2024 Fiat 500e Confirmed for North America, Designer One-Offs Debut in LA
This isn’t the final North American version of the 2024 500e; we’ll see that one next LA Auto Show.
We knew it. After Fiat fielded a pair of new-age 500s at the New York Auto Show last spring, we had a sneaking suspicion the Italian brand had a plan to bring the cute little cars to North America. Stellantis said no at the time, but early Thursday it confirmed that yes, the 500e is coming here.
Just not these ones. In fact, the company confirmed that it will be next year’s LA Auto Show where the North American 500e will first bow. To mark the announcement, however, Fiat showed three one-off Euro-spec 500es all done in collaboration with Italian design companies.
The dark gray model comes from fashion designer Giorgio Armani. Naturally, mens’ suiting is the inspiration here, in the form of the laser-etched microchevron engraving on the hood. There’s also an eco-friendly top-coat that reduces air pollutants and bacteria. GA logos adorn the wheels and convertible roof, while the interior features natural leather, reconstituted wood, and thin strips of aluminum. The side windows are all tinted amber to further accent the exterior trim pieces, as well.
On the other end of the spectrum is the vibrant Mai Troppo (“never too much”) from Bvlgari. This bright orange—er, saffron—paint features gold powder from scraps of jewelry. Bright gold wheels feature a star design, a symbol long associated with Bvlgari. The interior sees bright “Diva” embroidery lining the dashboard and seats, with more gold trim and three precious stones—amethyst, topaz, and citrine—all embedded in the steering wheel’s 500 badge.
Somewhere in the middle lands the 500 Kartell. The furniture and accessory company has went for a more elegant blue-hued model. Intricate webbing textures adorn the wheels and side mirrors, as well as the dashboard design. Pop the doors and comfy-looking seats greet you. They might look wrapped in wool or some other suit-appropriate material, but they’re actually wrapped in a textile completely formed with recycled polypropylene.
The 500e is already active in Europe where, like an old Taking Back Sunday song title, it’s without the e. There are two battery packs, both quite small by North American standards: the larger option is just 42 kWh. That’s still good for around 118 horsepower and a near-instant peak of 162 pound-feet of torque. The 500 is rated to 199 miles (320 kilometers) on the more generous WLTP test cycle.
Fiat didn’t confirm the Euro drivetrain would carryover for our markets. Likewise, it didn’t confirm whether North America would receive the convertible, the 3+1 model (with a Veloster-style asymmetrical door setup), or both.
What we do know is that, as previously mentioned, the 500e North American model will debut a year from now, at the 2023 LA Auto Show. After that, it will be available from Q1 2024. We’re just happy this cute little bundle is coming our way. Stay tuned for more on the 2024 Fiat 500e and the rest of the debuts at this year’s LA Auto Show.
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Kyle began his automotive obsession before he even started school, courtesy of a remote control Porsche and various LEGO sets. He later studied advertising and graphic design at Humber College, which led him to writing about cars (both real and digital). He is now a proud member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), where he was the Journalist of the Year runner-up for 2021.
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