smart concept #1 previews new electric SUV

Premium micro-car brand smart has unveiled a concept at the Munich motor show that is a near-production version of an all-new pure-electric SUV to be launched in 2023.

And carsales understands that right-hand drive engineering has been integral to the SUV’s development, potentially paving the way for smart to return to Australia.

The first concept to emerge from the joint-venture partnership forged in 2019 between Daimler and Chinese auto giant Geely, the smart concept #1 has a similar footprint to popular small SUVs such as the Mazda CX-3, measuring in at 4290mm long and standing 1698mm tall.

This makes it 15mm longer and 163mm taller than the CX-3, and its wheelbase is a significant 180mm longer at 2750mm.

Combined with its EV platform, the relatively long wheelbase enables a flat floor and a more spacious interior than many key combustion-engined rivals.

Access to the light and airy cabin is made via a pair of butterfly doors, while the interior carries a variety of design cues and other elements that will reappear on the production vehicle, although these are being kept secret for now.

According to a company insider speaking to carsales at the Munich motor show, the concept’s trick doors will be dropped for production but the  virtual door handles that feature a touch-sensitive unlatch feature will make it to production.

The road-going model will also come with a digital key on a smartphone rather than a traditional key fob.

Externally, the same source says the production car will shrink in size a little but, overall, its proportions will remain.

Inside, the 12.8-inch touch-screen infotainment system will carry over and be capable of being upgraded with over-the-air updates.

The smart concept #1 is based on Geely’s all-new SEA architecture that was developed for battery-electric vehicles. It will use a small battery that provides a WLTP-verified range of 430km.

There are no specifics on what battery capacity will be used, but the smart SUV is rumoured to be powered by a 70kWh battery. It’s a similar story for the electric motor, and while the architecture can cope with power as high as 375kW, we expect a less invigorating 150kW.

Dual motors can be packaged by the SEA platform, but are unlikely, and the good news for Australia is behind the scenes right-hand drive production has already been green-lit to enable smart to sell in markets like the UK.

This means the smart SUV could spearhead a return to Australia following its launch in 2023, if a business case for the brand’s return can be found.