It's the first new model from the brand since Chinese automaker Geely joined as a 50% stakeholder in 2019, taking half of the company from founder Mercedes-Benz. It has nothing to do with the prior Smart Fortwo and Smart Forfour EVs. Dirk Adelmann, the CEO of the company for Europe, calls it "the core of all things to come" and notes that it is the first brand-new vehicle to bear the Smart logo since 2014.
The first model in a string of new Smart EVs is a premium-oriented crossover with dimensions and technical data that position it as a contender to the Renault Mégane E-Tech and Kia Niro EV. Visually, it hasn't changed much from the concept displayed at last year's Munich motor show. However, Smart emphasizes that in a significant way.
It is the first electric vehicle (EV) destined for Europe to utilise Geely's new SEA electric vehicle design, which was first used on the Zeekr 001 shooting brake for the Chinese market and will shortly serve as the foundation for a base model electric SUV from Volvo. Geely will provide the core architectures, and Mercedes will be in charge of design, according to the division of responsibilities between the German and Chinese businesses that jointly manage the Smart brand.
The new design language is known as "Sensual Product" by Mercedes Chief Design Officer Gordon Wagener, who also describes it as "grown up, stylish, and embodies beauty with clever solutions."
The crossover's yet-to-be-homologated efficiency and range numbers undoubtedly compare favorably to those of its rivals. A 66kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery that has a maximum range of 440 kilometers is used to store energy. Thanks to its 150kW rapid-charging capability, a top-up from 10 to 80% can be completed in less than 30 minutes.
Smart clearly prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency in its design in order to maximize that range. In fact, it virtually matches the Volkswagen ID 4's drag coefficient of 0.29, which was attained with the help of hidden door handles, an active grille shutter, and a slick, curved shape.
The #1 also has standout design elements that are anticipated to be adopted as defining characteristics of the reimagined Smart line, including its charming wraparound front light bar, two-tone paint job, "flying" roof, and squat, compact dimensions.
Inside, Smart has made "user-centricity" and connection its top priorities. The 12.8-inch high-definition infotainment screen allows for complete customization and serves as the user interface for a 3D avatar that reacts to voice instructions. A variety of networking features and real-time data are accessible through an attached app, and a claimed 75% of the car's ECUs can be updated wirelessly thanks to over-the-air compatibility.
Smart says it will work with "experienced partners" to provide a "real and customer-oriented omni-channel experience along the entire customer journey" using a combination of online and offline processes. Exact details of Smart's revised retail strategy have not yet been made public.
In 2024, the #1's first full year of sales, the company's managing director told Automotive Daily's exclusive partner Autocar that he aims to achieve sales volumes equivalent to prior "five-figure" Smart peaks, but has not yet provided finalized pricing. He stated that he wants to essentially place the #1 on par with the Volkswagen ID 3 and that there needs to be lots of "headroom" between the new SUV and the comparably sized but more premium-focused Mercedes-Benz EQA.
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