Smart recently premiered its #1 electric compact SUV, spearheading plans to reposition as a leading design brand with an all-electric line-up. Fleet World gives the lowdown on the new model.

Sales of the Smart #1 will start late 2022

What is it? A(nother) compact SUV – this time from a small car company

When is it available? On sale late 2022

Biggest changes? Everything – it’s all-new!

Fleet appeal? An EV that stands out from the crowd

What a performance

Smart’s #1 represents the first new car from an all-electric product family as the German brand undergoes a revival. Powering the car is a 271hp motor, fed by a 66kWh battery pack and with a maximum torque of 343Nm and a theoretical top speed of 112mph.

The maximum range is touted as 260-273 miles (WLTP) with best charging rates of 22kW (AC) and 150kW (DC).

Smart and safe

There’s a full ADAS package onboard the #1. That means adaptive cruise control (with stop and go functionality), lane keep assist, blind spot indicator and highway/traffic jam assist. In addition, a parking assistant and automatic high beam functionality are available.

A panoramic glass roof and narrow pillars mean all-round visibility is impressive, if you don’t want to rely solely on the technology! EU homologation is expected to be completed in the second half of 2022.

Come inside

This is a Smart, so it’s almost taken as a given that things are done a little differently to the norm. The interior boasts a floating centre console to maximise space and to cut the number of unwanted elements around the cabin. Ambient lighting provides 64 colour options and 20 illumination levels, enabling drivers to get the environment just right to suit their mood.

Elsewhere, the rear bench slides to enable more or less room in the boot and there is a premium audio system onboard courtesy of Beats.

Central customers

Smart says that the #1’s development was hinged around the driver. That means a customisable infotainment user interface that is heavily app-based. This enables individuals to get their own MMI, according to their own requirements. More than 75% of the car’s ECUs can be updated remotely, while lighting and menus can be programmed to whatever setting the driver desires.

Verdict

Smart has to be admired for daring to be different in the past – and it won lots of fans with its previous models. Today, they still prove popular for urban environments, but the company has realised that SUVs are where it’s at. The #1 looks an intriguing and positive entrance into the market – a competitive price could see it do very well.