Abarth 600e Scorpionissima Review: A Surprising Jolt of EV Excitement in a Small SUV Package
In a bold move that expands its electric lineup, Abarth has introduced the 600e, an electrified and amped-up version of the Fiat 600 SUV. Designed to complement the eye-catching Abarth 500e, this new entry pushes boundaries in the compact electric performance segment. The 600e borrows the same base platform as several Stellantis siblings, including the Vauxhall Mokka Electric and Peugeot e-2008, but infuses it with a shot of adrenaline through sportier design cues, reworked mechanical components, and significantly enhanced power outputs. At launch, buyers can choose between the standard 600e producing 235 horsepower or the limited-run Scorpionissima variant, which bumps output to 278 horsepower and trims the 0–62 mph sprint down to a swift 5.9 seconds.
The Scorpionissima isn’t just about raw power—it also benefits from a suite of meaningful performance upgrades, including a mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential, sticky Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires, and beefy 380mm monobloc brakes. These hardware upgrades ensure that the driving experience feels focused and engaging, even when the car’s underpinnings originate from a rather uninspiring platform. While many compact crossovers today suffer from the generic feel brought on by extensive platform sharing, Abarth has done a commendable job injecting character into the 600e. Aggressive bumpers, a large rear wing, and vibrant paint options help it stand out visually, but it's under the skin where the real transformation happens. On twisty roads or even on track, the 600e Scorpionissima handles better than expected. The steering is tight, the chassis is responsive, and the limited-slip diff actively pulls the car through corners, delivering a surprisingly sharp experience for an electric crossover that weighs over 1.6 tonnes.
Three driving modes—Turismo, Scorpion Street, and Scorpion Track—adjust not only throttle response and power delivery but also how much intervention the car allows. Scorpion Track, the most aggressive setting, dials down stability aids and regenerative braking, creating a more analog, performance-focused driving experience. With power outputs climbing from 195 to 276 horsepower across the modes in the Scorpionissima, the difference is significant. On the road, the Abarth 600e rides well, with suspension that strikes a decent balance between firmness and comfort. It's not punishing over bumps or potholes, which is a testament to the brand’s chassis tuning expertise. The artificial engine sound, while polarizing, is more refined than in the smaller 500e. A low-pitched burble gives the illusion of combustion character, though most drivers will likely switch it off after the novelty wears off.
Range, however, remains one of the 600e’s weakest points. In real-world conditions, especially in the more powerful Scorpionissima variant, expect around 184 miles on a full charge from the 54kWh battery, far below the official WLTP rating of 207 miles. This is a car built more for fun than long-distance practicality. Inside, the cabin is significantly improved over the standard Fiat 600e, especially in the limited edition Scorpionissima, which comes with Alcantara-trimmed bucket seats, custom badging, and yellow-accented design details. The infotainment system is responsive and intuitive, and Abarth has added fun, performance-themed graphics to the interface, such as real-time g-force tracking and torque readouts. Practicality-wise, the 600e is decent but not exceptional. Rear seat legroom is tight, and while the 360-litre boot is adequate, it doesn’t outshine the competition. At £36,975 for the standard model and £39,875 for the Scorpionissima, pricing is carefully set just below the UK’s luxury car tax threshold.
Despite a few drawbacks—including limited range, cramped rear seating, and occasional software bugs—the Abarth 600e succeeds where it matters most: in delivering a fun, mechanical-feeling EV drive that doesn't rely solely on tech gimmicks. It’s a lively, entertaining machine that brings new personality to a very familiar platform. If you're eyeing a small electric car with genuine sporting flair, the Scorpionissima is unquestionably the one to get—if you can still find one, that is. With only 1,949 units planned, this launch edition offers a rare combination of performance, style, and exclusivity that makes it the crown jewel of Abarth's current EV lineup.
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