Abarth's First BEV, the 'Abarth 500e,' Allowing Enjoyment of Stimulating Engine Sounds, Arrives in Japan

Abarth 500e | The Abarth 500e

Abarth 500e Scorpionissima | Abarth 500e Scorpionissima

Abarth's First BEV, Outperforming Traditional Gasoline Models

Stellantis Japan has announced that the Abarth brand's first electric vehicle (BEV), the 'Abarth 500e,' will go on sale on Saturday, October 28th. To commemorate the launch, a limited edition 'Abarth 500e Scorpionissima' will also be released, with only 200 units available.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi

Limited Edition Launch Model Also Arrives

The Abarth 500e, Abarth's first BEV, has landed in Japan as a core model in the brand's electrification strategy.

Like the Abarth '595/695,' the Abarth 500e captivates with the brand's signature sporty ambiance. It produces a maximum output of 114kW and peak torque of 235Nm, powered by a 42kWh lithium-ion battery.

Abarth's First BEV, the 'Abarth 500e,' Allowing Enjoyment of Stimulating Engine Sounds, Arrives in Japan | Abarth

The 0-100km/h acceleration is achieved in 7 seconds, nearly matching the 'Abarth 695.' However, Stellantis claims that in intermediate acceleration ranges like 20-40km/h and 40-60km/h, it's up to one second faster, offering superior performance to the 'Abarth 695' in urban driving.

Furthermore, by positioning the lithium-ion battery centrally within the chassis, the front-to-rear weight distribution has been improved to 57:43 (compared to 63:37 in the gasoline model). The tread has also been widened by 60mm, achieving a balance of quick handling and stability, thereby enhancing the performance during intermediate acceleration and initial take-off, which are most common in daily driving.

Abarth's signature features are also present. It is equipped with a unique sound system, the 'Sound Generator,' which faithfully reproduces the exhaust note of Abarth's traditional Record Monza sports muffler, enhancing the exciting driving experience.

This 'Sound Generator' was developed by the project team over more than 6,000 hours. It links with dynamic driving, speed, and accelerator input to faithfully replicate Abarth's gasoline engine sound, creating a unique driving experience unlike any other BEV. The 'Sound Generator' can also be switched on and off.

Abarth's attention to detail extends to the design. Various parts of the body feature designs inspired by the brand's iconic scorpion motif. The 18-inch wheels, front bumper, and steering wheel mimic scorpion claws, while the distinctive lip spoiler is said to resemble scorpion legs.

In contrast to previous models where the scorpion brand logo was placed on the front grille, the 500e features 'Abarth lettering' in dark titanium gray. Additionally, a new EV-specific scorpion emblem, designed to resemble lightning bolts, is emblazoned on both sides of the vehicle.

The body dimensions are compact, measuring 3,675mm in length, 1,685mm in width, and 1,520mm in height. It features 18-inch alloy wheels.

The interior offers a chic and sporty atmosphere, primarily in black. Extensive use of Alcantara material creates a luxurious cabin. The headrests bear a dedicated logo, and integrated sports seats are equipped with distinctive blue and yellow stitching.

For safety features, it adopts collision mitigation braking, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and blind spot monitoring for the first time in an Abarth model.

Two body types are available: hatchback and cabriolet, with four body color options. The price for the hatchback is 6.15 million yen, and for the cabriolet, it is 6.45 million yen.

To commemorate the introduction of the 'Abarth 500e' in Japan, the 'Abarth 500e Scorpionissima' launch edition is also available. With 1,949 units sold worldwide, reflecting the brand's founding year, 200 of these will be sold in Japan.

This model also comes in hatchback and cabriolet versions, featuring special side decals, digital certification, and a wearable key as exclusive equipment. The body colors are Acid Green and Poison Blue, a color exclusive to this limited edition.

The sales quantities and prices are: 150 units of the hatchback limited edition at 6.3 million yen, and 50 units of the cabriolet limited edition at 6.6 million yen.