Fiat 500L to debut at Geneva Motor Show

(February 2, 2012) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Fiat brand released the first images of the Fiat 500L, an all-new model that expands the appeal of the brand’s iconic Fiat 500.

With its Italian design and city-friendly functionality, Fiat's new five-passenger model expands the brand’s style and efficiency in the growing B-segment. Making its formal introduction at the Geneva Motor Show on March 6th, the new Fiat 500L — the L stands for "Large" — will follow the U.S. introduction of the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth this spring and a full-electric version of the Fiat 500.


Fiat boasts that the 500L features the space of an MPV but with the taller ride-height and capability of a compact SUV.

Overall dimensions come in at 163 inches in length and about 70 inches in width. Inside, there’s seating for five though a seven-seat version is expected to be launched for European markets at a later date.

Despite sharing its name and some styling with the Fiat 500, the new 500L rides on a platform shared with the larger Fiat Punto hatchback. Though unconfirmed, both front-wheel and all-wheel drive variants should be offered. This should make it a competitor for the likes of the Ford’s Fiesta hatchback as well as the Mini Cooper Countryman.

The Fiat 500L will be produced at the Fiat plant in Kragujevac, Serbia, and will arrive in the United States in 2013.