Abarth 500e (Review) – Much nicer than you expect
The “sound capsule”
You know those water bottles with scented capsules that make your brain think you’re drinking something sweet, when in fact you’re just drinking water?
The Abarth 500e has a similar trick up its sleeve, but with sound.
Under the rear bumper is a large speaker that mimics the sound of a gasoline engine.
The idea is that this tricks your brain into thinking you are driving a growling gasoline Abarth.
And does it work?
Well, it’s an interesting experience.
The sound responds to the throttle and simulates climbing in revs, as you would expect with a traditional internal combustion engine.
The sound is loud.
Very loud.
This is cleverly done, because it allows you to hear the noise enter the interior from the rear, just like a gasoline car.
The experience is therefore much more realistic than in cars that play a similar soundtrack over the audio system.
No switching moments
The downside is that on the highway the sound sounds a bit unnaturally high, as if you are driving in too low a gear.
This is because there are no simulated shifting moments.
The system only comes into its own below 80 km/h, where the illusion holds up better.
And yes, outside people can hear you coming from a considerable distance.
Is this gimmick not for you?
Then you can turn it off or just omit the option altogether.
Genuine Abarth DNA
The Abarth 500e may be electric, but it drives like a full-blown Abarth.
Thanks to the 42 kWh battery lying low in the bottom, the car feels almost more stable and tighter than its gasoline brothers.
The 1,335 kg weight is noticeable, but it doesn’t get in the way.
You can throw this little rebel through corners at absurdly high speeds without suffering understeer.
Unique, for an EV.
It really is a tearjerker pur sang.
More powerful than expected
Under the hood – the Abarth has front-wheel drive – is an electric motor that produces 155 hp, nearly 40 hp more than the Fiat 500e.
This translates into a 0-100 km/h sprint in 7 seconds, which is slightly faster than most gasoline Abarths.
The rear disc brakes (as opposed to the Fiat 500e’s drum brakes) give you extra confidence to brake late before a corner and go full throttle.
Fun, but also comfortable
What is perhaps the biggest surprise is how well suited the Abarth 500e is for daily use.
Where some gasoline Abarths can be (too) stiff and literally make you bounce in your seat, the electric version offers remarkable comfort.
It is still firmly sprung, as you would expect from Abarth, but considerably less tiring on long drives.
We would dare to use it for daily commuting in a moment.
Price tag: not for everyone
The Abarth price list starts at 36,490 euros for the hatchback and 38,990 euros for the convertible.
So the Abarth 500e is no bargain.
It is a compact model, with a limited range.
On paper it kicks it up to 265 kilometers, but in practice you have to count on about 180 to 200 kilometers.
Sufficient for almost all daily trips, but you won’t be driving it to Italy for a while.
But then again, do you do that with an Abarth 695 Biposto?
For the money, you get a unique combination of electric driving with the iconic Abarth feel.
For those who want to make the switch to electric without sacrificing driving pleasure, this is worth serious consideration.
Wondering how he sounds? Watch the video below: