The Fiat 500L is effectively an oversized version of the 500 hatchback so, in essence, its identity is tied to the 500 name. Don’t mistake the 500L though for not having its own appeal because it has that in abundance, or at least enough to have become the subject of a string of special edition models over the years. Harken back to versions like the Beats Edition, the Urbana Trekking, and the Panoramic Edition, and you’ll see what’s up with the 500. Today, a new special edition version is added to the list. It’s called the City Cross Edition, and as the name suggests, it’s coming to the party with a host of rugged features.

There’s a lot to like with the Fiat 500L City Cross Edition. Apart from receiving new exterior bits and pieces, it also carries an exclusive paint color, upgrades to the interior, and a set of new wheels that can be availed in as many as nine different color options. There are no engine upgrades to speak of so don’t even bother looking for one. If that isn’t a problem, the 500L City Cross Edition holds a lot of appeal, especially to those who want to see more personality out of the high-riding 500 SUV. At least then, in that regard, Fiat did its work on this new special edition. It may not be the flashiest SE we’ve seen out of the 500, but it’s certainly bubbling with identity. That should be more than enough for a lot of people.

Continue after the jump to read more about the Fiat 500L City Cross Edition

What makes the Fiat 500L City Cross Edition special

It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want over-the-top upgrades that border on something that the aftermarket world would do, this special edition 500L probably isn’t for you. But if your expectations are more muted, then you might find a few things to like about the 500L City Cross Edition.

First, let’s look at the exterior and the Sicilia Orange finish of the model. Fiat says that this paint is exclusive to the 500L City Cross Edition so at least it has that going for it. Hard to imagine this model not attracting attention because of that color. It’s a magnet for attention and it works in so far as it plays well into the outgoing personality of the 500L. Outside of the fancy color, the special edition 500L also gets plenty of visual updates, including a refreshed front grille, bigger bumpers, and new skid plates. The changes all help in creating a look that’s bursting with sportiness, something that a standard 500L doesn’t always have.

Arguably the biggest change though, albeit one wrapped in irony, is the SUV’s increased ride height. Most of us will probably not even notice it, but Fiat actually increased the ride height of the 500L City Cross Edition by one inch, or 25 mm to be exact. Don’t dismiss this minuscule raising of the car’s ride height as an insignificant addition because it helps Fiat accomplish a lot of different things, including fitting in new 17-inch alloy wheels that themselves are offered in nine different color options. More than just the wheels, the higher ride height also helps accomplish the goal of turning the 500L City Cross Edition into a car that can handle the outdoors, a departure in comfort zones for its standard 500L counterparts. This is where the special edition 500L deservedly plants its flag.

Move inside and the upgrades continue in the form of similar color customization options. Customers are even given the liberty, provided they can pay for it, to fully personalize the interior of the 500L City Cross Edition. On the cosmetic end, that could include anything from a dressed up dashboard fascia in black or white, fabric seats with the “500” stitched into it, and most importantly, a healthy choice of color options. On the functional side, the special edition 500L gets standard climate control and cruise control. There’s also a new 3.5-inch color display screen, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Should there be a need to go a step more on the premium side, Fiat’s offering a larger seven-inch HD touchscreen display, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

From a purely quantitative point-of-view, the 500L City Cross Edition has a lot of upgrades available to it. Unfortunately - and as I mentioned already - engine upgrades aren’t part of it. Those who do end up getting the special edition 500L will have the option to get it in any of the available engine variants for the SUV. The base offering is a 1.4-liter gas engine that packs 95 horsepower while other options, including 105-horsepower 0.9-liter TwinAir engine and a range-topping 1.4-liter TwinJet engine that pumps out 120 horsepower, are also available.

Fiat hasn’t announced the pricing details of the special City Cross Edition package, though it did say that it will go on sale in a matter of weeks. We’ll definitely keep an eye out on updates in that regard.

How does it compare to other special edition 500Ls from the past

It holds up well, but once again, it depends really on what a customer’s taste and preference is. Those who want a vibrant 500L will probably go for the City Cross Edition and for good reason. Hard to imagine a color that pops out more than the Sicilia Orange finish the special edition 500L comes in. Having said that, not everybody is after the flash. Those who prefer a special edition 500 with a noted brand name attached to it will probably prefer something like the 500L Beats Edition from 2014. That one featured its own host of exterior styling, though it also had the benefit of receiving a signature Beats Audio stereo.

Note: photo of the Fiat 500L Beats Edition

If the goal is to bring up the 500L’s luxury qualities, the Urbana Trekking is probably a better choice. Not only does that model feature plenty of color options, but these options are also actually premium in quality by nature of their glossy finishes. Customers can even choose from six different shades, including Verde Bosco Perla (Forest Green Pearl), Rosso Perla (Deep Lava Red), Giallo (yellow), Bianco (white), Grigio Scuro (Gray Metallic) and Blue Tornado.

Note: photo of the Fiat 500L Urbana Trekking

References

Fiat 500L

Read our full review on the Fiat 500L.

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