Arriving this spring with a starting price of £20,975, the Fiat Grande Panda EV is set to be among the most affordable full-sized electric vehicles in the UK.
Positioned below its closely related counterpart by £1,000, the new electric Panda is only outpriced by a few models. It comes equipped with a 44kWh battery, offering a range of 199 miles. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 11.0 seconds, and it supports charging speeds of up to 100kW.
The base model, Grande Panda Red, includes 16-inch white steel wheels, LED headlights, a rear bench with a 60/40 split, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration, cruise control, and rear parking sensors.
Stepping up to the La Prima trim level provides additional features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, satellite navigation, front parking sensors, a wireless charging pad, and heated seats.
A unique feature of both trims is a 7kW charging cable seamlessly integrated into the front, marking a first for a full-sized EV.
For those seeking a petrol alternative, the 99bhp Grande Panda Hybrid offers an even lower starting price of £18,975 for the base Icon trim, while the La Prima version matches the EV’s £20,975 price tag. Both petrol models come with equipment levels comparable to their electric counterparts.
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Design Philosophy and Future Plans
Named “Grande Panda” due to its larger dimensions compared to its predecessor, this new hatchback shares its underpinnings and powertrains with Stellantis’s budget-friendly Smart Car platform, which also supports the latest Citroën C3.
Fiat has stayed faithful to the blocky and retro aesthetic introduced with last year’s Panda concept. Prominent Panda branding along the sides pays tribute to the original 1980s model’s no-frills approach.
Designed with a rugged yet simple aesthetic, the car reflects Fiat’s new design philosophy centered around “strength and uniqueness.” This approach will influence a future range of five Panda-based EVs in the coming years. Standout elements such as pixel-style headlights take inspiration from Fiat’s historic Lingotto factory windows in Turin.
Several features highlight the Panda’s utilitarian heritage, reinforcing what Fiat describes as its “UV [utility vehicle] attitude.” These include a pronounced front skid plate, roof rails, and protective black lower-body cladding.
Despite acknowledging the legacy of the original Panda 4×4, Fiat has not indicated any plans to introduce a four-wheel-drive version of the Grande Panda.
Measuring 3.99 meters in length, the new model is 0.3 meters longer than its predecessor but remains under the segment average of 4.06 meters, according to Fiat.
Inside, the five-seat cabin mirrors the vehicle’s bold exterior, featuring a vibrant and contemporary design. A 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 10-inch digital instrument display are integrated within a frame inspired by the Lingotto factory.
Ovals dominate the design language as a tribute to the factory’s iconic rooftop test track. Fiat has also worked to reduce both weight and production costs to enhance interior spaciousness and comfort.
Though the design remains minimalist, Fiat describes the cabin as ideal for both modern urban commuting and family needs.
Looking ahead, Fiat has outlined plans to introduce new models within the Panda family each year through 2027.
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The lineup expansion will begin with an SUV positioned as a competitor to the Dacia Duster, followed by a coupé-crossover comparable in size to the Ford Puma. Both vehicles are confirmed to be moving toward production.
Unlike the Panda range, which maintains its distinct identity, Fiat’s broader portfolio remains centered around the 1950s-inspired 500 lineup. Future additions beyond the 600 crossover and high-performance Abarth variants have not been announced.