- Fiat CEO Olivier Francois has confirmed that a Grande Panda 4×4 version is on the way.
- It will feature higher ground clearance, a more robust suspension, and off-road capabilities.
- The company is weighing both traditional and electric all-wheel-drive powertrains for the 4×4.
Fiat is committed to continuing the legacy of the Panda 4×4, this time with a rugged version of the new Grande Panda. According to Fiat CEO Olivier Francois, the Grande Panda 4×4 is already in development, though whether it will feature an electric or hybrid powertrain remains undecided.
All three generations of the Fiat Panda were offered in 4×4 versions, enhancing the city car’s off-road capabilities. Fiat aims to bring this same versatility to the all-new Grande Panda, which competes in the supermini segment alongside the related Citroen C3.
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When questioned by Autocar during a recent press event about the potential for a 4×4 model, Francois confirmed the news: “Yes, we are committed to doing something and are studying it,” he said. “We’re trying to find the solution and a way. The question is whether it should be an ICE 4×4 or an EV 4×4. We’re looking at solutions and how and when—but we get the point and would like to do something like it soon.”
Fiat Grande Panda La Prima
Currently, the Fiat Grande Panda is built on the Smart Car platform, which supports front-wheel drive only. This means Fiat engineers will need to modify the platform to accommodate all-wheel drive. One potential solution could be adding an extra electric motor to the rear axle, similar to what’s found in the mild-hybrid Jeep Avenger 4Xe and Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4. However, the ideal solution would be a more traditional 4WD system, much like those in previous Panda 4×4 models.
Should Fiat proceed with an AWD version of the Grande Panda, it will likely feature higher ground clearance and a more robust suspension setup to handle rougher terrain. This would make the 4×4 version stand out from the front-wheel-drive models, with additional rugged design elements to give it a more off-road capable appearance.
The Current Grande Panda Lineup
At this point, Fiat has shown off a couple of versions of the Grande Panda. The most notable are the Grande Panda RED trim, which sits on white 16-inch steel wheels, and the higher-spec Grande Panda La Prima, which features 17-inch wheels, aluminum-style skid plates, and roof rails, all contributing to a crossover-like stance. These features, paired with the boxy shape and plastic cladding, give the Grande Panda a distinctly rugged look.
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The Grande Panda is available in both electric and hybrid options. The EV features a 111-horsepower electric motor paired with a 44 kWh battery, offering a range of up to 320 km (199 miles) on the WLTP cycle. Meanwhile, the hybrid model combines a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with a small electric motor, providing a combined output of 100 hp (75 kW / 102 PS) and a 48V battery.
Fiat has also confirmed plans to introduce a pure-ICE version of the Panda with a manual gearbox designed for emerging markets. Francois said that this model is expected to arrive in Europe “at some point”, likely serving as a budget alternative to the electrified versions which are the main focus of the Italian brand in the region.
Fiat Grande Panda Red
The Fiat Grande Panda starts at a reasonable price, with the entry-level mild-hybrid model available for less than €19,000 ($19,800), while the electric version begins below €25,000 ($26,000). The first deliveries of the Grande Panda are expected in European dealerships in March 2025.
It is safe to assume that the 4×4 version will be more expensive, justifying its position as the flagship trim of the future lineup. The company hasn’t set a target date for the launch of the Fiat Grande Panda 4×4, but the ongoing development suggests it will take a couple of years before we see it on the roads.
More Pandas On The Way
In addition to the Grande Panda, Olivier Francois also provided insight into other, larger Panda-themed concepts currently in development. These concepts will share the same Smart Car platform as the Grande Panda, with two models in the works. One of these is expected to be an SUV variant, likely competing with models such as the Citroen C3 Aircross and Opel Frontera.
According to the CEO, Fiat’s decision to return to the supermini segment with a “utility vehicle” like the Grande Panda, rather than a traditional hatchback like the now-discontinued Punto, was driven by the need for global appeal. The goal was to create a model that could reach beyond Europe. This approach is backed up by Fiat’s sales numbers, with Brazil accounting for nearly half of the 1.2 million registrations projected for 2024.
