The smart brand gets serious with this small electrically-powered SUV, the smart #1. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The smart #1 reinvents the smart brand for a new era, a compact full-electric small hatch for style-conscious folk who'll enjoy a rather unique Sino-Teutonic blend of EV engineering. The car 'retains the smart spirit' but offers it in a car family fashionistas could realistically justify, with space for five and a range of up to 273 miles.

Background

Think of smart and you picture a tiny city car. But things are changing. The company is reinventing its profile as a style-led electric mobility brand and that will start with this car, the smart #1. It is, according to its maker, 'the nucleus of all things to come'. Which means several things. First, that in the future, we'll see bigger smart models than we've been used to - this #1 is a small SUV about the size of a Kia Niro or a MINI Countryman. And second that while the design of future smart models will still be over-seen by parent company Mercedes (hence, for instance, the #1's EQ-style rear light cluster), platforms for the company's cars will in future be provided by the Chinese automotive group Geely, who now hold 50% shareholding in smart. In this case, that means Geely's 'SEA' 'Sustainable Experience Architecture' platform, a chassis also earmarked for a forthcoming compact crossover from Volvo. Big departures then. The smart brand's first SUV, its first five-seater, it's first larger car. What's in store?

Driving Experience

The electric powertrain here sees a 66kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery power a rear-mounted motor putting out 268hp and 343Nm of pulling power, which should be enough for agile performance, despite the hefty 1,820kg kerb weight; expect rest to 62mph to take just 6.7s and smart has limited top speed to 112mph. Driving range is rated at 260 miles for the 'Pro+', 273 miles for the 'Premium' and 248 miles for the 'BRABUS'. Larger battery sizes are being considered - and smaller ones too - in a bid to make future entry-level variants more affordable. At the top of the range is a 4WD Dual Motor BRABUS version with 422hp and 543Nm of torque. Paired with a specifically calibrated BRABUS driving mode, this results in a rapid 0-62mph performance of just 3.9 seconds. For most customers though, the smart #1 will be 2WD and, as usual with an EV, whisper-quiet. The advanced 'SEA' Geely-sourced platform should provide for taut handling and a supple ride. And smart is providing a range of autonomous driving tools, including Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go, Lane keep assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Highway and Traffic Jam Assist.

Design and Build

The look of this smart #1 gives us a clue to what future smart models will look like. This one's a small SUV and Mercedes-Benz Chief Designer Gorden Wagener, who oversaw the styling describes it as 'cool, fresh and enchanting'; you decide. The shape is characterised by smooth surfaces, a so-called 'flying' roof, a two-tone paint scheme and a sleek design that flows down over the C-pillars. The simple lighting signatures clearly reference Mercedes EQ designs like the EQA, particularly at the rear. And the wrap-around front light bar incorporates full-LED headlamps as standard. Early variants get large 19-inch wheels too. Emphasising the kind of size that's significantly larger than anything the brand has delivered before; this car is 4,270mm in length. You enter via concealed door handles. In the minimalist cabin, the fascia's dominated by a 12.8-inch touchscreen which uses an AI-based infotainment system with a 3D interface and over-the-air updates. This is further supported by a 9.2-inch HD digital instrument screen and the option of a 10-inch Head-up display. You can have a novel 'halo' roof, which lightens up the interior. And a 13-speaker Dr Dre Beats audio upgrade will be offered. Out back, thanks to the lengthy 4,027mm wheelbase, there's apparently more room than you'd get in a Mercedes E-Class executive saloon. And you get a decently-sized 411-litre boot (421-litres in the 'Pro+').

Market and Model

This will be easily the most expensive smart model ever made. The brand says that it wants to pitch this model against cars like Volkswagen's ID 3, which means that you can expect a starting price of around £32,000. Other target models include fashion-led small SUVs like the Kia Niro and the DS 3. Smart doesn't have any solus UK dealerships. There are currently around 35 Mercedes-Benz franchises in the UK that also sell smart models, where the brand occupies its own separate space in the showroom with a dedicated smart sales person on hand. The line-up starts with the base 'Pro' model. Next up in the main range, there are 'Pro+' versions (from around £36,000), 'Premium' variants (from around £39,000) and 'BRABUS' models (from around £43,500). On all smart #1 variants, as standard, there's lots of media connectivity, courtesy of a central 12.8-inch touchscreen which is fully customisable and provides an interface for an avatar that responds to speech commands - from launch a fox, but other characters will be added. There's also a 9.2-inch full HD digital instrument binnacle. Top models get a Head-up display; and an innovative 'Halo roof' which makes the interior feel airy and spacious. Safety provision include seven airbags. And you can also specify an 'Advanced Driver Assistance' system package, which gives Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go, Lane keep assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Highway and Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive High Beam headlights and automatic parking.

Cost of Ownership

The smart brand will start to sell this car with a 66kWh battery offering a range of up to 273 miles - that's for the mid-range 'Premium' version. The base 'Pro+' model manages 260 miles and the top 4WD 'BRABUS' variant manages 248 miles. Other battery options are expected to be added to the range in due course. Thanks to the car's 150kW rapid charge capability, the 66kWh battery can be topped up from 10 to 80% in under 30 minutes. Connect up to a 22kW AC charger and a 10-80% charge takes around three hours. Range is maximised by the car's slippery shape - there's a sleek drag co-efficient of 0.29Cd, achieved thanks also to features like an active grille shutter and concealed door handles. The other things you need to know are exactly the same as is the case with any other smart model. There's a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, plus you get 'smart move assist', an included twelve-month international roadside assistance package that can be renewed annually following a smart dealer service.

Summary

It's taken smart nearly three decades to come up with a car it might profitably sell in serious numbers in a mainstream market segment. Finally though, that's with what we've got with the #1, the first new model from the brand since 2014. It enters an increasingly crowded segment, but it's certainly different - and potentially very individual. In that sense, the #1 very much retains a smart spirit, as does the funky cabin. What isn't very smart is the asking price, way above anything brand loyalists have had to find in the past. But this is a very different kind of car, catering for the completely different kind of audience this re-invented brand is now seeking. The smart brand has grown up. #about time.

Body Glass

Front intermittent wipers

Rain sensing windscreen wipers

Intermittent rear wiper

2 x One touch front electric windows

2 x One touch rear electric windows

Side window and rear windshield privacy glass

Brakes

Electronic traction control

Cornering brake control

Hill descent control

Hill start assist

Autonomous emergency braking

Regenerative braking system

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Electric parking brake

BAS (Brake Assist System)

Electrically operated hand brake

Electronic brake distribution

Autohold

Ventilated disc brakes

Front and rear collision mitigation

Chassis/Suspension

Comfort suspension

e-Pedal

Communication

Wireless device charging

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Bluetooth

Driver Aids

Adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go

Traffic sign recognition

Rear cross traffic alert

Intelligent speed assist

360 degree camera

Front Cross Traffic Alert

Lane departure warning

Lane change assist

Blind spot detection

Evasive manoeuvre support

8 front and rear parking sensors

Smart pilot assist

Emergency lane keep assist+

Lane departure system

Bcall

Electrical power assist steering

Drive mode inc. ECO, Comfort and Sport

Intelligent battery temperature control management system

Driver Convenience

Power tailgate

Driver Information

Trip computer

Telematics

Driver monitoring system

TFT display screen

Traffic jam assist

3D connected navigation + voice control

Emergency call service

9.2" HD instrument cluster

12.8" central display screen

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming door mirrors

Automatic dimming interior mirror

Electrically adjustable, heated door mirrors with memory and reverse auto-dipping

Embellishment Trims

Man made leather wrapped instrument panel

Entertainment

DAB audio

4 USB ports

Remote audio control

Audio system with 5 speakers

Exterior Body Features

Roof rails

Frameless Doors

Painted door mirrors

Active grille shutters

Rear side wing doors

Rear door lifting gate

Concealed door handles

Halo panoramic sunroof

Frunk

Electric halo roof blind

Exterior Lights

LED brake lights

LED daytime running lights

LED tail lamp

Follow me home headlamps

Third brake light featuring LED technology

Automatic high beam assist

LED low and high beam headlights

Headlight control with dusk sensor

CyberSparks LED headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Air filter

2 zone automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Loadspace cover

Multi function steering wheel

Front seat centre armrests

Manually adjustable steering column

Stainless steel tread plates

Synthetic leather steering wheel

Man made leather upholstery

Rear seat load-through access

Center console with air vent cooling

Front 12V port

Trunk 12V port

Overhead console glasses storage

Rear air vents on center console

Centre console cup holders

Rear centre armrest with cup holders

Interior Lights

Reading lights

Ambient lighting

Packs

Smart charge street package incl. RFID card

Safety

First aid kit

Warning triangle

Front side airbags

Door open warning

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Side curtain airbags

Child locks on rear doors

Airbags - driver and front passenger

3x3 point rear seat belts

Driver and passenger front seat belt pre tensioners

Anti-Roll system

Far-side airbag

Safety vest

Front seat belt height adjustment

Seats

Front and rear head restraints

Sliding rear seats

Isofix rear child seat preparation

60/40 split rear seats

3 seat rear bench

Heated driver and passenger seats

Single front passenger seat

Driver memory seat

Rear seat angle adjustment

Easy entry and exit seat adjustment

6 Way powered driver and passenger seat adjustment with lumbar support

Front passenger seat ISOFIX

Security

Anti theft alarm

Keyless entry

2 keyfobs

Anti theft immobiliser

Anti theft internal monitor

Anti theft steering wheel lock

Vanity Mirrors

Illuminated passenger vanity mirror

Vehicle Charging

7.4 kW onboard charger

Bluetooth plug and charge

Charging port cover

Wheels

Summer tyres

Wheels - Alloy

19" Amps alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 330

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 30

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 130

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 125000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 49

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 426

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 310

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 18.1

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 2.1

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 265

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 193

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 47

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 130

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: 0

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Pro

Coin Description: 200kW 49kWh

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 30E

Service Interval Mileage: 20000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 96

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 89

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 71

NCAP Safety Assist %: 88

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 272

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.7

Top Speed: 112

Engine Power - BHP: 272

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 200

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 253

Engine Torque - NM: 343

Engine Torque - RPM: 300

Engine Torque - MKG: 35

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/45 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 235/45 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: AMPS

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4270

Width: 1822

Wheelbase: 2750

Width (including mirrors): 2025

Height: 1636

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1780

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2205

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Loading Weight: 425

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 323

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 986

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Roof - one tone colour

Roof - Eclipse black

Roof - Lumen Yellow

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Digital white

Metallic - Meta black

Metallic - Cyber silver

Metallic - Laser red

Metallic - Quantum blue

Metallic - Future green

Paint - Solid

Solid - Lumen yellow

Trim - Leather

Man made leather - After dark

Man made leather - Lightning dash