joyful bursts of driving rather than endless efficiency.

But if you’re the person who used to take the long way home just to hit a few extra corners… if you’re the one who misses the charm of old-school hot hatches but also wants to move into the electric age… the Abarth 500e is one of the few EVs that feels like it was built with you specifically in mind.

It’s imperfect. It’s polarizing. It’s small, occasionally impractical, and sometimes a little silly with that synthetic exhaust. Yet that’s what makes it memorable in a sea of forgettable efficiency boxes.

Think of the Abarth 500e as your mischievous second car, or your first step into EVs that doesn’t require you to give up personality. If you can live with the range and you want your daily drive to feel like an event—every parking garage ramp, every city roundabout, every green light—this scorpion-badged pocket rocket deserves a serious look.

In a world where cars are increasingly defined by how little they intrude, the Abarth 500e proudly intrudes. And for the right kind of driver, that’s not a bug. It’s the whole point.