With electric cars now taking the lead, the Smart brand disappeared from the local scenes in 2019 leaving us to wonder what the future holds for it.
The brand remained in some markets while it worked on improving itself and with its renewal, it has revealed its new Smart #1 fully-electric model that paves the way for the electric product family.
Boasting a new design, the new Smart #1 spawns concealed electric door handles, frameless doors plus a floating halo roof. It is 4,270 mm long while a wheelbase that measures 2,750 mm houses 19” wheels.
“The new smart #1 stands for the re-start of the smart brand and showcases our new design DNA of Sensual Producty”, says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
The new Smart #1 features a 66 kWh battery pack plus a 200 kW electric motor that produces 343 Nm of torque entirely sent to the rear axle. Smart isn’t mentioning the #1’s 0-100 km/h time but its top speed is capped at 180 km/h.
Recharging the Smart #1 using a 22 kW AC charger from 10-80% takes about three hours while the same percentage is achieved in under 30 minutes when using a 150 kW DC fast charger. Based on the WLTP cycle, the #1 will travel up to 440 km on a single charge.
Smart offers its compact SUV with a digital key with a peer-2-peer-system that allows users to connect the car with friends via an app.
The interior is bolstered with a 3D user interface that is based on AI and can be controlled via voice commands. There is also a 12.8” infotainment system, a 9.2” instrument digital instrument cluster plus a full integration of customizable ambient lighting and operating menus.
Smart says the #1 will be capable of performing over the air updates of more than 75% of all ECUs in the car.
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