SMART HASHTAG 1 HATCHBACK 315kW Brabus 66kWh 5dr Auto AWD

EV hot hatches are getting serious. Jonathan Crouch drives the smart #1 BRABUS.

Ten Second Review

The smart #1 gets angry in this hot hatch BRABUS form. It's an all wheel drive twin motor 428hp EV shopping rocket that claims to offer a glimpse into the future of the hot hatch. But does it?

Background

We're already beginning to get an idea of what the EV hot hatch market is going to look like. With modestly powered front motor models like the Abarth 500e and the Volkswagen ID.2 GTI at one end. And at the other, much quicker twin-motor all-wheel-drive contenders like the MG4 XPOWER and the subject of this test, the smart #1 BRABUS. BRABUS is a badge that's adorned smart models for two decades but, for this trendy brand at least, has never really meant very much in terms of increased power. Well it does here. 428hp promises some serious speed, the need for which you might question if you've driven an ordinary #1, not a car engineered for enthusiastic drivers. Can the BRABUS changes radically alter its personality? Let's see.

Driving Experience

Is a hot hatch merely about speed and power? If you think it is, then there's plenty to like here. In this case, the 'BRABUS' badge designates an almost completely different powertrain recipe for the #1, with an extra motor being added over the front wheels to create an EV dual motor AWD system, as part of which the power output leaps up to 428hp. And that's enough (if you select this variant's fieriest extra 'BRABUS' drive mode) to hurl a #1 BRABUS to 62mph in just 3.9s courtesy of 543Nm of torque. In class, only the MG4 XPOWER can match that - though that car can't quite equal a #1 BRABUS model's drive range, rated at 248 miles. This sporty #1 variant certainly proves the worth of this car's advanced 'SEA' Geely-sourced platform. But ultimately it's still not a credible EV hot hatch in the sense that combustion enthusiasts would understand. Partly that's because little work has been done to re-tune the steering and the tyres are much the same as you'll find on the eco-conscious variants. The smart engineers claim that the suspension settings have been revised to take account of the extra weight of the additional motor up-front, but the ride still isn't as firm and engaging as you might expect a hot hatch to be. Still, there's a rortier fake drivetrain note included with this model. Perhaps that'll be enough in compensation if you happen to be disappointed by these oversights.

Design and Build

The #1 BRABUS gets the expected cues to set it apart from the rather apologetic-looking standard #1 models. These include 19-inch wheels that actually look like wheels (rather than aerodynamic fairings). And red detailing on the front and rear diffusers. Red brake callipers add a finishing touch. Take a seat behind the wheel and apart from the microfibre suede upholstery and sports-style pedal, it's just as in a standard #1. There's no start button (the car simply senses your arrival) and, less surprisingly given that this is a Mercedes design, no centre console drive controller either, gear selection duties conducted by the Stuttgart brand's usual slim right hand stalk. Buttons are largely banished and instead of an instrument binnacle, you view a narrow letterbox-shaped 9.2-inch HD digital instrument screen though the jaunty three-spoke smart-branded wheel. That's complemented by a very advanced 12.8-inch central monitor with a 3D interface, over-the-air updates and even an animated fox that pops up above menus and boxes. Aside from screens, you'll not want for equipment. All versions get a so-called 'Halo' panoramic glass sunroof, which comes with a powered sunshade blind. And all you have to do is to avoid base trim to get smart manmade 'Duo leather' upholstery, plus niceties like a 10-inch head-up display, 64-colour ambient lighting and a 13-speaker 640-watt Beats sound system. There's plenty of cabin storage space too, with lidded compartments along the top of this centre console and a huge stowage area beneath large enough for a shopping carrier or a large handbag. 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 273-litre boot.

Market and Model

You're going to need to really want this top BRABUS version of the #1 because the price is pitched right up in premium territory - around £43,500 at the time of this Review. This flagship model features a sporty body kit and its own 19-inch wheel design with red brake calipers. Inside, 'BRABUS'-spec is set apart by microfibre suede upholstery and sports-style pedals, plus you get a simulated engine sound under acceleration and an extra 'BRABUS' drive mode. That's in addition to all the features fitted to the single motor 'Premium'-spec version of this model. 'Which means you can tick off Matrix LED+ headlights with adaptive high beam; and Automatic Parking Assist, which will automatically slot the car into tight spaces. Plus there's a panoramic glass sunroof, illumination for the concealed door handles, scrolling dynamic indicators and gesture control for the powered tailgate. Inside, there's smart 'Duo leather' upholstery, a 10-inch head-up display, a wireless 'phone charger and a 13-speaker 640-watt Beats sound system. And the cabin's upgraded with extended 64-colour premium ambient lighting, illuminated door treadplates, and a leather steering wheel cover. On to safety provision. There's the usual 'Front & Rear Collision Mitigation' autonomous braking system, plus a whole host of stuff to keep you properly in lane - 'Lane Departure Warning', 'Lane Keep Assist', 'Emergency Lane Keep Assist', 'Lane Departure Prevention' and 'Lane Change Assist'. There's also 'Blind Spot Detection' and a Door Open Warning feature. Semi-autonomous drive stuff includes 'Traffic Jam Assist' (which will basically drive the car for you in low speed stop-start traffic); and 'Highway Assist' (which will do the same kind of thing at cruising speeds). Plus there's 'Intelligent Speed Assist', which (if set) will use the standard 'Traffic Sign Recognition' system to automatically adjust your speed to posted limits.

Cost of Ownership

Opting for this weightier BRABUS model inevitably means a small drop in driving range - from 273 to 248 miles. But otherwise, things are much as with the ordinary mid-range 'Premium'-spec #1 variant. The 150kW charging speed looks good (it's class-leading in fact), which allows for a 10-80% DC super charging time of just 30 minutes. The 66kWh battery (only 62kWh of which is usable) takes just 3 hours to replenish itself from 10-80% from an AC supply, thanks to the 22kW AC charge power system that comes fitted. Full battery replenishment by the way, takes a lot longer: a 7.4kW garage wallbox needs 12 hours 45 minutes to completely charge the battery from empty to full. As usual with an EV, the car slots into a low 2% Benefit-in-Kind taxation bracket. And is exempt from road fund licence, London Congestion Charge and London ULEZ charges until 2025. Insurance is group 39 for this top 'BRABUS' variant. What about the peace of mind you'd want from a potentially unfamiliar brand? Well there's a three-year unlimited mileage warranty; an 8 year / 125,000 mile battery warranty; and every car comes with an Integrated Service Package covering servicing and wear-and-tear items for 3 years or 30,000 miles. Plus there's Roadside Assistance for up to 8 years or 100,000 miles, provided the car is maintained at a smart aftersales partner.

Summary

Somewhere here is potentially a great hot hatch, but the recipe in this case isn't quite complete. Creating a truly rewarding EV shopping rocket requires more than just adding an extra motor and upping the power output. And ultimately, the dynamic changes made here over the standard #1 aren't quite enough to provide it. Yet for all that, the #1 BRABUS can be huge fun, as long as you accept the limitations of what you're getting here. And for the time being, we prefer it to its most obvious rival, the wild but strangely unsatisfying MG4 XPOWER. But the bar in this segment is about to be raised. We hope future versions of this model can be fettled to keep pace.

Body Glass

2 x One touch front electric windows

2 x One touch rear electric windows

Front intermittent wipers

Intermittent rear wiper

Rain sensing windscreen wipers

Side window and rear windshield privacy glass

Brakes

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Autohold

Autonomous emergency braking

BAS (Brake Assist System)

Cornering brake control

Electric parking brake

Electrically operated hand brake

Electronic brake distribution

Electronic traction control

Front and rear collision mitigation

Hill descent control

Hill start assist

Parking emergency brake

Red brake calipers

Regenerative braking system

Ventilated disc brakes

Chassis/Suspension

Comfort suspension

e-Pedal

Communication

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Bluetooth

Wireless device charging

Driver Aids

Gesture tailgate

Driver Convenience

12 front and rear parking sensors

360 degree view camera

Adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go

Automatic parking assist

Bcall

Blind spot detection

Drive mode inc. ECO, Comfort, Sport and Brabus

Driver monitoring system

Electrical power assist steering

Emergency lane keep assist+

Evasive manoeuvre support

Front Cross Traffic Alert

Intelligent battery temperature control management system

Intelligent speed assist

Lane change assist

Lane departure system

Lane departure warning

Rear cross traffic alert

Smart pilot assist

Traffic sign recognition

Driver Information

10" head-up display

12.8" central display screen

3D connected navigation + voice control

9.2" HD instrument cluster

Emergency call service

Telematics

TFT display screen

Traffic jam assist

Trip computer

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

13 speakers

4 USB ports

Beats audio system

DAB audio

Remote audio control

Exterior Body Features

Active grille shutters

Electric halo roof blind

Exterior body styling

Frameless Doors

Frunk

Halo panoramic sunroof

Illuminated concealed door handles

Painted door mirrors

Rear door lifting gate

Rear side wing doors

Roof rails

Sporty bodystyle

Exterior Lights

Adaptive high beam assist

Courtesy lights with logo projection

CyberSparks LED+ headlights

Dynamic indicators

Follow me home headlamps

Headlight control with dusk sensor

LED brake lights

LED daytime running lights

LED tail lamp

Low and high beam headlights

Third brake light featuring LED technology

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

2 zone automatic air conditioning

Air filter+

Air quality system

Heat pump

PM2.5 sensor

Interior Features

Alcantara steering wheel

Center console with air vent cooling

Centre console cup holders

Front 12V port

Front seat centre armrests

Illuminated stainless steel tread plates

Loadspace cover

Manually adjustable steering column

Microfibre suede upholstery

Multi function steering wheel

Overhead console glasses storage

Rear air vents on center console

Rear centre armrest with cup holders

Rear seat load-through access

Sport style pedals

Sports-style steering wheel

Trunk 12V port

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting+

Packs

Smart charge street package incl. RFID card

Safety

3x3 point rear seat belts

Airbags - driver and front passenger

Anti-Roll system

Child locks on rear doors

Door open warning

Driver and passenger front seat belt pre tensioners

Far-side airbag

First aid kit

Front seat belt height adjustment

Front side airbags

Safety vest

Side curtain airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Warning triangle

Seats

3 seat rear bench

6 Way powered driver and passenger seat adjustment with lumbar support

60/40 split rear seats

Driver memory seat

Easy entry and exit seat adjustment

Front and rear head restraints

Front passenger seat ISOFIX

Heated driver and passenger seats

Isofix rear child seat preparation

Rear seat angle adjustment

Single front passenger seat

Sliding rear seats

Ventilated front seats

Security

2 keyfobs

Anti theft alarm

Anti theft immobiliser

Anti theft internal monitor

Anti theft steering wheel lock

Keyless entry

Towing

Trailer stability assist

Transmission

All Wheel Drive (AWD)

Vanity Mirrors

Illuminated passenger vanity mirror

Vehicle Charging

22kW AC Charging

22kW onboard charger

Bluetooth plug and charge

Charging port cover

Wheels

Summer tyres

Wheels - Alloy

19" Dynamo alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Battery Capacity in kWh: 66

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 180

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 22

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

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 150

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

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: N

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

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 150

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 125000

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Usable Battery Capacity: 62

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 18.2

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

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 533

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 400

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 331

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 248

Emissions - ICE

CO: N

CO2 (g/km): 0

HC: N

HC+NOx: N

NOx: N

Particles: N

Standard Emissions: N

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: N

Catalytic Convertor: 0

CC: 1

Compression Ratio: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Cylinders: N

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

Engine Code: N

Engine Layout: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Gears: 1 SPEED

Number of Valves: N

Transmission: AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Combined (mpg): N

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Urban (mpg): N

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Badge Power: 428

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: 315kW 66kWh

Coin Series: Brabus

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

Generation Mark: 1

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 38E

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 96

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 89

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 71

NCAP Safety Assist %: 88

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Service Interval Mileage: 20000

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.9

Engine Power - BHP: 428

Engine Power - KW: 315

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 401

Engine Torque - MKG: 55.4

Engine Torque - NM: 543

Engine Torque - RPM: 300

Top Speed: 112

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 235/45 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 235/45 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: DYNAMO

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1636

Length: 4300

Wheelbase: 2750

Width: 1822

Width (including mirrors): 2025

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2370

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 976

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 313

Max. Loading Weight: 470

Max. Roof Load: 50

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1600

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Minimum Kerbweight: 1900

No. of Seats: 5

Exterior Body Features

Matte paint

Roof - Eclipse black

Roof - one tone colour

Roof - Radiant red

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Cyber silver

Metallic - Digital white

Metallic - Laser red

Metallic - Meta black

Paint - Special

Matte - Atom grey

Towing

Trailer hitch

Trim - Cloth

Microfibre suede - Brabus