Grande Panda: Fiat presents its entry-level electric car
In its press release, Fiat peaks of an “iconic and ironic Italian design.” The Grande Panda is a completely newly developed model and is based on a “common global platform.” For Fiat, it is the first model to use the CMP Smart Car, although Citroën already offers an EV based on the platform, namely the ë-C3. You can read Robin Engelhardt’s first driving impressions of the little French car here.
Fiat itself only mentions the length of 3.99 metres in the technical data – more on the dimensions in a moment. On the other hand, the drive is likely to be similar to that from models such as the ë-C3 or the electric version of the Opel Frontera. The battery with LFP cells from SVOLT has an energy content of 44 kWh and enables a range of around 320 kilometres in the similarly sized Citroën – which should also be possible in the Grande Panda. The electric motor has an output of 83 kW.
Although, as mentioned, there is no official statement from Fiat on the technology, the charging system will likely correspond to the models based on the CMP Smart Car that have already been presented in more detail – Stellantis has not exactly been known for model-specific deviations in the past. Therefore, the DC charging capacity will likely peak at 100 kW, and the charging process from 20 to 80 per cent (i.e. not the standard range of 10 to 80 per cent) will take 26 minutes. An 11 kW onboard charger is installed for AC charging, meaning a complete charging process takes around four hours.
Instead of focusing on the technology, Fiat emphasises the strategic importance of the model in the press release: the new Grande Panda will be the start of Fiat’s “transition from local-based production to a global offer through a common global platform.” The model will initially launch in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. However, the carmaker presented five studies for its electric future at the end of February 2024. These included a preview of the Grande Panda, as well as models such as a fastback and pickup based on the same platform. Fiat is particularly successful in South America with its small pickup. This is not just about electric cars, but also hybrids, for example.
With its compact dimensions and good interior space, the Grande Panda will be “ideal for families and the contemporary urban environment,” according to the Italians. In terms of design, the Grande Panda incorporates stylistic elements from the legendary Fiat Panda, such as the silhouette and the somewhat angular headlights. “Precise orthogonal lines envelop a progressive square mesh arrangement that creates a strong, sleek look, generating a punctuation of pixels from the centre of the glossy black upper grille to the headlights,” writes Fiat about the design. “The rear features a bold character as well thanks to its prominent wheel arches, the inclination of the windows, the overall layout of the rear window, headlights, and skids which confer the Fiat Grande Panda with a protective and stable appearance and robust ground solidity.”
With this design language, the Grande Panda will be a symbol of the brand’s future – all five studies from February also featured this striking, angular look. In the Grande Panda, the design has been supplemented by a few highlights: the black, square elements in the C-pillars have a 3D effect. Depending on the viewing angle, they show the word Fiat or the brand logo consisting of four bars.
“With the Grande Panda, FIAT now begins its transition to global common platforms that cover all regions of the world, passing on the resulting benefits to its customers worldwide.,” says Olivier Francois, CEO of the Fiat brand and Global CMO Stellantis. “In fact, the Grande Panda is perfectly suited for families and urban mobility in every country… a real Fiat!”
Fiat has yet to announce prices for the Grande Panda or the exact market launch in Europe. However, the model will likely cost around the same amount as its French sister model, available from about 23,000 euros.
