Smart #1: information and range of the electric SUV

The Smart #1 is the first model to be launched since the Chinese company Geely acquired a partial stake in the brand. It has little in common with the previous Smart models.

Today co-owned by Daimler and Geely, Smart is at a pivotal point in its relatively young history. To regain strong momentum, the brand is wiping the slate clean and completely changing its philosophy. Larger, heavier, more powerful, and more expensive, the SUV #1 embodies the new face of the manufacturer. It is offered exclusively with electric motors.

Style and Dimensions

Measuring 4.27 meters long, the Smart #1 bears little resemblance to the company’s first model, which could almost be parked perpendicular against the curb. Its size and market positioning place it in the DS 3 E-Tense category. The Mercedes EQA, BMW iX1, and Audi Q4 e-Tron are a few centimeters larger.

The design of the Smart #1 is characterized by sobriety and does not revolutionize the small SUV segment. The flush door handles give a smooth appearance to the bodywork. The headlights and taillights are connected by a light strip. The floating roof is painted in a color distinct from the rest of the body. The front windows are frameless.

The dashboard also offers no major surprises. A 12.8-inch touchscreen in the center, and a smaller screen in front of the driver: this is a very classic configuration. The overall impression is one of seriousness and quality, confirming Smart’s move upmarket.

The Smart #1 features a 3-seat rear bench that slides over 13 cm. Depending on its position, the trunk volume ranges from 323 to 411 liters. It expands to 976 liters with the rear seats folded down. Like Tesla, the Smart #1 also has a small front trunk, with a volume of 15 liters, capable of holding items such as a charging cable.

Motor and Performance

The Smart #1 is built on a platform that will see significant development within the Geely group (the Sustainable Experience Architecture). It will also be used in the upcoming Volvo EX30.

The electric motor drives the rear wheels. It delivers 272 hp and 343 Nm of torque. The Brabus version boosts power further to 428 hp. The presence of a second motor indicates all-wheel drive.

All variants are limited to a top speed of 180 km/h. The main differences between the standard Smart #1 and the Brabus version lie in acceleration. The Brabus accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, which is quite significant.

Range and Charging

The battery capacity of the Smart #1 is 66 kWh, regardless of the version chosen. With the 272 hp motor, the range is between 420 and 440 km. The more energy-consuming Brabus version is homologated for a 400 km range.

In base trim, the Smart #1 comes with a built-in charger of 7.4 kW. Other versions have a 22 kW charger, allowing from 10 to 80% charge in 3 hours on a public charger. With rapid DC charging, the vehicle accepts a maximum power of 150 kW, enabling a 10 to 80% charge in about 30 minutes.

Price and Equipment

At launch, the Smart #1 starts just below €40,000. Currently, customers can choose between the Pro+ and Premium trims, the launch edition, and the aforementioned Brabus version.

In terms of equipment, the base Pro+ trim includes LED headlights, automatic tri-zone air conditioning, faux leather upholstery, interior ambient lighting with 64 colors, heated front seats, a 360-degree camera, and 19-inch wheels. The flush and electric door handles are also standard. However, this trim is limited to the 7.4 kW onboard charger. It offers an estimated range of 420 km.

The Premium adds a panoramic roof, automatic parking assistance with 12 sensors, Beats audio system, heat pump, head-up display, and leather upholstery. Like higher trims, it features a 22 kW onboard charger. Its range increases to 440 km.

The Launch Edition has equipment similar to the Premium but features different styling. It also offers a range of 440 km. The Brabus version has a more aggressive aesthetic, with increased power and reduced range, and stands out with a more aggressive look.

Smart #1 Gallery

Smart #1 Technical Specifications