The new Fiat 500, the first purely electric vehicle from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), celebrated its world premiere in Milan. With the new Fiat 500, the brand is setting standards in the zero-emission vehicle segment under the motto "It's high time to create a better future".
Given the difficult situation our climate is currently going through, Fiat is taking up the challenge with a completely new vehicle. The Fiat 500 remains true to its own tradition of constantly adapting to changing social needs. In this way, the new Fiat 500 perfectly embodies the brand's values.
The same was true for the first generation of the Fiat 500, which brought mobility and freedom in the 1960s as the “Nuova Cinquecento”. The historic Fiat 1957, presented in 500, developed into an automotive icon that was always in tune with the times.
The second generation of the Fiat 2007, introduced in 500, also conquered the world as an Italian fashion and style icon. The Fiat 500 brought coolness and charm to the city car segment. The vehicle has continued to develop over the past 13 years, inspiring artists and musicians and providing the basis for more than 30 special models.
2020 marks the beginning of a new era for the Fiat 500, which is using its popularity to initiate change and become part of the solution. Individual mobility is subject to increasingly strict rules, while at the same time having to meet ever higher requirements for sustainability, connectivity and autonomous driving. The third generation of the Fiat 500 meets these conditions, while also offering design and driving pleasure. The new Fiat 500 is not just a revolution. It is the rebirth of an iconic and beautiful vehicle concept.
In its efforts to make individual mobility more sustainable, Fiat has joined forces with strong partners who are equally positive about the future, who want to actively contribute to improving the state of the earth and who share the same values and goals. One of these partners is Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio. The actor has been committed to environmental protection for more than 20 years and supports the all-electric Fiat 500. In the video campaign entitled "All-In", DiCaprio calls on everyone to do their part to protect the environment. Just as the Fiat brand has done.
The vision of the new Fiat 500 is also shared by three "Made in Italy" icons - Giorgio Armani, Bvlgari and Kartell. Together with Fiat, these companies have given life to a strategy that combines sustainability with know-how, creativity and innovation. Examples of this are three exclusive show cars based on the new Fiat 500. In collaboration with Giorgio Armani, Bvlgari and Kartell, Fiat has combined the values of the iconic 500 model, Fiat's most popular city car in the world, in three unique pieces characterized by fashion, luxury and design.
They are masterpieces of Italian ingenuity and great works of art. At the same time, the three show cars were designed with the intention of relying heavily on natural and recycled materials in production. A charity project is also part of the strategy to protect the earth. All proceeds from the sale of the three show cars 500 Giorgio Armani, B.500 "MAI TROPPO" by Bvlgari and 500 Kartell will go to one of Leonardo DiCaprio's environmental protection organizations.
Exemplary in range, charging technology and driving pleasure
The development of the new Fiat 500 started with a blank sheet of paper. The engineers were able to consider every single component of the vehicle and decide on the best solution. Range and charging times, the two main interests of electric vehicle buyers, were at the top of the specifications. The new Fiat 500 has lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 42 kWh on board. They enable a range of up to 320 kilometers, measured according to the new WLTP standard (World Wide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure).
The new Fiat 500 "La Prima"The new Fiat 500 "La Prima"
To optimise charging times, the new Fiat 500 is equipped with a fast charging system that enables a charging current of up to 85 kW. With fast charging (DC charging with cable Mode 4), the batteries are charged enough to drive around 50 kilometres after just five minutes - more than the average daily driving distance. The battery is charged to 35 percent in just 80 minutes.
The new Fiat 500 is equipped with a so-called CCS2 connection (Combo 2), which allows charging with both direct and alternating current. There is also a Mode 3 cable on board, which enables charging at public stations with up to 11 kW.
For the market launch of its first electric vehicle, Fiat is offering solutions for home charging stations. The initial series of the new Fiat 500 will be delivered together with an Easy WallboxTM which is connected to a conventional 230-volt socket. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) developed this technology together with ENGIE EPS, a leading specialist in energy storage systems and microgrids. The Easy Wallbox is marketedTM in Europe by Mopar. In the basic configuration, the Easy Wallbox enablesTM[1] Charging the batteries of the Fiat 500 with up to 3 kW, the charging process is controlled via Bluetooth.
The new Fiat 500 offers three driving modes: Normal, Range and Sherpa. In Sherpa mode, named after the legendary mountain guides from the Himalayas, the entire system is configured to achieve the greatest possible range. For example, this ensures that a destination programmed into the navigation system or the nearest charging station is reached. A whole series of factors are adjusted for this purpose. Sherpa mode limits the maximum driving speed to 80 km/h, the implementation of accelerator pedal commands is particularly gentle and additional consumers such as air conditioning or seat heating are automatically switched off. Of course, these can be reactivated if necessary.
In Normal mode, the new Fiat 500 can be driven almost like a conventional vehicle with a combustion engine. If the drive program selector is set to Range, you basically only need to press the accelerator pedal. Releasing the accelerator pedal initiates braking without having to press the brake pedal. With a little practice, it is possible to move the new Fiat 500 using only the accelerator pedal. The brake pedal is only needed to bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
The electric drive of the new Fiat 500 has an output of 87 kW (comparable to 118 hp). This enables acceleration from a standstill to 50 km/h in 3,1 seconds and 100 km/h in 9,0 seconds. The top speed is limited to 150 km/h.
Autonomous Driving Level 2 and Connectivity
The new Fiat 500 is not only the brand's first purely electric vehicle. It also brings Level 2 autonomous driving to the city car segment for the first time, bringing the corresponding advantages to urban mobility. The systems required for this include cameras that monitor the area around the vehicle's longitudinal and transverse axes. The intelligent adaptive cruise control (iACC) reacts by braking or accelerating, taking into account not only other vehicles, but also cyclists and pedestrians. The lane keeping assistant (Lane Centering) keeps the new Fiat 500 in the middle of the lane, provided that this is precisely defined by lines.
The Intelligent Speed Assistant recognizes speed limit signs and asks drivers to obey them. The further developed Urban Blind Spot Assistant uses ultrasonic sensors to detect objects in the so-called blind spot of the exterior mirrors and activates a corresponding warning signal in the form of a triangle on the mirror surfaces. The Attention Assist recognizes a lack of concentration in the driver and recommends a break by activating a corresponding symbol. The new Fiat 500 is also equipped with "360° Drone View", a 360-degree camera system that creates an image during parking maneuvers, for example, as if a drone were hovering over the vehicle.
The third generation of the Fiat 500 is the first FCA model with the pioneering Uconnect 5 infotainment system. Based on the Android Automotive operating system, which can be customized in almost unlimited ways, Uconnect 5 creates a completely new user experience. For example, the graphic display of functions and applications can be freely designed using so-called widgets. This technology also allows the convenient integration of smartphones and is compatible with Apple Car Play* and Android Auto*. Uconnect 5 is controlled via a high-resolution touchscreen with a screen diagonal of 10,25 inches (26 centimeters) in 16:9 format, which is perfectly integrated into the dashboard of the new Fiat 500.
The new Fiat 500 "La Prima"The new Fiat 500 "La Prima"
In combination with the Telematic Box module, Uconnect 5 offers the following innovative connectivity functions in addition to the mandatory automatic emergency call:
My:Assistant: Establishes contact with a service center, for example to request a breakdown service or to get help with other problems. The customer also receives a status report on their vehicle by email.
My:Remote: Allows you to check the battery charge level and control charging functions via your smartphone, for example to take advantage of periods with particularly cheap electricity tariffs. This function also allows you to locate the vehicle, lock or unlock the doors, and turn on the lights or air conditioning.
My:Car: Informs you about the most important operating conditions of the vehicle (e.g. tire pressure) and reminds you of inspection appointments.
My:Navigation: This application not only allows you to send an externally created route description to the vehicle's navigation system, but also displays information on the weather and traffic situation. The information also includes charging stations along the route; the system takes the current charge level of the vehicle battery into account. The underlying map data is updated online.
My:Wi-Fi: Creates a mobile hotspot in the vehicle that allows up to eight devices to access the Internet. It also allows voice commands to be entered using the voice recognition system, which is based on Amazon Alexa technology.
My:Theft Assistance: In the event of a theft, the vehicle owner is informed immediately. As soon as the theft is officially confirmed, the service center will help to find the vehicle.
The Fiat 500 places great value on connectivity. It communicates with its owner on board and outside the vehicle. For example, it is possible to program the navigation system and adjust the temperature of the interior before setting off. The new Fiat 500 establishes a connection to the driver's smartphone in around five seconds, and no cable is needed to charge the smartphone.*
The special models for the market launch of the new Fiat 500 also offer a module for advanced voice control (Natural Language), which allows the air conditioning and radio, among other things, to be operated using verbal input commands.
style and design
The new Fiat 500 has a very unique style that combines the mobility factor of the future with design elements from the two previous model generations. Based on 63 years of history, the new Fiat 500 embodies a modern and iconic city car. The Centro Stile Fiat gave the new Fiat 500 a particularly clear line. The third generation of the series is crisp, modern and compact, but at the same time more dynamic and elegant. The slightly larger body conveys even more space, stability and presence.
A specific logo was also designed for the new Fiat 500, which for the first time replaces the previous Fiat logo on the hood. The number 500 on the rear is a further development of the traditional symbol, adapted to the electric drive: the second 0 is supplemented by an E, the entire number is framed by a light blue line.
The new Fiat 500 has all the stylistic elements of the previous generation, but interprets them in a calmer, clearer and crisper way. The design of the front of the vehicle is more vertical and more reminiscent of the "Nuova Cinquecento" of 1957. The dynamic profile is more pronounced. A characteristic feature of the first Fiat 500 was the front edge of the bonnet running across the front of the vehicle with the round headlights placed underneath. The new Fiat 500 interprets this element in a modern way; the now higher-positioned, modular and elliptical headlights end at the top with a stylized eyelid. The daytime running lights are still round. The door handles are recessed into the body, the locking mechanism is electrically operated. Even in the third generation, the Fiat 500 seems to smile and exudes an atmosphere of carefreeness.
The new platform gives the new Fiat 500 a strong presence. It is six centimetres wider and longer, and the wheelbase has grown by two centimetres. Although the overall length remains well under four metres, the new Fiat 500 offers a more confident appearance and more comfort.
The interior of the electrically powered Fiat 500 has been completely redesigned. It has echoes of the first generation of models, but is now more elegant. The Fiat Stile designed a formally strict, aesthetic and clear interior. Examples of this are the wide, slim dashboard and the modular storage areas in the space between the front seats that was freed up by the removal of the gearshift console, which significantly increase comfort. Shoulders and legs also have more space in the new Fiat 500. The lithium-ion batteries are mounted under the flat vehicle floor, so the trunk remains fully intact. The result is a well-thought-out and tidy interior, with fewer control buttons and harmonious lines that symbolize sustainability.
Like the Fiat 500 Hybrid and Fiat Panda Hybrid, most model variants of the electrically powered Fiat 500 have seats on board whose covers are made entirely from the recycled material SEAQUAL® This special fiber is partly made from plastic collected from the sea. In other model versions of the new Fiat 500, the seat covers are made of eco-leather[2].
emission-free convertible
The first model variant of the new Fiat 500 is the Opening Edition “la Prima“ as a convertible – the first emission-free convertible with four seats. As a tribute to the legendary Dolce Vita The Fiat 500 revives the charm and sound of this era. Speaking of sound, in the near future the new Fiat 500 will be available with the Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS), which alerts pedestrians to the approaching vehicle at speeds below 20 km/h with a distinctive sound. Fiat has chosen another reminiscence of the authentic Dolce Vita: The theme song from Federico Fellini’s film “Amarcord” presented by Nino Rota.
The new Fiat 500 “la Prima” can now be reserved for market launch
At market launch, the new Fiat 500 "la Prima" will be available in the convertible version, which offers exclusive style, technology and connectivity. In keeping with the sustainability strategy of the new Fiat 500, the color palette is already inspired by nature. There are three colors to choose from: the earthy Mineral Grey Metallic, Ocean Green with a pearlescent effect reminiscent of the sea, and the three-layer Sky Blue paint, which is inspired by the sky.
The new Fiat 500 "La Prima"The new Fiat 500 "La Prima"
The new Fiat 500 “la Prima” also offers headlights with LED technology, eco-leather seat covers[3], 17-inch alloy wheels with diamond finish and chrome inserts on the windows and side trims.
The exclusive details of the first 500 vehicles of the new Fiat 500 “la Prima” include the 85 kW fast-charging technology, the soft top with the Fiat monogram and a plaque with the production number and the country of destination of the vehicle.
The new Fiat 500 “la Prima” is equipped with a range of innovative driver assistance systems that enable Level 2 autonomous driving. These include
Autonomous emergency braking assistant with pedestrian and cyclist detection
Intelligent Lane Keeping Assist
High-resolution rear view camera with dynamic guide lines
Intelligent cruise control system
light sensor and high beam assistant
Automatic emergency call function
Electric parking brake
The Uconnect 5 infotainment system provides modern connectivity. It has a 7-inch TFT display and a touchscreen with a 10,25-inch screen diagonal. The navigation system and telematics box module are integrated. The system also receives digital radio stations and is compatible with Apple Car Play** and Android Auto from Google**.
The new Fiat 500 “la Prima” can now be reserved on the Fiat website (www.fiat.de). It only takes three simple steps: choose your desired color, register, and reserve.
The price for the new Fiat 500 “la Prima” is – including the Easy Wallbox home charging stationTM – 37.900 euros***.
Leonardo DiCaprio, the ambassador of the new Fiat 500
To strengthen the development of the strategy behind the new Fiat 500, inspired by the willingness to change and the will to ensure a better future for the planet, Fiat has secured the support of a global star who has been fighting against climate change and for the preservation of biodiversity for more than 20 years: Leonardo DiCaprio. The American actor and activist is convinced of the philosophy of the new Fiat 500 and supports Fiat's mission.
In the video campaign dedicated to the Fiat 500 “la Prima” entitled “All-In”****, available on YouTube (Link), DiCaprio calls on viewers to do their own part to combat climate change and to work for sustainability. "We have to put everything on the line," says DiCaprio in the video. Fiat has taken on this challenge and made it part of its mission. The stake is the brand's most valuable model - the new Fiat 500, the brand's first purely electric vehicle. This technology helps to preserve planet Earth.
The video “Reincarnation”****, which is also available on YouTube (Link), tells the story of a brand that has changed over the years and that has inspired change since 1957, in the words of the video itself. "Reincarnation" asks questions about life, its evolution and about Fiat, and finds the answers in its most iconic model.
In the strategy of sharing ideas and projects with strong partners, Fiat has developed three unique show cars of the new Fiat 500. These will be auctioned and the proceeds will go to one of Leonardo DiCaprio's environmental organizations.
The three unique show cars
The three show cars presented in Milan are a testament to the unconditional will to develop sustainability and protect the earth. Fiat is supported in this project by Giorgio Armani, Bvlgari and Kartell, all three global symbols of Italian excellence. To celebrate the market launch of the first purely electric Fiat 500, they have designed unique show cars - so-called "one-offs".
In keeping with the character of the new Fiat 500, comparable to haute couture fashion, a design object or a jewel, three of the most prestigious Italian brands have taken on this project - Giorgio Armani, Bvlgari and Kartell. With their combined expertise, they have created three unique vehicles that underline their style, creativity and craftsmanship through the use of natural and recycled materials.
500 Giorgio Armani
Only Giorgio Armani, the undisputed king of Italian elegance, could interpret the theme of fashion. His haute couture label designed the 500 Giorgio Armani with the ingredients of timeless tailoring and sustainability. To get as close as possible to the three-dimensional effect of a fabric, Armani used laser technology to work on the body. The result is further enhanced by Armani's typical gray-green color with a silk effect. The special, semi-transparent top coat is very innovative.
The distinctive GA logo is reflected in the design of the wheels and in the pattern of the fabric roof. The amber-colored windows ensure perfect harmony and sophistication. The neutral and elegant style continues in the interior. The seats are covered in full-grain leather by Poltrona Frau, embellished with wool details and other features that come from the high-quality processing of leather. The dashboard panel is made of open-pore wood. Decorations made of thin aluminum are inspired by the elegance and contemporary nature of the Armani Casa line.
B.500 "MAI TROPPO"
“Mai troppo” means “never too much” in English. And so the B.500 “MAI TROPPO” show car designed by Bvlgari is an opulent homage to luxury and beauty. The Fiat 500 played a key role in the era of the so-called Dolce Vita a leading role. The vehicle is an Italian icon, born from the love of beauty and art. Bvlgari reinterprets these values. The Bvlgari brand, a paragon of Italian excellence, has rewritten the rules of jewellery over the years and has created trends that have become icons of contemporary design. The new Fiat 500 is itself a gem. Its interior features the finest materials, crafted with great attention to detail and with a unique finish that recalls the lively, distinctive shapes and motifs that testify to the Bvlgari brand's origins in Rome.
The B.500 "MAI TROPPO" is painted saffron yellow with a pearl effect, an iconic color for Bvlgari that is reminiscent of the sunsets over Rome. An additional finish underlines the vehicle's status as a jewel. Gold dust, which was left over from jewelry production, is worked into the paint by hand. This makes the B.500 "MAI TROPPO" particularly sustainable. In addition, the show car has side skirts and inserts that are treated using a glazing technique. The black and gold painted wheels take on the shape of a star, the historical symbol of Bvlgari. A logo made of polished gold and a diamond-studded B.500 lettering complete the look.
Bvlgari continues the philosophy of reusing existing materials in the interior of the B.500 "MAI TROPPO". The dashboard trim is made of silk fabric taken from the brand's previous scarf collections. The seat covers are made of blue-green leather decorated with embroidered "Diva" lettering, gold details and scarf fabric inserts. The real jewel in the interior is a removable brooch in the center of the steering wheel. Bvlgari's master goldsmiths have set it with three semi-precious stones - amethyst, topaz and citrine.
500 cartel
Design and innovation are the inspiration for the 500 Kartell show car. The Italian brand, known for its iconic industrial design, experiments and researches extensively into new aesthetic and functional applications for plastic. In recent years, one focus of this work has been the development of sustainable types of plastic.
For the 500 Kartell, the company also placed great emphasis on materials that, when mixed, breathe life into a true object of contemporary design. The exterior is entirely in the brand's iconic color Kartell blue - an evolution of Yves Klein's blue - regardless of the material, which can be metal, glass, plastic, rubber or fabric, depending on the component. The body is painted in a special Kartell blue that has a mirror effect thanks to the addition of chrome. Two logos made of sandblasted polycarbonate stand out from the body and create an impression of depth.
The most emblematic exterior elements of the 500 Kartell, in addition to the lacquer effect, are the components made from recycled lampshades, including the grille, rims and exterior mirror caps. These components also have a distinctive design inspired by the Kabuki lamp model designed by Ferruccio Laviani for Kartell. The special structure of this lamp is the recurring motif in the interior of the 500 Kartell, where the polycarbonate dashboard panel and a transparent cover over the seats show the characteristic surface. The contrast between the bright and light interior, which combines warm and cool tones, and the Kartell blue of the exterior is considerable. The textiles used in the interior for upholstery and covering are made from 100 percent recycled polypropylene, just like the current Kartell chair collection. Although they are made from recycled plastic, the fibers have a natural and cozy look.
The Fiat 500 – confirmed by Altagamma as an “Italian icon” and honorary member
On the occasion of the world premiere of the new Fiat 500, the entire series was given a special honor. Altagamma awarded the Fiat 500 the title of "Italian Icon" and honorary member. The Altagamma organization, founded in 1992, brings together the country's most important companies from the fields of culture and creativity to promote Italian excellence and Italian lifestyle worldwide. Altagamma counts 107 brands from the fashion, design, jewelry and food industries, hospitality, adventure and wellness among its members. Together they look back on more than 9.000 years of history, with each brand an average of 85 years. The Fiat 500, a symbol of "Made in Italy" as well as an icon and ambassador of the Italian lifestyle, is the new honorary member of Altagamma. Fiat's city car, presented in its original form in 1957 and now on the market in its third generation, has a firm place all over the world and has established itself as a symbol of urban mobility in the past, present and future. The new status of the Fiat 500 is confirmation of the long-standing collaboration between FCA and the Altagamma organization, in which other brands of the group are already represented.
“My Dream Garage” – the exclusive service from FCA
Buyers of a new Fiat 500 become members of an exclusive club. They have the chance to drive another model from the FCA range whenever their purely electric vehicle reaches its limits. Be it a Fiat 500X or a Fiat 500L, a sports car like the Alfa Romeo Giulia or Alfa Romeo Stelvio or even an American SUV like the Jeep® Wrangler, Jeep® Compass or Jeep® Renegade.
This is made possible by the new mobility service "My Dream Garage", a cooperation between FCA and the leasing and mobility specialist Leasys, which is exclusively available to buyers of the new Fiat 500. "My Dream Garage" works like a subscription, within which you can book all vehicles of the FCA Group on request.
*Compatibility required. A list of compatible devices is available online at https://www.mopar.com/en-us/care/bluetooth-pairing.html.
**Car Play, iPhone and Siri are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., Android, Android Auto, Google Play and other trademarks are registered trademarks of Google Inc.
***Manufacturer's RRP ex works
*****All rights reserved. This videogram is the exclusive property of FCA and is protected by copyright. The viewing of the videogram is permitted only through the official FIAT channels and can only be accessed in a limited number of countries. The video may not be downloaded, copied, reproduced, modified, forwarded or made available to third parties without the prior written consent of FCA. Any use for purposes other than those expressly stated here is expressly prohibited and is considered an infringement of FCA's rights.
consumption Fiat 500 "La Prime": CO2-Emission combined: 0g/km; CO2-Efficiency class: A+
Values according to NEDC test procedure. Further information on official fuel consumption and official specific CO2Emissions from new passenger cars can be found in the ‘Guide to fuel consumption, CO2emissions and electricity consumption of new passenger cars', which is available at all points of sale and here is available free of charge.
