Recently, I had the chance to check out 2025 Fiat Grande Panda firsthand at the Fiat Factory in Italy, where the company celebrated its 125th anniversary. With champagne in hand and a rooftop terrace view, I dove into the details of this exciting new model. Here’s everything you need to know about the Grande Panda.
A Celebration of Heritage and Innovation
As we gathered on the rooftop terrace of the Fiat Factory in Italy, the air was filled with a sense of celebration. Not only was Fiat marking a significant milestone – 125 years of automotive excellence – but they were also unveiling the new Grande Panda. The name “Grande” is fitting, as this latest version is slightly larger than its predecessor, adding an extra 30 cm to its length. Now measuring 3.99 meters long, the 2025 Grande Panda is both a nod to the past and a leap into the future.
Despite the festive atmosphere, with around 200 people in attendance and champagne flowing, the real star of the show was the Grande Panda itself. As I got closer to the car, it was clear that Fiat had put a lot of thought into both the design and the details.
Exterior Design: A Modern Take on a Classic
One of the first things that caught my eye was the new light design, which draws inspiration from the concept car that Fiat showcased earlier. The sleek lines and modern aesthetic give the 2025 Grande Panda a fresh look, while still maintaining the charm that has made the Panda a favorite for so many years.
A particularly interesting feature is the full tethered charging cable, which stretches further than expected. This is a practical addition, especially for those who might not have a tethered cable at home.
If you do, Fiat has thoughtfully included a separate slot at the back where you can plug your car in, allowing it to charge at 7 KW. It’s little details like this that show Fiat’s commitment to making the 2025 Grande Panda as user-friendly as possible.
As I continued to explore the exterior, I couldn’t help but appreciate the slightly larger size of the Grande Panda. While it’s still a compact car, the additional space gives it a more substantial presence on the road. And for those of us who have always been fans of the Panda, there’s an interesting piece of trivia: the car isn’t actually named after the bear.
Instead, it’s named after a Roman Empress called Panda – or more specifically, the Roman goddess Impanda. It’s a fun fact that adds a layer of history to the Grande Panda’s modern appeal.
Interior Features: Retro Charm Meets Modern Tech
Stepping inside the 2025 Grande Panda, I was immediately struck by the stunning interior. Fiat has managed to blend retro charm with modern technology in a way that feels both nostalgic and cutting-edge. The car boasts 13 liters of storage, with clever design elements that allow you to customize the space to your needs.
The dashboard is a particular highlight, featuring a 10-inch screen alongside a 10.25-inch screen, both of which are seamlessly integrated into the retro-inspired design. The buttons for the climate controls add to the vintage feel, yet the technology is thoroughly up-to-date with features like CarPlay.
However, it’s not all about looks – the functionality of the 2025 Grande Panda’s interior is equally impressive. For instance, the car includes wireless charging, and the gear selector is a prime example of the Stellantis design language.
A new feature that’s worth noting is the “C” button, which Fiat has introduced to replace the traditional “B” for regen braking. Regen braking is standard, but pressing the “C” button switches the car into Comfort mode, turning off the regen braking – a thoughtful touch that enhances the driving experience.
Performance and Specifications: Under the Hood
Underneath its stylish exterior, the 2025 Grande Panda shares much in common with the Citroën EC3. It’s powered by a 44 KW hour battery, offering around 200 miles of range – 198 miles, to be precise.
While it might not be the fastest car on the market, with a 0-62 mph time of around 11 seconds and 111 horsepower, the Grande Panda is designed more for efficiency and practicality than for speed.
During my visit, I wasn’t able to take the Grande Panda for a spin – driving on the rooftop was strictly off-limits – but I’m confident that when the time comes, the driving experience will be similar to that of the EC3 or the 600e. Although it may not match the comfort of the EC3, which is known for its smooth ride, the Grande Panda promises to deliver a solid and enjoyable drive.
Rear Seat and Storage: Compact Yet Practical
Moving to the rear of the car, I was curious to see how the 2025 Fiat Grande Panda managed to balance its compact size with practical seating and storage options.
The rear seats, while not the most spacious, are surprisingly comfortable given the car’s overall dimensions. I’m 5′ 6″, and the seat was set to my driving position – even so, there was enough legroom for a decent ride. However, taller passengers might find the legroom a bit limited.
Storage is another area where the Grande Panda shines. The car offers various storage solutions, including a phone pocket, USB-C ports, and door storage. While the rear seats may not fold down to reveal cup holders, the car compensates with thoughtful touches like the storage space in the doors.
Rear Design and Boot Space
One of the most charming aspects of the 2025 Fiat Grande Panda is how it pays homage to the original model, particularly in its rear design. The Fiat badge embossed into the back adds a retro flair that’s both funky and functional. The boot space, at 361 liters, is surprisingly generous for a car of this size.
Although there’s no under-boot floor, the storage area is still more than adequate for everyday needs. Plus, there’s an additional 13 liters of space in the frunk, perfect for stashing away small items or snacks.
As I explored the rear, I discovered a delightful detail – the Fiat logo on the side changes depending on your perspective. From one side, it reads “Fiat,” but from the other, it transforms into the old striped Fiat logo, reminiscent of those magic pictures that change as you move. It’s a small touch, but one that underscores the thoughtfulness and creativity that has gone into the Grande Panda’s design.
Final Thoughts
After spending some time with the new 2025 Fiat Grande Panda, I’m thoroughly impressed by what Fiat has accomplished. The car successfully blends the charm and character of the original Panda with modern features and a slightly larger frame, making it a compelling option for those in the market for a compact car.
The attention to detail, from the innovative charging options to the retro-inspired interior, shows that Fiat is committed to delivering a vehicle that is both functional and fun to drive. While I didn’t get the chance to take it for a test drive just yet, I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity.
In the meantime, I’ll continue to appreciate the Grande Panda for what it is – a car that’s not only bigger and better but also a fitting tribute to Fiat’s legacy. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Panda or new to the Fiat family, the Grande Panda is definitely worth a closer look.
