Smart is finally back with an all-new product and it’s entering the all-electric crossover fray with this, the #1. Designed to take on other small electrified models like the Hyundai Kona and the Volkswagen ID.3, the Smart #1 is the “nucleus of things to come” according to the CEO of Smart Europe. This is the first all-new all-electric Smart product launched since Geely bought 50% of the brand from Daimler. It’s also the first Smart product to sit atop Geely’s SEA all-electric architecture. In the #1, that means a maximum range of 440 km thanks to a 66 kWh battery pack located in the floor.
At launch, the #1 will come with a single
rear-mounted motor that makes 264-horsepower and 343 Nm of torque.
Other battery pack options are likely to follow and the SEA architecture can be
equipped with up to three motors though there’s no word on if the #1 will see
that functionality in the future.
As another way of relaunching the Smart
brand, the #1 is also bigger than any of its predecessors. Geely says that it’s
roughly the same size as a Kia Niro EV, a MINI Countryman, or a Renault Megane
E-Tech but that it’s more spacious inside. According to them, cabin space is
comparable to the luxurious Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan.
Take a quick look at the #1 and it’s easy
to see how they accomplished that. By making the rear and the sides of the
vehicle more vertical than sloped, Smart saves space in the cabin while keeping
the overall footprint fairly small.
Inside, buyers will find a 12.8-inch
infotainment system and a 9.2-inch driver information display, as well as a
10-inch heads-up display. Advanced safety tech like adaptive cruise control,
blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive high-beam headlights are all available as
well.
Pricing has yet to be announced though
production will begin later this year with deliveries beginning sometime in
early 2023. At this time Smart has no plans to sell the vehicle in the USA so
you’ll need to live in Europe or Asia to get your hands on one.
