Essay – Smart #1, Metamorphosis

Inside precisely, the #1 heals its sense of welcome. Short cups and generous wheelbase (2.75 m) allow rear passengers to settle down comfortably, except the usual punishment of the environment which will suffer from a prominent central tunnel and a hard file. The 13 cm sliding bench allows the largest possible, 323 -liter (313 l in brabus) to be released. A rather low value with regard to the dimensions of the car, especially since the front trunk only offers 15 small additional liters.

Smart #1

Configure your Smart #1 vehicle or ask for a free trial.

Classified in the electric SUV segment, the Smart #1 announces up to 440 km of autonomy. Its marketing started in October 2022.

Design and dimensions of Smart #1

Defined a line on micro-city vehicles, Smart offers its new model much more generous dimensions. Presented in the form of a concept in September 2021 at the Munich Salon, the Smart #1 is closer to the size of a mini countrymanman. Spread over 4.27 meters in length, it offers a generous wheelbase of 2.75 m.

Inside, Smart #1 receives a large 12.8 -inch touch pad.

Motorization and performance of Smart #1

The new Smart electric car is available in two major technical configurations.

Already particularly muscular, the basic version accumulates 272 horsepower of power and 343 nm of torque.

It is supplemented by a high -end all -wheel -wheel drive. Made with the German preparer Brabus, it has 428 horsepower of power and 543 nm of torque. Enough to shoot 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Beyond its technical characteristics, this smart #1 Brabus has many additional aesthetic equipment.

Battery and autonomy of Smart #1

No more batteries that characterized the Smart Fortwo and Forfour. With #1, Smart is modeled on competition with a pack totalizing 66 kWh of raw capacity.

In terms of autonomy, the manufacturer announces 420 in the mixed WLTP cycle for the basic version. The versions equipped with the heat pump benefit from 20 km more, or 440 km. More powerful therefore more energy -consuming, the Brabus version is limited to 400 kilometers with a load.

Smart recharge #1

In recharge matters, the first SMART SUV is one of the most versatile models on the market.

By alternating current, the #1 receives an on -board charger of 7.4 kW in the basic version which will increase to 22 kW for the higher -end versions.

For the continuous current load, the electric SUV of Smart has a combo connector. Capable of climbing up to 150 kW, it allows recharging from 0 to 80 % in approximately 30 minutes.

Marketing and prices

Marketed since October 2022, Smart #1 begins from € 39,990 in its basic version. Named Pro +, This includes panoramic roof, imitation leather seats, 19 ″ rims, induction charger, 12.8 ′ central screen, Digital 9.2 “combined, bi-zone air conditioning, electric tailgate or adaptive cruise control.

A little more expensive, the version Premium Benefits from the heat pump, the 22 kW on -board charger, the leather upholstery, adaptive highlights, an audio system with 13 speakers and automatic parking aid.

Finally arrives the version Brabus which, with its 428 horsepower, is distinguished by its many red external elements, its two air intakes at the top of the front shield and its Alcantara upholstery.

Essay – Smart #1, Metamorphosis

The first smart of the Geely era is logically a small urban electric SUV, far from the Fortwo pioneers but with a strong capital sympathy and a philosophy resolutely turned towards premium. First test in its Survitamine Brabus version.

Which will resist the fashion of the SUV ? Without doubt no manufacturer, the last of the Mohicans yielding in turn to the sirens of the attractiveness of an ultra-vendor segment . If the Lotus and Ferrari SUVs have caused a lot of ink to flow, Smart’s first crossover is nothing controversial.

The #1 – This is its name – is the logical evolution of a brand that has just started a new turn, becoming de facto The first fruit of joint venture between Mercedes and the Chinese Geely . A new 100% electric model which has absolutely nothing to do with the old smarts but which still wants.

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The good boil

Already by style with plump lines and a front face which seems to smile with its light banner connecting its headlights. All while adding a small touch of premium with doors without uprights, fluffy handles and a decently very Mercedes rear . Special mention for the Brabus version, longer (4.30 m against 4.27) and to the many specific elements outside as in the cabin.

Inside precisely, the #1 heals its sense of welcome. Short cups and generous wheelbase (2.75 m) allow rear passengers to settle down comfortably, except the usual punishment of the environment which will suffer from a prominent central tunnel and a hard file. The 13 cm sliding bench allows the largest possible, 323 -liter (313 l in brabus) to be released. A rather low value with regard to the dimensions of the car, especially since the front trunk only offers 15 small additional liters.

Make us buttons !

The presentation does not suffer from any major criticism. The materials are rather of good quality (except the hard plastics of the offices), the precise adjustments and the drawing of the dashboard very gently recalls the silhouette of the vehicle. A simple and ergonomic universe where the small 9.2 ” info-divisional screen (supported by a head-up display from the second level of finish) distills the main information.

For the rest, it will be necessary to turn to the central screen of 12.8 ” which controls almost everything on the car . Whether it is the air conditioning settings, the mirrors, the opening of the trunk, the different levels of energy recovery or the navigation and the aids to the driving. A bit like at Tesla but much less easy to use. Too bad because the colorful display, the globe with almost childish drawing and the animated fox have the merit of making the info-draft more original.

A somewhat gourmet urban

Technically too, the #1 is original. Based on the SAE platform of the Chinese manufacturer (which will also equip future Volvo), the smart is surprisingly powerful since it develops 272 horsepower (343 nm of torque) in its basic version in propulsion and up to 428 horses (543 nm ) thanks to the two engines and the all -wheel drive of La Brabus. Enough to take off from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds . Unheard of with a smart !

Indeed, the #1 Brabus is a small rocket, ready to jump at the slightest acceleration to sneak into traffic. Especially since her careful damping (except a few percussion with the premium finish) and her good soundproofing, coupled with a very natural driving position make her very pleasant to drive in the urban centers . Provided you manage to dose the two energy recovery levels, not necessarily an easy task. Same observation for the One Pedal mode, too brutal to stop the vehicle.

Thanks to its 66 kWh battery, the #1 Brabus announces a 400 km WLTP autonomy (440 km for the Premium), a mixed consumption of 16.5 kWh/100 km. A value that would rather tend to get closer to the 20 kWh in real conditions, and this with particularly mild weather. It will therefore rather be necessary to table 330 km before having to go through the recharge box. To do this, count less than 3 hours to go from 10 to 80% thanks to the on -board charger of 22 kW and less than 30 minutes in fast load 150 kW.

Brabus but not sporty

You will undoubtedly take much more time to empty the battery, even in dynamic driving. Because despite its prestigious coat of arms, the #1 Brabus really has nothing sporty . Roulis intake, tendency to understeer, poorly informative direction and very flexible suspensions characterize a chassis decidedly typed comfort .

So many faults that could make the experience of driving and dangerous driving. Fortunately, it is nothing and it is even the opposite with a lot of fun at its wheel . Its mobility in curve and its continental Ecocontact tires with lateral grip even lead to some side slides recalling the first Fortwo Brabus . With the only difference that the #1 Brabus weighs almost 2 tonnes (1.900 kg). The times are changing !

And competition in all of this ?

And the prices too ! The Smart #1 begins its prices at € 39,990 (- € 5,000 in bonuses) and reaches € 47,490 for the Brabus . Beautiful sums justified by its premium positioning and its beautiful standard endowment with the 360 ​​° camera, the electric and heated seats, the screens as well as the automatic air conditioning and the panoramic roof.

While knowing that the highest finishes are full of new technologies with automatic parking assistance, level 2 semi-autonomous driving, voice recognition, video games in the multimedia system or even the possibility of linking its accounts Music to the car.

Another positive point for the Smart #1, the absence of frontal competitors. The Volvo XC40 recharging is larger, almost as powerful as the Brabus and more expensive while the DS 3 e-Tense is less expensive but much smaller and less well equipped. And on the generalist side, the Peugeot E-2008 is barely more affordable for a lower power and a less supplied endowment while the Hyundai Kona is less efficient and of older design for a substantially equal rate.

Smart technical sheet #1

Model Try: Smart #1 Brabus 428 hp
Dimensions L x W x H	4,300 / 1.822 / 1.636 m
Wheelbase	2.750 m
Chest volume	323 L (15 L at the front)
Unloaded weight	1.900 kg
Engine displacement	Electric motor with permanent magnets
Engine power	156 hp at the front and 272 hp at the rear for a combined power of 428 hp
Couple	200 Nm at the front and 343 nm at the rear for a total torque of 543 nm
0 to 100 km/h	3.9 s
Max speed	180 km/h

Good to know: anticipate purchase and resale.

Whether for the purchase of a new or used car, it is important to provide all expenses by comparing different car insurance offers.

• – Comfort
• – Autonomy
• – Cabin

• – Small chest
• – Little dynamic behavior
• – Complicated infotainment

First globally successful foray into the world of electric SUVs for Smart which will market an original #1, comfortable and good autonomy next year next year. A premium urban vehicle which would however deserve to correct some faults to be really as well as what the brand announces.