The fully electric Smart #1 is about to get a performance version that will reportedly come with Brabus branding, and the carmaker released an official teaser video showing off some of its unique styling features. The hotter Smart #1 has been previously spied completely undisguised in China, but this is the first time we get a confirmation from the carmaker. The short video montage was posted on Instagram last month but went mostly unnoticed, with some people mistakenly thinking it showed the regular Smart #1.
However, a closer look at the video
reveals a red-illuminated grille, dual intakes on the bumper, a larger rear
spoiler, and a new aero design for the wheels. The model is painted in a matte
gray exterior shade combined with a red roof, black badges, and red accents all
around the bodywork. There are also quick shots of the interior showing the
driver pressing a button on the center console, presumably to activate a sporty
driving mode.
The entry-level Smart #1 is fitted with a
single electric motor producing 264 hp, but the Brabus
version is expected to get a dual electric motor setup. This will bring
all-wheel-drive, and a rumored output of around 400 hp, or
even 428 hp depending on which source you want to believe.
The 66 kWh battery pack might be retained, but the WLTP range will be probably
lower than the 440 km of the base model. Setting aside the fancy
dress, the Brabus-badged smart will likely get a new suspension setup for
improved handling.
Smart’s angry electric SUV will be
introduced sometime in the coming months, with a market launch in 2023.
Deliveries of the non-Brabus Smart #1 are expected to start from China in late
2022, with Germany following in early 2023 and the UK in mid-2023.
