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 273 miles (440 km) thanks to a 66 kWh battery pack located in the floor.
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At launch, the #1 will come with a single rear-mounted motor that makes 264-horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque (343 Nm). 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.
