Abarth 600e Scorpionissima: Electrifying the Scorpion

Abarth is making a bold shift toward becoming an all-electric brand, and the new Abarth 600e exemplifies this transformation. While it offers practical everyday utility, it’s still packed with the thrill that’s crucial to Abarth’s future.

Electrifying a Legacy, Despite the Skeptics

Abarth fans haven’t held back their opinions online, with many claiming that the shift to electric models betrays the legacy of founder Carlo Abarth. Known for his souped-up Fiats that put Abarth on the map, the brand’s transition to electric feels like a departure from its roots.

But to stay relevant in Stellantis’s lineup, Abarth had to adapt. Enter the Abarth 600e, a 4.19-meter electric SUV available in two versions: the 238-horsepower Turismo starting at €44,990, and the limited-edition Scorpionissima, with a fiery 280 horsepower for €48,990.

Battery and Range

Equipped with a 54-kWh battery—the same as the Fiat 600e—the Abarth 600e has an official range of just over 320 kilometers. However, push this sporty machine hard, and real-world range drops to around 240 kilometers. Charging isn’t the fastest either, with a peak rate of 100 kW, bringing the battery from 20% to 80% charge in just over half an hour.

Despite hopes for all-wheel drive, the 600e powers only the front wheels. A mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential ensures the front-wheel-drive system delivers power efficiently, especially in turns. A wider track, a stiffer suspension, and a rear stabilizer bar further enhance its sporty feel, especially in tight corners.

Race-Ready Upgrades

The Abarth package is completed by a 25 mm reduction in ride height, an Alcon sport brake system, and striking 20-inch wheels. These upgrades, along with three driving modes—Turismo, Scorpion Street, and Scorpion Track—fine-tune throttle response, steering, and stability control, with power output options of 190, 231, or 280 horsepower. The result? A 0-100 km/h sprint in under six seconds. But with a max speed capped at 200 km/h, it may leave speed enthusiasts wanting more.

Switching between modes takes a noticeable 2.5 seconds, which can be a bit of a buzzkill, but the Scorpion modes deliver a livelier ride that suits Abarth’s most powerful model to date. Unlike the engine response, the steering remains consistently responsive and pleasantly firm across all modes, offering solid feedback from the road. This makes for a genuinely sporty experience, with ample stability in corners, reduced body roll compared to the standard 600, and precise power delivery through the differential. Oddly, there are no paddles for adjusting regenerative braking—a feature that would suit an electric Abarth—leaving you to manage braking regeneration via a button labeled “B” on the console.

Interior and Price

Inside, the Scorpionissima edition feels decidedly sporty, with Sabelt Alcantara seats and racing-inspired touches. However, a few premium touches are missing—there’s no paddle shift for regenerative braking and no customization for braking intensity based on driving style.