Turismo vs. Scorpionissima: Which Abarth 600e Variant Is the Right Fit?

The Abarth 600e opens a bold new chapter for the legendary hot hatch, showing that electric cars can be just as exhilarating as their petrol-powered forebears. This is not just an EV to add to the ever-increasing electric vehicle market rack; it is an important milestone for the history of Abarth. While the small and rambunctious (and unapologetically loud) performance brand has embraced an electric future, it hasn’t lost the core essence of what makes its DNA so unique. The 600e shows that the soul of a performance car doesn’t reside in whether its engine is gas or electric, but rather in whether it can provide a moment of joy behind the wheel.

Abarth did not limit itself to making just one revolutionary model. Instead, they both have it, the ‘turismo’ to the ‘scorpionissima’ catering for two very different driving philosophies! Both vehicles have the same electric underpinnings, but their personalities are as different as you can get, each catering to a different breed of modern enthusiast. This two-pronged approach reveals a keen insight into their audience, differentiating those who want a lively daily driver from those who require a weapon designed exclusively for maximum attack on mountain roads. After driving them both, it’s obvious: These aren’t merely trim levels, but fundamentally different takes on electric performance.

The Turismo is a responsive and practical car, and it is well-suited for everyday use, with a good balance of comfort and classic Abarth fire. In comparison, the Scorpionissima is a more extreme, track-oriented beast for those seeking the most razor-edge handling and explosive feedback. Which one is better for you? So whether you want a sensible everyday car that will still make you smile, or a pure performance machine to thrill you on the weekends, our guide will help you make the right choice with an Abarth 600e.

Quick Recap: Abarth 600e Key Highlights

Here’s what both variants bring to the table:

• Explore two different versions of the adaptable Turismo and the track-honed Scorpionissima.
• Enjoy thrilling electric power from a 54kWh lithium-ion battery.
• Get a WLTP range of up to 333 km in one charge.
• Make use of 100kW DC charging, add 10–80% in about 30 minutes.
• Turismo’s more balanced 240hp or the radical 280hp Scorpionissima.
• Explore the performance enhancements that are unique to the Scorpionissima – including track-tuned suspension and Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres.

Key Specs

Potent Power: How the 600e Turismo and Scorpionissima Perform

Performance is key in the Abarth heritage, and the 600e demonstrates how an electric engine can pulse as aggressively as a petrol one. Both the Turismo and Scorpionissima generate that immediate, pulse-racing torque that has come to define electric driving, but they do so in very different ways. The experience is adapted to the driver’s intent, demonstrating a clever performance engineering solution. It’s not just about raw power, but what that pent-up energy means when it’s unleashed on the road and how it feels behind the wheel.

The Turismo is the jack of all trades, offering a lively but manageable 240hp and 320Nm of torque. On the road, it makes for a crisp and nimble drive that will do 0-60 in a not-too-shabby 6.2 seconds. Stomping the gas pedal during a morning commute or joining a crowded motorway seems so natural and captivating. Its unbelievably smooth and linear power delivery makes it suitable for pretty much any type of driving. That signature Abarth thrill is still there, but it doesn’t become tiring in stop-start traffic in the city or on longer journeys. It’s a fantastic daily driver and weekend fun machine.

For the driver wanting nothing but adrenaline, the Scorpionissima is the ultimate answer. Abarth has also extracted more power from the electric motor, now rated at a whopping 280hp and 350Nm of torque. This upgrade sharpens its reactions and brings the 0-62 mph run down to a mere 5.85 seconds. The distinction comes instantaneously when you push for the greatest performance. If the Scorpion is raw power, the Scorpionissima is a blast, urged on by a throttle response that demands spirited driving. It is a car that comes alive in your hands, rewarding precision and boldness on winding backroads and the long haul alike, where it fully expresses the raw, track-honed essence of Abarth.

• 240hp and 320Nm of torque in the Turismo: A lively, confident power delivery that makes passing and merging into fast traffic effortless.
• Smooth and linear power delivery: Delivers a comforting, predictable response for all conditions, which can be enjoyed for the daily city commute.
• 0–62 mph in 6.2 seconds: Accelerates briskly and entertainingly, adding a bit of fun to quotidian drives.
• Well-balanced dynamic setup: Practical usability combined with the Abarth signature fun factor, meaning you get spirited performance and not a compromise to comfort.

Agile Dynamics: Comparing 600e Handling for Daily Drives and B-Road Blasts

In terms of handling, the Abarth 600e models follow two different philosophies, each one designed to best suit a particular environment. It’s the suspension and chassis tuning that defines the character of a car, and this is what builders use to control what kind of driving experience you get over and above straight-line performance. This decision between daily-driving courtesy and ultimate cornering ability lets buyers choose the hot hatch that best meets their expectations of one, whether that’s for taking on city streets or tackling back roads.

The Turismo is built to provide the perfect mix of ride comfort and ride fun, which makes it a great daily companion for the unpredictable conditions of everyday driving. The suspension is set up for comfort, efficiently taking in the flaws of city roads, whether potholes or speed bumps. Over the course of a long commute or a stretch of highway travel, the active dampers help to mellow out the terrain, resulting in a tranquil and poised ride that works to alleviate deterioration of the driver’s senses. It doesn’t sacrifice the playful Abarth spirit – the car is still engaging and nimble, but its main focus now is on delivering a more refined experience that makes it as enjoyable to drive on a boring errand as it is on a spirited run.

In stark contrast, the Scorpionissima is a machine designed by the enthusiast, for the enthusiast, who cares most about precision and feedback. Its suspension, tuned for the track, is noticeably stiffer, making the road imperfections palpable to the driver. This configuration is complemented with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres and an electronic diff, which together enhance the grip and the control. When you head the Scorpionissima into a tight bend on a wavy B-road the response is instant and razor sharp. The car feels planted and willing to be sent on a different course, making brave decisions on your part well worth it and then some both in terms of spectacular poise and pushing its limits forward. The compromise is that there’s less suspension travel for going over bumpy tarmac, but for those wanting the ultimate link between car and driver, it’s a tradeoff worth having.

• Comfort-tuned suspension (Turismo): The Composed, Smooth Ride Comfort-tuned suspension absorbs the jolts of city riding and turns daily rides into a pleasurable experience.
• Balanced, compliant chassis (Turismo): Fun to drive yet practical, it’s at home in the city and on the motorway.
• Track-tuned suspension (Scorpionissima): Receive immediate and accurate information at all times if you are passionate about driving and if you want to feel every detail of the road.
• Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres and electronic differential (Scorpionissima): You can enjoy superior grip and confidence when cornering sharply, even when you’re pushing your limits.

From City Streets to Motorway Miles: The Real-World 600e Experience

The two Abarth 600e models are both excellent in everyday driving, but each shines in different circumstances, hinting at their individual personalities. In the city, the Turismo is the more accommodating and useful travel companion. Its softer suspension works like magic, rolling over the potholes and speed bumps that litter urban landscapes. This tolerance guarantees a relaxing and worry-free driving, even in stop-and-go traffic. This enables effortless one-pedal driving in many situations, which simplifies navigating through traffic congestion and incidental stop-and-start strips of roads in indigenous cities. One-pedal driving is especially cool and city-friendly, but even in this car, you get full brake feel and deceleration that looks good and feels good going down this magic mountain.

The Scorpionissima can cope well with life in the city, but it has a somewhat different mood for doing the everyday shopping. Its suspension is firmer, and the throttle response faster, turning each trip into a small adventure, and making your day a little more fun. It’s more aggressive and road-bias, which is fun, but she’s a little bit needier on bumpy roads. While the Turismo lends itself to relaxation, the Scorpionissima makes a trip to the grocery store a thrill ride. It’s for that driver who, while doing the most mind-numbingly dull chores, doesn’t want to switch off the enthusiast part of their brain.

When you exit the city and head out on the freeway, both feel solid and controlled in motion. But the two again clash at the level of fundamental philosophies. The Turismo’s softer suspension allows it to outclass the Competition in terms of long-distance comfort, and this makes it the best pick if you plan to take a long trip and want to take it easy as much as possible. The Scorpionissima, with its exoskeleton, Alcantara sports seats and natural high-speed stability, is more at home on a short punchy blast. It stays engagingly sporty when the road twists its nose, making it more suitable for a spirited Sunday drive than a cross-country tour.

• Forgiving suspension and smooth regenerative braking (Turismo): Skims over city bumpy roads and softens stop-and-go traffic, delivering a more peaceful ride in an urban environment.
• Practical and compliant ride quality (Turismo): Takes the edge off of daily commute stress and promotes relaxation on the road, leading to some of the most enjoyable routine driving in the segment.
• Aggressive, firm suspension setup (Scorpionissima): Enlivens every drive, making even the most routine trip a memorable experience.
• Enhanced stability and supportive sport seats (Scorpionissima): Higher speed stability makes motorway runs and spirited jaunts both safe and exhilarating, while the stability keeps you tied down and confident.

Cabin Comfort vs. Cockpit Focus: Inside the Abarth 600e

Entering the Abarth 600e, both versions offer a contemporary and driver-centric space in which the common DNA is clearly recognisable from the very first moment. A sharp 10.25-inch central touchscreen dominates the cabin and acts as the centre for infotainment and vehicle functions. The system offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for effortless smartphone integration for use of navigation, music and communication. Accompanying the central display is a fully customisable digital instrument cluster allowing you to place key information directly in the driver’s line of sight. This technology combination brings the driving experience to the next level by enabling you to stay connected and in command without distraction, delivering a clean and intuitive interface regardless of the model you select.

Every day usability and comfort are central to the Turismo ethos. It has nicely bolstered, but traditional seats that give great support without making you feel trapped, so it’s a good place to be on long commutes or family days out. The materials used for the cabin are selected to convey a sense of refinement and comfort that can withstand the rigours of everyday use. The only other standout feature in terms of practicality is the generous 360-litre boot that can miss the weekly shop or hold luggage for two over the weekend. And then for those occasions when larger items simply have to be moved, the rear seats fold down to make even more space, cementing the Turismo as a well-rounded, versatile, capable performer.

Meanwhile, the Scorpionissima’s cabin is a blanket statement of its performance-chasing mentality. Most notably, they are the deeply bolstered Alcantara sport seats, which have superb lateral support that holds you tightly in place when you’re throwing the car around. This luxurious material is also used for the steering wheel and dashboard for a purposeful, track-inspired cockpit. While it looks good, the Scorpionissima also brings its own unique, performance-oriented code to the infotainment system with the lap timer, the g-force meter, and telemetry data that can be customised. These elements help turn the interior from a cosy environment into a driver’s command centre, which will appeal to the enthusiast who lives to analyse and improve their performance with every drive.

• Comfortable Seats (TURISMO): On long commutes or family trips, excellent support without feeling cramped.
• Generous 3-Litre Boot (TURISMO): Benefit from plenty of flexible room for your weekly shopping, luggage and even bulkier items.
• Alcantara Sport Seats (SCORPIONISSIMA): Enjoy exceptional lateral support, which keeps you secure and comfortable on the track.
• Integrated Performance Telemetry (SCORPIONISSIMA): Compare and improve your driving with track-oriented data at your fingertips.

Deciding on Your Drive: Why Choose the Turismo or Scorpionissima?

I guess it’s all just about what you want most from your driving experience when making that final choice between the Turismo and Scorpionissima. It’s a strong offer from both models, but they serve two very different priorities. Here, we highlight the types of driving situations where each car really shines and helps you decide which Abarth 600e should call your garage home.

Why Choose the Turismo?

If you’ve been looking for an electric hot hatch that delivers exciting driving dynamics without sacrificing practical day-to-day usability, the Abarth 600e Turismo will be right up your street. You can have your cake and eat it too, when it comes to this car for the driver who requires practicality, but doesn’t want to sacrifice fun. You’re doing your daily grind down crowded city streets, and the Turismo’s compliant suspension revels in absorbing road imperfections while its effortless power delivery makes stop-and-go traffic seem like no big deal. It makes an ideal partner for the school run, with a roomy boot for bags, and passengers enjoy a comfortable ride.

This version really owns it up if you’re into versatility. It’s a reliable daily driver turned weekend adventure machine for the back roads on the weekend. Its 240-hp engine delivers more than enough power to be engaging, yet the car remains forgiving and accessible. If your life requires a car that can manage a long motorway trip in comfort on one day and then potter around your local roads on the next, the Turismo is just about the right fit. It’s the practical choice for the gearhead who just wants one car to do everything well.

Why Choose Scorpionissima?

The Scorpionissima is designed for the driving enthusiast, the person who wants the most performance with the least amount of distance from the road. This is the car for the weekend warrior who thrives on the challenge of a B-road or the precision of a track day. Its track-aligned suspension, Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres, and torque-hungry power delivery encourage confident, spirited driving. If you think a perfect Sunday is an early morning drive on the lot of twisties, the Scorpionissima’s crisp handling and instant response will give you an experience like no other.

This model is less about compromise, more about commitment to performance. It’s capable for everyday use, but makes every trip feel like an event. The stiffer ride and heavily bolstered Alcantara seats create a focused, cockpit-like environment that constantly tells you what it’s capable of. If you’re willing to sacrifice a measure of ride comfort for a more razor-sharp, visceral driving experience and want telemetry on the performance side to develop your skills, then Scorpionissima is the ultimate expression of Abarth’s electric ambition. It’s a statement car for those who place adrenaline above all else.”

The Perfect Abarth for You

The Abarth 600e is a milestone, showing that the brand’s thrilling personality can survive and prosper in the electric era. In its various Turbocharged establishments, Abarth appropriately understood that performance isn’t a single concept. The Turismo is the all-rounder to end all all-rounders – a practical, comfortable and versatile EV that’s always fun to drive. It’s the perfect pick for the driver who wants a car for every part of their life yet still craves that signature Abarth spark.

Meanwhile, Scorpionissima is a Scorpion without apology love letter to the fan. It is nimbler, faster and more driven, delivering a brutal, riveting experience found nowhere else in the EV world. That is the ultimate racer for those who live for the thrill of driving and require a machine engineered to deliver. In the end, it’s about what you want out of life. Take whichever route you want, the Abarth 600e will treat you to a chic, exhilarating and quintessentially Italian motoring experience. How to tell? Just get in the driver’s seat and see for yourself. Visit our site at The.Car