Barbie Called, She Wants Her Fiat 500e Back (But I'm Keeping It)
Let's be honest – the Fiat 500e is a little cutie patootie. It's got retro charm like a Mini Cooper but with that irresistible Italian zest. And while that might make a seasoned car guy like me blush, don't underestimate this little electric powerhouse. It could be the key to adding some much-needed personality back into the sometimes-sterile world of EVs.
Forget the old gas-powered Fiat 500s. This electric version has a unique marketing strategy – themed limited-edition "drops". Kind of like how your favorite sneaker brands do it. And their latest releases, "Inspired by Music" and "Inspired by Beauty"? Well, let's just say they've got me curious, and here's why.
Imagine getting into a tuxedo-black Fiat 500e "Inspired by Music". It's a classy affair – cream-colored seats, sparkling chrome, and the real standout feature? A seriously nice JBL sound system custom-tuned by the legendary Andrea Bocelli! Oh, and it gets even wilder. The 'Virtual Venues' tech lets you turn your humble little car into a recording studio, a booming concert hall, or even an open-air arena! Talk about adding some serious soundtrack to your daily commute.
Meanwhile, the "Inspired by Beauty" trim is a whole different vibe. Think rose gold paint, a cream interior… It's a lot like the one J-Lo was recently cruising around in for a commercial.. And you know what? I'm not judging. Sure, it might be a tad flashy, but that's the beauty of it.
The interiors of both the 500e swanky new versions surprised me, I have to say. Forget those cheap plastics and questionable build quality of old Fiats. It feels surprisingly upmarket. Sure, it's still a small car, so don't expect stretch-out limo space. But that vinyl-wrapped dash, the heated seats, and the cream upholstery create a far more luxurious atmosphere than you'd expect. The 'Music' edition, with its chrome accents and classy black and white color scheme, especially hits the right note. And let's face it, who doesn't want a bit of pampering on their morning commute?
Both these special-edition 500e cars are loaded with goodies. Gone are the days of bare-bones EVs. We're talking driver assistance tech, heated seats, and even a swanky vinyl-wrapped dashboard. That's a whole lot of luxury packed into a tiny package.
The "Music" and "Beauty" editions will set you back a cool $36,000, which might sound a tad steep for a car this size. However, Fiat's boss, Aamir Ahmed, explains that it's not just about selling cars. This is about making them an "extension of our personalities". And you know what? I get that point.
Ahmed also hinted at a whole world of collaborations. Could we see a Gucci 500e? Something inspired by bustling Milan or the ancient streets of Rome? Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised. And it doesn't end there – Ahmed even suggested more Fiat models could be coming stateside. An EV crossover as a replacement for the 500X? Preferably the Abarth 600e? In pink? Now that would pique my interest.
Sure, the recent slump in EV sales might have brands scrambling, but it looks like Fiat is sticking with electrification for now. They might add some hybrids to the mix later on, but their mission is clear - to make green not just practical, but fun.
So, does the Fiat 500e score enough points to become your go-to EV? Look, it's definitely quirky and stylish, guaranteed to stand out in a sea of bland electric cars. That personality is something other EVs desperately lack. It isn't the most practical, with roughly 200 miles (322 km) of range and a leisurely 9-second 0-to-60 mph time. If you're a city dweller and mainly take short trips, it's got serious potential. But, as your only car? That really depends on your needs.
If you're looking for something different, packed with Italian charm and a touch of luxury, the Fiat 500e is a must-consider. Those lucky Europeans have the wild Abarth version available to them - think psychedelic colors, fake engine noises and more personality than you can shake a stick at. You know what? Automakers are trying to stuff us into the same-looking boring sardine cans, telling us that’s the best we can get. Then comes along Fiat, with its bonkers designers and engineers, and simply says “Heck No!” - I salute you, you crazy Italians.
Yours truly,
Captain Electro
