smart #1

Thanks to the folks from China's Geely, smart's turnaround has begun with the unveiling of the first-ever smart #1 electric crossover which is basically a city car that promises to excite drivers with its compact sizing and electric powertrain fit for the new normal. So, what's it all about the smart #1?

2023 smart #1

2023 smart #1 interior

With prices starting at 41,490 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever smart #1 is the start of a new era of smart under joint ownership between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, making it a dual citizen in its own right. Eurasian, if you may.

Beginning with the styling, the concept-based styling is great news for observers as the concept car was based on transferring "very compact exterior dimensions" and "traditional smart design" into "a new vehicle concept with a significantly higher premium and high-tech claim," and for the production version, they were right and wise about this...nearly. Although smaller than the concept car, it feels just right for European roads, and driving one is a breeze.

Inside, the smart #1 features a minimalist interior only Gen Z people can understand. From the tall floating center console, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, a 9.2-inch digital instrumental cluster, an HUD, a Beats sound system, seating for five people, and up to 976 liters of boot space with the rear seats folded, this is surprisingly good for city car standards and in terms of premium, they were right as well.

2023 smart #1 Brabus

Because of its SEA platform developed by Geely and its RR layout, not to mention its city car sizing, the smart #1 behaves in a unique and spartan manner even while going nuts with it. It feels nippy and spritely as you would expect in a smart vehicle and overall, it's rather good in the real world.

In Pro and Premium versions, the TZ220XSA02 electric motor bolted to a NiCM battery produces 272PS of power and 343Nm of torque, capable of hitting 100kph in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 180kph, as fast as a Japanese car. The Brabus model, the one speedo boys are gunning for, produces  428PS of power and 543Nm of torque. Although it has the same top speed, the 0-100kph time was dropped to 3.9 seconds, which sounds quick for a smart car. 

As a smart car built for the new normal, the smart #1 features a wide array of advanced driver assistance features such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering assist, lane change assist, lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring, among many others. Although not friendly for speedo boys behind the wheel, it's all in the name of working smart, not hard.

The smart #1 is a clear sign that the age of tiny cars the size of Little Tykes car toys is well and truly over. It's a compact electric crossover built for the new normal and whether you like it or not, it's ready to keep things smart.

Photo: smart