Fiat Grande Panda gets reintroduced to wild with new 4x4 concept

Harking back to the beloved 1983 4x4, Fiat’s latest concept offers all-terrain adventure in a pint-sized package. But will it make it to series production?

It’s been teased for a while but now, finally, Fiat’s delivered the goods: the all-new Grande Panda 4x4. Well, not quite, actually — the machine you see before you is only a taster of what’s to come, a statement of intent, if you like. Nonetheless, the notion of a reborn, rugged Panda has got us all excited. 

So, what does the concept tell us? That it’ll be wonderfully retro, for a start. Just like the original there’s good ‘ol steel wheels (wrapped in knobbly off-road rubber) at all four corners. Moreover, the blocky Panda script adorning the doors, LED spot lamps sitting in the faux grille, and the roof-mounted spare wheel, all scream 1980’s off-roader. According to Fiat, this is a look which is “destined to be a manifesto for a fresh vision of sustainable mobility — a vision rooted in innovation, in line with current dictates, while maintaining the characteristics that made it a global cult favourite”.

As for the powertrain, the Grande Panda 4x4 will share the regular EV model’s fully electric setup — only here, Fiat has added a further motor to the rear axle to honour the 4x4 nameplate. And, while we don’t know if the road-going version will mirror this configuration — or, perhaps, go down a combustion-powered route — an electrified variant certainly makes sense in an old-meets-new sort of way.  

An EV Panda 4x4 would also be just as capable in the urban jungle, as the actual rainforest. Granted, charging in more remote locations could be an issue, but Fiat argues the electric Panda would “deliver impressive performance in urban settings and on more demanding terrain. It’s a deliberate choice that underscores FIAT’s ongoing commitment to embracing increasingly sustainable and forward-looking technologies, all while preserving the adventurous spirit and everyday practicality that have always defined the Panda 4x4.” 

If that all sounds like your cup of tea, we’ve got some bad news: there’s been no confirmation yet, if, and when we can expect the production-ready version in the UK. However, given it’s largely based on the road-going model which is already on sale here, it could be making a debut sooner than you expect. 

Is the time right for an EV Panda 4x4? Or, would you rather see the reborn off-roader feature petrol power?

Hero image credit: Fiat