Smart: This is how easy the big #1 drives 🎥
FIRST TEST A new era begins for Smart. With the #1 electric mini-SUV, the brand is bidding farewell to the micro-mobility of the Smart Fortwo. The new model is built in China. A first drive.
One thing the new Smart is certainly no longer is a parking flea that scurries into every space - across if necessary. After all, the new model has dimensions that roughly correspond to those of a VW Golf or Mini Countryman. 4.27 meters in length, 1.82 meters in width and 1.64 meters in height is not really that big, but it is huge compared to the original Smart.
On request inside 64 colors
The new model does indeed have a fresh look. But are the ideas fresh as well? Proper buttons are scarce, and behind the steering wheel there is only a small display for speedometer, charging status and range. Everything looks clean, modern, not overloaded, and there is ambient lighting with 64 colors. A nice gag.
The massive display in the center is a playground for people who like to game. Besides the functions to get useful information for the journey, it offers playful elements for which one can only admire the creatives who developed the part. Typical Smart.
Range up to 440 kilometers
And what about its qualities as an electric car? Here, the Smart #1 is in the premier league. The underbody contains a 66 kWh battery, which is unusually large for this class of vehicle and should enable a range of 400 to 440 kilometers according to WLTP. On an initial test drive, 380 to 400 kilometers seemed realistic. The engine output of 200 kW (272 hp), which easily enables fast sprints, is also very confident. With this, the Premium model driven accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, and the top speed is 180 km/h.
Acceleration without deceleration
You feel the power as soon as you press the accelerator pedal, when the #1 swerves from the spot swiftly, without delay and briskly. And in the sporty version from tuner Brabus (see video), the car is really fun.
Prices for the #1 start at 37,490 francs (Pro+).
