Smart has unveiled its first all-electric compact SUV, spurring the automaker's plans to reposition itself as a leading design brand with an all-electric lineup. According to Smart Europe's CEO, the Smart #1 is the "nucleus of things to come" as it competes with other small electrified models such as the Hyundai Kona and the Volkswagen ID.3.
It's the carmaker's first production model to be revealed under joint Mercedes-Geely ownership, and it follows a concept version shown at the Munich Motor Show last year.
The #1 is the first of a new generation of vehicles built on Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture, which is also expected to underpin a new compact electric Volvo model.
The Smart #1 is powered by a 66kWh battery and a 268bhp rear-mounted electric motor. This provides a range of up to 273 miles, which is greater than the 260 miles or so that the EQA provides. The electric motor's instant torque should make the #1 feel nippy around city streets, though heavy acceleration will quickly deplete the charge. When connected to a public fast charger, 150kW rapid charging will charge the Smart from 10-80 percent in just 30 minutes.
Its 4,270mm length and 2,750mm wheelbase make it the largest Smart ever produced, and clever interior packaging maximizes space even further.
The Smart is virtually identical to the concept. It still has a floating roof, contrasting colors, and a curvy silhouette. The only changes appear to be some extra small detailing in the front and rear bumpers, as well as the addition of flush-mounted door handles. They appear when someone needs to enter. The glass on the doors is also frameless. The entire vehicle is still relatively small, but not as small as previous Smarts.
The interior is fairly simple, with a 9.2-inch LCD gauge, a 12.8-inch central tablet, and a 10-inch head-up display. Smart claims that the interior is decked out in premium materials and has LED lighting throughout.
“The new smart #1 stands for the re-start of the smart brand and showcases our new design DNA of Sensual Product,” said Gorden Wagener, chief design officer at Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “It is grown-up, cool and embodies beauty with smart solutions. Therefore, it is new, fresh, and enchanting. Our new Smart #1 has the potential to make Smart a leading design brand.”
A homologated version is expected in the second half of 2022 at which point official specs will be published, and sales of the #1 will start towards the end of the year.
