Fiat 500XL Seven-Seater Revealed in Leaked Images
Patent drawings and leaked photos confirm the Fiat 500XL, a seven-seat MPV based on the 500L, will launch in late 2013 with extended length and flexible seating.
Leaked patent images and early photos have confirmed Fiat's plans to expand the 500 line-up with a seven-seat MPV, internally known as the 500XL. The model is set to launch in late 2013, joining the 500, 500C, 500L and the upcoming 500X in the brand's growing family.
The 500XL uses the same platform and wheelbase as the five-seat 500L, but increases overall length by around 200mm to accommodate a third row of seats. This stretches the car to approximately 4,340mm, with the extra space coming from an extended rear overhang rather than a longer wheelbase. The design closely follows the 500L, with only the rear section noticeably altered to house the extra seats and larger boot opening.
Interior layout and practicality
The dashboard, switchgear and front cabin are carried over from the 500L, including the body-coloured inserts and chunky controls. The key difference is the flexible seating: the second row tilts and slides to allow access to the third row, and all rear seats can be folded flat to create a larger load area. With all seven seats in use, boot space is expected to be limited, but folding the third row flat will free up an additional 100 litres compared to the 500L.
Fiat is positioning the 500XL as a family-friendly alternative to the Ford Grand C-MAX and Renault Grand Scenic, and as a modern successor to the Multipla. The third row is likely to suit children best, given the car's overall size and packaging.
Engines and expected pricing
The engine line-up will mirror the 500L, with two petrol options: a 1.4-litre four-cylinder with 93bhp and the 875cc TwinAir turbo with 104bhp. Diesel buyers will see the 1.3-litre Multijet with 84bhp and low CO2 emissions around 115g/km. Some sources also mention a flagship 1.6-litre Multijet diesel for higher trims. Gearbox options are expected to follow the 500L, with manual and automated transmissions available depending on engine choice.
- 1.4-litre petrol (93bhp)
- 875cc TwinAir petrol (104bhp)
- 1.3-litre Multijet diesel (84bhp)
- Possible 1.6-litre Multijet diesel for top trims
Pricing is not yet confirmed, but the 500XL is expected to start at about £16,500 for the entry-level 1.4 petrol, roughly £1,500 more than the equivalent 500L. Top-spec diesel models could reach £20,500. Full UK specifications and final naming are still to be announced, with Fiat reportedly considering a change from the XL badge before launch to avoid confusion with the 500X crossover.
Position in Fiat’s range and future models
The 500XL is the latest in a rapid expansion of the 500 range, which will soon also include the 500X crossover. Fiat is planning a 500L Trekking variant with raised suspension and extra body cladding for light off-road use, but the 500XL will focus on family practicality rather than any off-road pretensions. With the 500XL, Fiat aims to capture buyers looking for a compact, flexible MPV with a familiar badge and distinctive style.
For more on the Fiat 500X crossover, seeFirst Leaked Image Of The Fiat 500X.
