Abarth 500e: Reinvención de la fórmula con otro público como objetivo [PRUEBA - #POWERART] S13-E01

Summary

The video reviews the new 500e ABARTH model, an electric variant of the iconic Italian city car. It has great acceleration, agile handling, and low energy consumption for urban driving. However, the lack of versatility for longer trips and very high pricing over 39,000€ restricts its potential market. Overall the 500e is fun to drive thanks to torque vectoring, quality suspension tuning, and a lower center of gravity versus the original combustion engine model. But limited interior differentiation from regular Fiat 500 models and reliance on low-grip tires hamper the performance. More power, a locking differential, and lower pricing around 25,000€ could make it more compelling.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Abarth 500e is focused on urban customers who enjoy its style and sound rather than versatility for long trips
• 🚗 It has 155hp, improved chassis and suspension compared to previous combustion Abarth 500 but less character
• 💰 The high $39,000+ price limits its potential customer base unlike the affordable original Abarth 500
• 🔋 Despite the small 37.8 kWh battery, real-world range is decent at 200km thanks to low consumption
• 🏎️ 0-100km/h in 7 seconds, it feels quick especially in the first half of the charge thanks to motor tuning
• 👂 It has a fake external exhaust sound generator, controversial but does provide interior soundtrack
• 🏞️ Fast road driving efficiency sinks to 28 kWh/100km, limiting realistic range during winding road trips
• ⚖️ The car has outgrown affordability and versatility that defined it originally due to current EV tech limits
• 🔧 Abarth could improve it with a cheaper version, slightly bigger battery, LSD and less specialized tires
• 😊 Still, it drives very well and is huge progress over combustion Abarth 500, more mature with better chassis

Q & A

What car model is being reviewed in the video?

The 2024 ABARTH 500e electric car.

How does the new electric 500 compare to the original combustion engine 500?

The electric 500 has evolved a lot - it has a lower center of gravity thanks to the battery placement, improved handling and suspension, more mature ride behavior, and is much safer overall. However, it loses some of the quirky character and 'old school' feel of the original.

What is the range of the 500e with its small 37.3 kWh battery?

Around 200 km on the highway or 250 km urban driving. Not suitable for long trips without frequent charging.

What is the 0-100 km/h acceleration time of the 500e?

Around 7 seconds officially, but as low as 4 seconds 0-60 km/h when the battery is fully charged.

How does the 500e compare to its main rival, the Mini Cooper SE?

The Mini is bigger overall but a new 2024 model is coming soon. The comparison will be revisited then.

What is the starting price of the 500e in Spain?

35,600 EUR for the base model, close to 40,000 EUR for the better equipped Turismo trim reviewed in the video.

What are some drawbacks or negatives of the 500e?

Small battery and range, high price, lack of a limited slip differential causing tire spin, low top speed, and noisy tires.

Does the 500e have regenerative braking?

Yes, the amount of regen is fixed based on drive mode and can't be adjusted. Highest in Turismo, lowest in Scorpion Track.

What used combustion engine 500 models can be found for under 10,000 EUR?

Used 500s from 2009-2013 with 90,000-190,000 km can be found for 8,500-9,500 EUR in good condition.

What is a limitation of small electric city cars like the 500e?

Their small battery size prevents long road trips spanning thousands of km that were possible with cheap combustion engine city cars.