*Model Shown is for illustration purposes only.
Vehicle Information
The smart brand gets serious with this small electrically-powered SUV, the smart #1. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.
The smart #1 reinvents the smart brand for a new era, a compact full-electric SUV for style-conscious folk who'll enjoy a rather unique Sino-Teutonic blend of EV engineering. The car 'retains the smart spirit' but offers it in a car family fashionistas could realistically justify, with space for five and a range of up to 273 miles.
Think of smart and you picture a tiny city car. But things are changing. The company is reinventing its profile as a style-led electric mobility brand and that will start with this car, the smart #1. It is, according to its maker, 'the nucleus of all things to come'. Which means several things. First, that we'll see bigger smart models than we've we used to in the future - this #1 is a small SUV about the size of a Kia Niro or a MINI Countryman. And second that while the design of future smart models will still be over-seen by parent company Mercedes (hence, for instance, the #1's EQ-style rear light cluster), platforms for the company's cars will in future be provided by the Chinese automotive group Geely, who now hold 50% shareholding in smart. In this case, that means Geely's 'SEA' 'Sustainable Experience Architecture' platform, a chassis also earmarked for a forthcoming compact crossover from Volvo. Big departures then. The smart brand's first SUV, its first five-seater, it's first larger car. What's in store?
The electric powertrain here sees a 66kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery power a rear-mounted motor putting out 268hp and 343Nm of pulling power, which should be enough for agile performance, despite the hefty 1,820kg kerb weight; expect rest to 62mph to take just 6.7s and smart has limited top speed to 112mph. Driving range is rated at 260 miles for the 'Pro+', 273 miles for the 'Premium' and 248 miles for the 'BRABUS'. Larger battery sizes are being considered - and smaller ones too - in a bid to make future entry-level variants more affordable. At the top of the range is a 4WD Dual Motor BRABUS version with 422hp and 543Nm of torque. Paired with a specifically calibrated BRABUS driving mode, this results in a rapid 0-62mph performance of just 3.9 seconds. For most customers though, the smart #1 will be 2WD and, as usual with an EV, whisper-quiet. The advanced 'SEA' Geely-sourced platform should provide for taut handling and a supple ride. And smart is providing a range of autonomous driving tools, including Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go, Lane keep assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Highway and Traffic Jam Assist.
The look of this smart #1 gives us a clue to what future smart models will look like. This one's a small SUV and Mercedes-Benz Chief Designer Gorden Wagener, who oversaw the styling describes it as 'cool, fresh and enchanting'; you decide. The shape is characterised by smooth surfaces, a so-called 'flying' roof, a two-tone paint scheme and a sleek design that flows down over the C-pillars. The simple lighting signatures clearly reference Mercedes EQ designs like the EQA, particularly at the rear. And the wrap-around front light bar incorporates full-LED headlamps as standard. Early variants get large 19-inch wheels too. Emphasising the kind of size that's significantly larger than anything the brand has delivered before; this car is 4,270mm in length. You enter via concealed door handles. In the minimalist cabin, the fascia's dominated by a 12.8-inch touchscreen which uses an AI-based infotainment system with a 3D interface and over-the-air updates. This is further supported by a 9.2-inch HD digital instrument screen and the option of a 10-inch Head-up display. You can have a novel 'halo' roof, which lightens up the interior. And a 13-speaker Dr Dre Beats audio upgrade will be offered. Out back, thanks to the lengthy 4,027mm wheelbase, there's apparently more room than you'd get in a Mercedes E-Class executive saloon. And you get a decently-sized 411-litre boot (421-litres in the 'Pro+').
This will be easily the most expensive smart model ever made. The brand says that it wants to pitch this model against cars like Volkswagen's ID 3, which means that you can expect a starting price of around £36,000. Other target models include fashion-led small SUVs like the Kia Niro and the DS 3. Smart doesn't have any solus UK dealerships. There are currently around 35 Mercedes-Benz franchises in the UK that also sell smart models, where the brand occupies its own separate space in the showroom with a dedicated smart sales person on hand. To start with, smart in the UK is selling 100 'Launch Edition' models. Each of these gets a 'Halo Roof' featuring an intricate chequered pattern, plus 19-inch 'Prism' alloy wheels, exclusive interior trim colours and a two-tone leather interior. Also included are matrix LED headlamps, a 13-speaker Beats audio system, adaptive cruise control, a fully automated parking system and wireless smartphone charging. In the main range, there are 'Pro+' versions (from around £36,000), 'Premium' variants (from around £39,000) and 'BRABUS' models (from around £43,500). On all smart #1 variants, as standard, there's lots of media connectivity, courtesy of a central 12.8-inch touchscreen which is fully customisable and provides an interface for an avatar that responds to speech commands - from launch a fox, but other characters will be added. There's also a 9.2-inch full HD digital instrument binnacle. Top models get a Head-up display; and an innovative 'Halo roof' which makes the interior feel airy and spacious. Safety provision include seven airbags. And you can also specify an 'Advanced Driver Assistance' system package, which gives Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go, Lane keep assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Highway and Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive High Beam headlights and automatic parking.
The smart brand will start to sell this car with a 66kWh battery offering a range of up to 273 miles - that's for the mid-range 'Premium' version. The base 'Pro+' model manages 260 miles and the top 4WD 'BRABUS' variant manages 248 miles. Other battery options are expected to be added to the range in due course. Thanks to the car's 150kW rapid charge capability, the 66kWh battery can be topped up from 10 to 80% in under 30 minutes. Connect up to a 22kW AC charger and a 10-80% charge takes around three hours. Range is maximised by the car's slippery shape - there's a sleek drag co-efficient of 0.29Cd, achieved thanks also to features like an active grille shutter and concealed door handles. The other things you need to know are exactly the same as is the case with any other smart model. There's a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, plus you get 'smart move assist', an included twelve-month international roadside assistance package that can be renewed annually following a smart dealer service.
It's taken smart nearly three decades to come up with a car it might profitably sell in serious numbers in a mainstream market segment. Finally though, that's with what we've got with the #1, the first new model from the brand since 2014. It enters an increasingly crowded segment, but it's certainly different - and potentially very individual. In that sense, the #1 very much retains a smart spirit, as does the funky cabin. What isn't very smart is the asking price, way above anything brand loyalists have had to find in the past. But this is a very different kind of car, catering for the completely different kind of audience this re-invented brand is now seeking. The smart brand has grown up. #about time.
Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty:70
Battery Capacity in kWh:66
Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins):180
Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change:10-80
Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW:22
Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins):30
Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change:10-80
Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW:150
Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins):Not Available
Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change:Not Available
Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW:Not Available
Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins):Not Available
Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change:Not Available
Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW:Not Available
Battery Leased:No
Battery Type:Lithium-ion
Charging Port Location:Right Side Rear
Coupler/Connector Type:CCS Type 2
Maximum Charging Rate - kW:150
Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage:125000
Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years:8
Usable Battery Capacity:62
WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb:29.3
WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb:2.1
WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City:533
WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb:400
WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City:331
WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb:248
CO:Not Available
CO2 (g/km):Data Not Available
HC:Not Available
HC+NOx:Not Available
NOx:Not Available
Particles:Not Available
Standard Euro Emissions:Not Available
Camshaft:Not Available
Catalytic Convertor:No
CC:1
Compression Ratio:Not Available
Cylinder Layout:Not Available
Cylinders:Not Available
Cylinders - Bore (mm):Not Available
Cylinders - Stroke (mm):Not Available
Engine Code:Not Available
Engine Layout:Not Available
Fuel Delivery:Not Available
Gears:1 SPEED
Number of Valves:Not Available
Transmission:AUTO
EC Combined (mpg):Not Available
EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies:Not Available
EC Extra Urban (mpg):Not Available
EC Urban (mpg):Not Available
Alternative Fuel Qualifying:Yes
Badge Engine CC:0.0
Badge Power:428
Based On ID:Not Available
Coin Description:315kW 66kWh
Coin Series:Brabus
Generation Mark:1
Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07:38E
Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years:12
Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years:3
NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %:96
NCAP Child Occupant Protection %:89
NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09:5
NCAP Pedestrian Protection %:71
NCAP Safety Assist %:88
Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?:No
Service Interval Frequency - Months:24
Service Interval Mileage:20000
Special Edition:No
Special Order:No
Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage:Unlimited
Standard manufacturers warranty - Years:3
Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months:Not Available
Timing Belt Interval Mileage:Not Available
Vehicle Homologation Class:M1
0 to 62 mph (secs):3.9
Engine Power - BHP:428
Engine Power - KW:315
Engine Power - RPM:5500
Engine Torque - LBS.FT:401
Engine Torque - MKG:55.4
Engine Torque - NM:543
Engine Torque - RPM:300
Top Speed:112
Emissions Test Cycle:WLTP
RDE Certification Level:N/A
Alloys?:Yes
Space Saver?:No
Tyre Size Front:235/45 R19
Tyre Size Rear:235/45 R19
Tyre Size Spare:TYRE REPAIR KIT
Wheel Style:DYNAMO
Wheel Type:19" ALLOY
Height:1636
Length:4300
Wheelbase:2750
Width:1822
Width (including mirrors):2025
Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres):Not Available
Gross Vehicle Weight:2370
Luggage Capacity (Seats Down):976
Luggage Capacity (Seats Up):313
Max. Loading Weight:470
Max. Roof Load:50
Max. Towing Weight - Braked:1600
Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked:750
Minimum Kerbweight:1900
No. of Seats:5
The smart brand gets serious with this small electrically-powered SUV, the smart #1. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.
The smart #1 reinvents the smart brand for a new era, a compact full-electric SUV for style-conscious folk who'll enjoy a rather unique Sino-Teutonic blend of EV engineering. The car 'retains the smart spirit' but offers it in a car family fashionistas could realistically justify, with space for five and a range of up to 273 miles.
Think of smart and you picture a tiny city car. But things are changing. The company is reinventing its profile as a style-led electric mobility brand and that will start with this car, the smart #1. It is, according to its maker, 'the nucleus of all things to come'. Which means several things. First, that we'll see bigger smart models than we've we used to in the future - this #1 is a small SUV about the size of a Kia Niro or a MINI Countryman. And second that while the design of future smart models will still be over-seen by parent company Mercedes (hence, for instance, the #1's EQ-style rear light cluster), platforms for the company's cars will in future be provided by the Chinese automotive group Geely, who now hold 50% shareholding in smart. In this case, that means Geely's 'SEA' 'Sustainable Experience Architecture' platform, a chassis also earmarked for a forthcoming compact crossover from Volvo. Big departures then. The smart brand's first SUV, its first five-seater, it's first larger car. What's in store?
The electric powertrain here sees a 66kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery power a rear-mounted motor putting out 268hp and 343Nm of pulling power, which should be enough for agile performance, despite the hefty 1,820kg kerb weight; expect rest to 62mph to take just 6.7s and smart has limited top speed to 112mph. Driving range is rated at 260 miles for the 'Pro+', 273 miles for the 'Premium' and 248 miles for the 'BRABUS'. Larger battery sizes are being considered - and smaller ones too - in a bid to make future entry-level variants more affordable. At the top of the range is a 4WD Dual Motor BRABUS version with 422hp and 543Nm of torque. Paired with a specifically calibrated BRABUS driving mode, this results in a rapid 0-62mph performance of just 3.9 seconds. For most customers though, the smart #1 will be 2WD and, as usual with an EV, whisper-quiet. The advanced 'SEA' Geely-sourced platform should provide for taut handling and a supple ride. And smart is providing a range of autonomous driving tools, including Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go, Lane keep assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Highway and Traffic Jam Assist.
The look of this smart #1 gives us a clue to what future smart models will look like. This one's a small SUV and Mercedes-Benz Chief Designer Gorden Wagener, who oversaw the styling describes it as 'cool, fresh and enchanting'; you decide. The shape is characterised by smooth surfaces, a so-called 'flying' roof, a two-tone paint scheme and a sleek design that flows down over the C-pillars. The simple lighting signatures clearly reference Mercedes EQ designs like the EQA, particularly at the rear. And the wrap-around front light bar incorporates full-LED headlamps as standard. Early variants get large 19-inch wheels too. Emphasising the kind of size that's significantly larger than anything the brand has delivered before; this car is 4,270mm in length. You enter via concealed door handles. In the minimalist cabin, the fascia's dominated by a 12.8-inch touchscreen which uses an AI-based infotainment system with a 3D interface and over-the-air updates. This is further supported by a 9.2-inch HD digital instrument screen and the option of a 10-inch Head-up display. You can have a novel 'halo' roof, which lightens up the interior. And a 13-speaker Dr Dre Beats audio upgrade will be offered. Out back, thanks to the lengthy 4,027mm wheelbase, there's apparently more room than you'd get in a Mercedes E-Class executive saloon. And you get a decently-sized 411-litre boot (421-litres in the 'Pro+').
This will be easily the most expensive smart model ever made. The brand says that it wants to pitch this model against cars like Volkswagen's ID 3, which means that you can expect a starting price of around £36,000. Other target models include fashion-led small SUVs like the Kia Niro and the DS 3. Smart doesn't have any solus UK dealerships. There are currently around 35 Mercedes-Benz franchises in the UK that also sell smart models, where the brand occupies its own separate space in the showroom with a dedicated smart sales person on hand. To start with, smart in the UK is selling 100 'Launch Edition' models. Each of these gets a 'Halo Roof' featuring an intricate chequered pattern, plus 19-inch 'Prism' alloy wheels, exclusive interior trim colours and a two-tone leather interior. Also included are matrix LED headlamps, a 13-speaker Beats audio system, adaptive cruise control, a fully automated parking system and wireless smartphone charging. In the main range, there are 'Pro+' versions (from around £36,000), 'Premium' variants (from around £39,000) and 'BRABUS' models (from around £43,500). On all smart #1 variants, as standard, there's lots of media connectivity, courtesy of a central 12.8-inch touchscreen which is fully customisable and provides an interface for an avatar that responds to speech commands - from launch a fox, but other characters will be added. There's also a 9.2-inch full HD digital instrument binnacle. Top models get a Head-up display; and an innovative 'Halo roof' which makes the interior feel airy and spacious. Safety provision include seven airbags. And you can also specify an 'Advanced Driver Assistance' system package, which gives Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go, Lane keep assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Highway and Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive High Beam headlights and automatic parking.
The smart brand will start to sell this car with a 66kWh battery offering a range of up to 273 miles - that's for the mid-range 'Premium' version. The base 'Pro+' model manages 260 miles and the top 4WD 'BRABUS' variant manages 248 miles. Other battery options are expected to be added to the range in due course. Thanks to the car's 150kW rapid charge capability, the 66kWh battery can be topped up from 10 to 80% in under 30 minutes. Connect up to a 22kW AC charger and a 10-80% charge takes around three hours. Range is maximised by the car's slippery shape - there's a sleek drag co-efficient of 0.29Cd, achieved thanks also to features like an active grille shutter and concealed door handles. The other things you need to know are exactly the same as is the case with any other smart model. There's a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, plus you get 'smart move assist', an included twelve-month international roadside assistance package that can be renewed annually following a smart dealer service.
It's taken smart nearly three decades to come up with a car it might profitably sell in serious numbers in a mainstream market segment. Finally though, that's with what we've got with the #1, the first new model from the brand since 2014. It enters an increasingly crowded segment, but it's certainly different - and potentially very individual. In that sense, the #1 very much retains a smart spirit, as does the funky cabin. What isn't very smart is the asking price, way above anything brand loyalists have had to find in the past. But this is a very different kind of car, catering for the completely different kind of audience this re-invented brand is now seeking. The smart brand has grown up. #about time.
Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty:70
Battery Capacity in kWh:66
Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins):180
Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change:10-80
Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW:22
Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins):30
Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change:10-80
Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW:150
Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins):Not Available
Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change:Not Available
Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW:Not Available
Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins):Not Available
Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change:Not Available
Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW:Not Available
Battery Leased:No
Battery Type:Lithium-ion
Charging Port Location:Right Side Rear
Coupler/Connector Type:CCS Type 2
Maximum Charging Rate - kW:150
Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage:125000
Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years:8
Usable Battery Capacity:62
WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb:29.3
WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb:2.1
WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City:533
WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb:400
WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City:331
WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb:248
CO:Not Available
CO2 (g/km):Data Not Available
HC:Not Available
HC+NOx:Not Available
NOx:Not Available
Particles:Not Available
Standard Euro Emissions:Not Available
Camshaft:Not Available
Catalytic Convertor:No
CC:1
Compression Ratio:Not Available
Cylinder Layout:Not Available
Cylinders:Not Available
Cylinders - Bore (mm):Not Available
Cylinders - Stroke (mm):Not Available
Engine Code:Not Available
Engine Layout:Not Available
Fuel Delivery:Not Available
Gears:1 SPEED
Number of Valves:Not Available
Transmission:AUTO
EC Combined (mpg):Not Available
EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies:Not Available
EC Extra Urban (mpg):Not Available
EC Urban (mpg):Not Available
Alternative Fuel Qualifying:Yes
Badge Engine CC:0.0
Badge Power:428
Based On ID:Not Available
Coin Description:315kW 66kWh
Coin Series:Brabus
Generation Mark:1
Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07:38E
Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years:12
Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years:3
NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %:96
NCAP Child Occupant Protection %:89
NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09:5
NCAP Pedestrian Protection %:71
NCAP Safety Assist %:88
Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?:No
Service Interval Frequency - Months:24
Service Interval Mileage:20000
Special Edition:No
Special Order:No
Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage:Unlimited
Standard manufacturers warranty - Years:3
Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months:Not Available
Timing Belt Interval Mileage:Not Available
Vehicle Homologation Class:M1
0 to 62 mph (secs):3.9
Engine Power - BHP:428
Engine Power - KW:315
Engine Power - RPM:5500
Engine Torque - LBS.FT:401
Engine Torque - MKG:55.4
Engine Torque - NM:543
Engine Torque - RPM:300
Top Speed:112
Emissions Test Cycle:WLTP
RDE Certification Level:N/A
Alloys?:Yes
Space Saver?:No
Tyre Size Front:235/45 R19
Tyre Size Rear:235/45 R19
Tyre Size Spare:TYRE REPAIR KIT
Wheel Style:DYNAMO
Wheel Type:19" ALLOY
Height:1636
Length:4300
Wheelbase:2750
Width:1822
Width (including mirrors):2025
Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres):Not Available
Gross Vehicle Weight:2370
Luggage Capacity (Seats Down):976
Luggage Capacity (Seats Up):313
Max. Loading Weight:470
Max. Roof Load:50
Max. Towing Weight - Braked:1600
Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked:750
Minimum Kerbweight:1900
No. of Seats:5
315kW Brabus 66kWh 5dr Auto
