Smart: First ride in the little big one 🎥
MORE OF EVERYTHING With the #1 SUV, the small car manufacturer Smart is entering a new segment. To keep up with the competition, it has not only increased its dimensions, but also its powertrain and equipment.
With its length of 4.30 meters, the all-new Smart #1 - pronounced: Hashtag 1 - is still modest in the compact class, but with its large wheelbase of 2.75 meters and height of 1.65 meters, it offers a real lot of space inside - for five people and 328 liters of luggage, distributed between 15 liters in the front and 313 liters in the rear.
The rear seats can also be used as a cargo area by folding down the 60:40 split backrests. The rear bench seat can also be moved longitudinally by 130 millimeters.
Electric platform from Chinese partner
The #1, which Mercedes and its Chinese partner Geely developed together, is a lower mid-range model. It can be expected to do well in the fast-growing market for compact, electrically powered SUVs.
The car is built on Geely's SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) electric platform. The body design is largely from Mercedes.
The car will be launched in Switzerland in mid-April 2023 in four equipment variants. As Pro+, Premium, Launch Edition or Brabus, it will then offer different extras and powertrains. Either with just one engine (343 Nm, 200 kW) and rear-wheel drive or as the Brabus version with two engines (543 Nm, 315 kW) and all-wheel drive.
All models are equipped with the same 66-kWh battery, and charging time at the 150-kW DC charging station from 10 to 80 percent is just under 30 minutes.
Access with telephone or a key
Access to the interior is provided by smartphone - or, if desired, a conventional electronic key. The door handles extend automatically, and a separate start button is no longer needed to drive off. The usual four driving modes are available for driving.
The cockpit combines intuitive control of the systems with other functions and features such as the virtual fox avatar, which supports the driver as an AI assistant.
In terms of drive technology, even the Premium version with 200 kW for the rear wheels enables good driving performance and power reserves in critical situations. Long distances can be driven with one pedal, and in an emergency the service brake also engages powerfully.
You almost feel like you're in a sports car in the Brabus, as it enables acceleration to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. Special features include the exterior package, new color combinations with red panoramic roof, 19-inch dynamo wheels, and the interior design with Alcantara-covered steering wheel.
Hardly at the dealer or online direct sales
Smart is changing its sales model with the #1. Online direct sales are growing to complement the dealer network. With just a few clicks, a #1 can be reserved, purchased or leased.
The Pro+ version starts at 37,490 francs, the Premium at 40,990 francs, the Launch Edition at 42,290 francs, and the Brabus is priced at 44,990 francs. Pre-orders will be possible from October 18.
