Smart #1 electric SUV breaks cover
All-new EV crossover offers 200kW and 440km range – and could spearhead brand’s return Down UnderSmart has launched its Smart #1 – a small all-electric SUV it hopes will win it the sales needed to finally become profitable.
Inspired by the 2020 Munich motor show concept of the same name, the 2022 Smart #1 is the French car-maker's rival to both the newly-launched Renault Megane E-Tech and existing small electric cars like the Kia Niro EV.
The first car to have been designed and developed under Mercedes-Geely joint ownership, the Smart #1 is the first vehicle outside of China to use Geely's all-new SEA platform that has been specifically created for electric cars.
Beneath the skin, the Smart #1 is driven by a powerful rear-mounted 200kW/343Nm electric motor that is fed current by a 66kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery that provides for a 420-440km range.
Performance is more than brisk, with a 0-100km/h time of just 6.7 seconds, although top speed is limited to 180km/h.
Capable of receiving a fast DC charge of up to 150kW, a 10-80 per cent top-up is claimed to take less than 30 minutes.
Maximising range is a low 0.29Cd drag coefficient that has been achieved by pop-out door handles and active grille shutters, plus the car's smooth, curvy lines.
Size-wise, the Smart #1 measures in at 4270mm long, 1822mm wide, standing 1637mm tall with a 2750mm-long wheelbase, giving it a similar footprint to the Mazda CX-3.
Highlights of the design are the 'floating' roof effect and wrap-around front and rear light bars.
Within the cabin, Smart says the #1's clever packaging sees it offer Mercedes-Benz E-Class levels of space.
There's also a huge 12.8-inch infotainment screen that is both customisable and offers a 3D avatar that acts as an on-board assistant.
Ahead of the driver is a smaller 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster.
Set to be launched before the end of 2022 in Europe, right-hand drive production will begin in the middle of 2023.
In some markets, Mercedes' existing dealer network will be used to sell the Smart #1, with prices said to be aligned with the Volkswagen ID.3.
A similar tact could be used in Australia if a business case can be found for the brand's return.
Related: smart concept #1 previews new electric SUV
Related: Smart teases all-new SUV that will reboot brand
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