This is the 2023 Smart #1 Brabus, unveiled at the Chengdu Motor Show in China as the ultimate version of the all-electric crossover. Whereas Brabus is primarily an independent tuner and aftermarket specialist, it worked alongside Smart directly in creating the upgraded crossover. It remains unclear if it will be offered in markets outside of China.
Modifications start under the skin where
Brabus and Smart have fitted an electric motor up front with 154 hp and 200 Nm of torque that operates alongside the standard 268 hp and 343 Nm motor at the rear axle. That results in a combined 422 hp and 543 Nm of torque, serious figures for a crossover of this size and
enough to send the #1 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. It is
understood that the same 66 kWh battery pack as the standard Smart #1 is used
by the Brabus model, meaning it will probably have slightly less range than the
regular 440 km.
Brabus ordinarily equips its creations
with wild bodykits but it has been remarkably restrained with its Smart #1. In
fact, it doesn’t look all that different from the standard model, other than
the additional air intakes just below the hood, distinctive front air curtains,
and the new two-tone silver and black wheels. All examples of the Brabus model
will be finished with a tri-tone paint scheme combining Matte Gray with Silent
Black and Laser Red. The brake calipers are also finished in red.
Further modifications have been made to
the cabin of the #1 and include Brabus branding on the headrests, a steering
wheel clad in Alcantara and leather, and red contrast stitching throughout. Chinese
pricing for the Smart #1 Brabus kicks off at 279,000 yuan (US$ 40,600), a
significant premium over the entry-level #1’s starting price of 190,000 yuan
(US$ 27,649).
