Fresh start for Smart. The city car brand is showing its first vehicle, which emerged from the joint venture with the Chinese manufacturer Geely, and from now on will rely entirely on fully electric drives. The #1 is also the brand’s first model designed from the ground up as an electric car. A high degree of digitization and a funky one design should help to reach as young a target group as possible.
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Market launch and price:
Smart is still silent on the entry-level price. But what is already certain is that orders will start in September 2022. Anyone who would like to secure the launch edition limited to 1000 copies (pictured) can reserve it now. The first deliveries of the smart SUV are scheduled for December 2022.
Concept: Mercedes and Geely share the work
The Smart #1 should cover a distance of around 440 kilometers on one battery charge.
Within the joint venture, Mercedes and Geely have a strict division of responsibilities. While the Chinese manufacturer strives for the technology and production of the #1, the design still comes from Stuttgart. As far as the drive components are concerned, Smart is stuck with the new SUV Chinese technology under the sheet metal for the first time. The previous Strom-Smart models still had drives from the old cooperation with Renault.
Dimensions: No Smart has ever been this big
The dimensions of the Smart #1 no longer have anything in common with the previous model portfolio. The dimensions are comparable to those of a VW ID.3, with the exception of a few millimeters. Because of the all-electric platform, that offers SUV in addition to a trunk also a frunk under the front hood. All dimensions in detail:
● trunk: 273-411 liters (depending on the position of the sliding rear seat) ● frunk: 15 liters
Design: Smart doesn’t hold back
When it comes to looks, Smart doesn’t hold back on the #1. Nevertheless, the design is modern and clean, has hardly any corners and no sharply set edges. The production vehicle remains very close to the study that will be on the 2021 IAA was shown in Munich. The front, which is not completely closed, has a large throat below the LED headlights. Here the concept was shown with a light panel that did not make it into mass production.
The rear lights are drop-shaped and connected to each other by a light strip.
The color-contrasting roof of the launch edition flows into the profile of the C-pillar that appears to float. The door handles are sunk into the body and only appear when needed. The rear, with its continuous rear lights, is strongly reminiscent of the Mercedes EQA and takes up the design of the front again.
Interior: Inside, the Smart #1 is a giant
The interior is also in no way inferior to the study from 2021. The driver and front passenger are separated by a free-floating center console. The space in front is impeccable cockpit largely without buttons. infotainment and vehicle functions can be operated via the central 12.8-inch touchscreen. The instruments are shown digitally on a narrow 9.2-inch display – there is also a ten-inch head-up display. The large panoramic glass roof contributes positively to the feeling of space.
Even with a height of 1.95 meters, How To Cars editor Peter Fischer can still sit very comfortably in the back.
Particularly worth mentioning: Very tall people can also sit comfortably – and upright – in the back. So the #1, at least as far as the space is concerned, is fully suitable for travel for four adults.
Equipment and connectivity: digital avatar for the SUV
The Smart #1 is optionally available with wheels up to 19 inches in size. Otherwise, the focus is more on the interior of the city SUV. Here is a 12.8 inch tall touch screen the control center. A digital avatar should make interaction with the vehicle as natural as possible. In addition, up to 13 loudspeakers including a subwoofer ensure the right sound experience.
Playful graphics can also be found in the infotainment. A digital avatar helps with the operation.
Drive: More than 270 hp in the new Smart
The new #1 is powered by an electric motor on the rear axle. With 200 kW (272 hp) and 343 Nm torque that should SUV be able to cope with all everyday tasks. The top speed of the empty 1820 kilo #1 is 180 km/h.
The electricity is stored in a 66 kWh battery, which according to WLTP should be sufficient for a range of up to 440 km. The Smart charges with alternating current (AC) with 22 kW, with the direct current fast charger (DC) up to 150 kW are possible. Under the best conditions, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes.
