We got to see the relatively new Fiat Grande Panda up close at Auto Zurich. While this style of vehicle isn’t available in the U.S., in Europe, the vehicle marked Fiat’s return to the B-segment last year.
The Grande Panda is a perfect example of retro-modern looks teaming up with electrification for the mass market. Designed in Turin at the Centro Stile, the Grande Panda draws inspiration from the original 1980s Panda while adopting the Stellantis Smart Car platform, which supports both electric and hybrid powertrains.
Design
The Grande Panda is unmistakably Italian, with its geometric lines, short overhangs, and a robust wedge profile that reminds us of the original Panda. Its pixel-like LED headlamps, called PXL LEDs, form a cheerful face and extend across the upper grille in a wink to retro video games and the Lingotto factory’s cube-shaped windows.
Exaggerated wheel arches and silver skid plates contribute to its robust stance, while 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels help it look more SUV than hatchback. For the body paint, Fiat has abandoned boring neutral grays in favor of bright colors like Limone Yellow, Acqua Azure, and Passione Red, representing its “No Grey” philosophy that celebrates Italian liveliness. Go Fiat!
Interior
Inside, the Grande Panda maximizes space within its 3.99-meter footprint, offering up to 361 liters (12.7 cu.ft) of cargo capacity in the electric version. The cabin is laid out for simplicity, with bold yellow accents, a 10-inch driver display, and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless mirroring.
Fiat’s use of sustainable materials is noteworthy. The brand recycles aluminum and plastic from 140 beverage cartons per vehicle to form the shimmering blue Lapolen Ecotek interior parts. The dashboard in the La Prima version uses Bambox Bamboo Fiber Tex, a textile made with real bamboo fibers that reinforces the model’s eco-conscious appeal.
Experience in the Grande Panda
Ingress in the Fiat Panda Electric is straightforward, with chunky gloss-black door handles giving it a sturdy feel. Once inside, I found the manually adjustable seat easy to set up, including height adjustment.
The driving position feels slightly elevated, offering better forward visibility than typical hatchbacks. Despite being a small car, it doesn’t feel cramped or cheap. Headroom is good even for a six-footer like me, and the steering adjusts for both reach and rake, helping me find a natural position.
The steering wheel looks modern with its glossy black surface and push buttons that give satisfying feedback. The dashboard uses bright colors, bamboo fiber textures, and white inserts that make the interior cheerful and distinct for a budget EV. I also liked the dual screens, clear layout, and physical climate controls.
Cabin practicality is good for its size. There’s a large center console with a wireless charger, USB ports, and a 12V outlet, though the glossy finish attracts fingerprints. Storage is ample for front passengers, and outward visibility is fine for city driving.
The rear seat, though, is cramped for adults my height. The battery under the floor raises knee height, and legroom is limited. Back support and headroom are decent, but the seats don’t recline. It’s best suited for kids or short city trips.
Specifications
Electric
The electric Grande Panda features a 44 kWh battery and an 83 kW (113 hp) motor, delivering up to 320 km (199 miles) of WLTP range. Fiat offers two charging configurations: one with an integrated 7 kW retractable cable in the front and a 100 kW DC fast-charging port in the rear, and another with an 11 kW onboard charger.
Fast charging from 20 to 80 percent takes around 27 minutes. With a top speed of 132 km/h (82 mph) and 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 11 seconds, it’s not the car you’ll associate with a drag strip. Fiat is appealing to buyers with the Grande Panda’s low running costs and easy ownership.
Mild Hybrid
The hybrid version uses Fiat’s new 1.2-liter three-cylinder T-Gen3 turbo engine paired with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and an electric dual-clutch transmission.
The combined output is 110 hp, and the system integrates a 21 kW e-motor to deliver smoother acceleration and regenerative braking. It can drive just 0.6 miles in electric-only mode at city speeds and supports e-launch, e-creeping, and e-parking for quieter, low-speed operation.
Pricing
In the UK, the Grande Panda Hybrid is priced at £18,995 OTR (~USD 25,300), and the Grande Panda Electric starts at £21,035 OTR (~USD 28,000).
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
