Fiat + Kartell Take the Wheel in a Design-First Reboot of the Grande Panda

Born from a shared history, the collaboration between Fiat + Kartell reimagines the Grande Panda car with bold, unmistakable Italian style.

May 29, 2025 - 01:00

Fiat + Kartell Take the Wheel in a Design-First Reboot of the Grande Panda

In the 1950s, Kartell wasn’t yet known for its iconic plastic furniture, but it was already making waves in Italian design. One of its earliest, most unexpected products? A sleek, functional ski rack made for a Fiat. Decades later, the two Italian icons reunite for something a little more ambitious: the Fiat Grande Panda Kartell. This concept car reimagines Fiat’s beloved boxy silhouette with a design-first makeover, infused with Kartell’s signature color-blocking, material innovation, and bold personality.

More than just a stylish refresh, the Fiat Grande Panda Kartell reflects shared values between the brands: simplicity, functionality, and accessibility. Fiat brings its automotive legacy; Kartell adds a forward-thinking approach to material and form. Unveiled at Milan Design Week 2025, the vehicle challenges what a car can look and feel like when design takes the driver’s seat.

At first glance, it’s impossible to miss the fiery red exterior, a high-energy hue that nods to Kartell’s signature color. Contrasting black panels add a sharp color-blocked effect, dialing up the visual impact. Kartell’s iconic ‘K’ logo is stamped throughout the car, appearing on everything from the third pillar to the thermo-embossed upholstery.

Inside, design lovers will spot a cheeky Easter egg: a mini version of Kartell’s iconic lamp, cleverly positioned on the dashboard cluster as a playful wink to Kartell’s lighting legacy.

True to form, Kartell also brings its material expertise to the table. Polycarbonate 2.0 – a second-generation polymer made from renewable sources – makes its way into the car’s interior elements. Known for its durability and lightweight nature, the material is a subtle callback to Kartell’s most celebrated, sustainable designs.

Even the upholstery leans into innovation. A “tex to tex” process transforms production scraps from Kartell’s Foliage armchair into fibers, which are then re-spun into 100% recycled polyester yarn for the seat covers. The result is a tactile interior that looks great, feels great, and makes a case for circular design in the automotive world.

As more brands team up in unexpected ways, it’s refreshing to see two Italian legends reconnect through a shared history and a deep love for design. More than just a moment in Milan, the Fiat Grande Panda Kartell celebrates heritage while pushing boldly into the future. Stylish, sustainable, and distinctly Italian, it’s proof that when design leads the way, everyone wants a seat at the table – or in this case, behind the wheel.

To learn more about the Fiat Grande Panda Kartell collaboration, visit kartell.com.

Photography courtesy of Kartell and Fiat.