Take A Look At This Thoroughly Fashionable Fiat

Motoring editor Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby go electric in stylish Milan.

Inside The Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani Collector’s Edition

JT — The latest Fiat 500 special edition pays homage to a true Italian icon. Co-designed with Georgio Armani, the glitzy Italian runabout is a ‘must-have’ accessory for fashionistas who thrive on car couture.

JT-P — I see the Collector’s Edition is based on an off-the-peg 500e, dressed up in either dark green or ceramic beige, colours created by the grand master of red-carpet fashion himself. The understated paintwork is classic Armani – only GA logos on the custom wheels hint at the link to high fashion.

Inside it’s a bit different, with Armani branding splashed about the luxurious cabin. Three-dimensional chevron seat patterns are said to evoke traditional tailoring techniques, while laser-cut wood adorns a dashboard finished with the maestro’s signature, a moniker that pops up everywhere.

Not quite as elegantly understated as our room in the Grand Hotel et di Milan, one of the city’s most historic hotels. Just 674 steps down the road from La Scala opera house, the property has hosted legendary names like Maria Callas, Richard Burton and Ernest Hemingway.

Not forgetting composer Giuseppe Verdi, who loved the classic nature of the place and lived at the hotel for almost 30 years – probably because it was so handy for La Scala. He died in suite 105. Family run for more than 50 years, the Grand is refined and intimate, oozing history from every piece of antique furniture and framed masterpiece.

Yes, this is old school luxury. Discreet staff waft around the corridors, efficiently answering questions to ensure guests get the most from their stay. Best of all, the bedrooms have proper keys – not plastic credit cards!

Don’t expect a spa or swimming pool though because the Grand is more about marble bathrooms and exquisite food. Opt for the opera-themed Don Carlos restaurant for upmarket fare, or a glass-walled bistro that allows guests to watch fashionable Milanese pass by outside. Best of all is Gerry’s Bar, an opulent cocktail spot for La Scala fans to enjoy a pre-performance drink. Apparently, it was a favourite with Richard Burton too.

He probably wouldn’t have arrived for supper in a tiny Fiat 500e – although it’s the perfect car for zipping around congested Milan. It may be one of the smallest electric vehicles on the road but Fiat has tried to offer big car features. 

The compact Fiat makes a statement without being ostentatious. A feel-good car with a heritage to match, the battery-powered 500e will suit urban dwellers who like to beat London’s ULEZ and Congestion charges in style.

It is a bit pricey though, at £34,000. A standard 500e featuring a smaller battery costs from around £25,000 – the hefty premium for a more powerful Armani model might persuade buyers to consider other equally stylish city EVs, such as the classy Mini Cooper Electric, or the value-packed Peugeot e-208.

Indeed, despite a tiny boot and cramped rear seats, the eco-conscious 500e is best used for shorter trips. Thanks to diminutive dimensions, it doesn’t make a fuss when squeezed into a tight parking space and is zippy enough about town. 

Yes, the Fiat is definitely less comfortable on longer journeys, with noticeable wind noise at motorway speed and susceptibility to cross-winds. The official battery range is 199 miles but 150 is more realistic in real-world driving conditions.

Equipment upgrades on the Armani edition include eye-catching LED headlamps, a glass roof and a top-of-the-range JBL music system. Hook up your mobile to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

The Collector’s Edition still suffers from the same issues as a regular 500e – the tiny rear seats are for occasional use only and access via the front doors is awkward at best. Boot space is miniscule at 185-litres – there’s no front boot ‘frunk’ either.

It is vital would-be owners try before they buy because the high-set driving position won’t suit tall people. The door locks are also activated by buttons instead of handles, which might prove disconcerting for some too. Still, a fashion statement that will get you noticed.

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Grand Hotel et di Milan is a member of Leading Hotels of the World. lhw.com

Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby is Director of Programmes at London College of Fashion, studying for a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.