Smart restarts brand with #1 compact electric SUV

Smart has unveiled its new model, called #1, at an event held in Berlin, Germany. The model was first teased at IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich, but more details have emerged as the car begins final testing before launch.

“The new smart #1 stands for the re-start of the smart brand and showcases our new design DNA of Sensual Product,” says Gorden Wagener, chief design officer, Mercedes-Benz Group. “It is grown up, cool and embodies beauty with smart solutions. Therefore, it is new, fresh, and enchanting. Our new smart #1 has the potential to make smart a leading design brand.”

The headline news is the size of the model. At 4,270mm in length, 1,822mm wide and 1,636mm high, the #1 is roughly the same size as the Peugeot e-2008, but the interior of the smart is likely to feel roomier thanks to a longer wheelbase (2,750mm for the smart, 2,605mm for the Peugeot). The #1 is also considerably larger than smart’s previous models – its ForFour measures 3,495mm in length, and the best-selling ForTwo is 2,695mm. So, the #1 clearly marks a big change for the company.

This is also evident in the appearance of the #1. Looking at the model, it’s hard to see the relation between it and its smaller siblings. The exterior design team has kept things fairly clean and simple, with curvy body work and a distinct lack of sharp lines.

At the front, the large V-shaped headlamps are placed high up, starting on bulging body work above the front wheels before falling across the top of the bonnet. They are connected by a narrow lightbar to span the width of the car, which runs under the ‘smart’ text positioned at the centre. Two vertical air intakes lower down sit either side of a large air vent, finished in the same dark matt grey plastic that is used for the wheel arches and skirts.

The sides of the smart #1 are unadorned, with frameless doors and flush handles creating a smooth body. A seamless, uninterrupted belt line finished in a thin strip of chrome separates the body work from the greenhouse, and continues around the rear. A slice of chrome runs just above the skirts, getting wider and rising as it approaches the rear wheels. The roof is unusual, with the pillars supporting a frame that falls at the rear to cover the C-pillars. It comes in different colours, depending on the trim – a “white gold” on the launch edition, and a black on the “Premium” model.

At the back, a large rear window sits inside the roof frame. The light design is the same as the one on the front, with the two large V-shapes joined by a lightbar. The body work is again kept clean, though a large bumper finished in the matt grey pushes up towards the boot lid. It includes a chunky diffuser, with chrome curves rising upwards at either side of the number plate.

The interior of the #1 is also a far cry from smart’s previous models. A two-tone cabin, much of which is cladded in faux leather, features a layered horizontal IP with a large 12.8-inch flat touchscreen sitting upright in the centre. Small round vents are scattered here and there, similar in shape to the small chrome door handles. The grab handles appear to float, stemming upwards from the armrests that include the window controls, also finished in chrome. A slim digital driver display is hidden behind the steering wheel.

Lighting plays a key role. There are numerous, razor-thin strips of light that accent the curves of the IP and centre console, creating a faint glow and a calming ambience. They are customisable, with a selection of colours and animations to choose from. Overall, the cabin feels fresh and spacious, with little in the way of clutter and a distinct minimalist design.

The #1 will also reportedly feature an “avatar as intelligent companion.” Using artificial intelligence and voice control, the avatar can be interacted with by vehicle occupants, linking up to the smart app and data cloud to store personal information and user preferences. A 66kWh battery pack will allow the #1 to cover around 260 miles on a single charge, and can be topped up from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes when using a 150kW DC charger.

As well as marking a new direction for the design team, the smart #1 also represents a huge step for the brand as it looks to build a fresh portfolio. “As the first of the new generation all-electric product family, the all-new smart #1 is the perfect embodiment of this renewal. Now, smart has entered a new phase of full speed development, further spurred on by our Europe and China “dual-home” business strategy. Our team, working between Europe and China, are making fantastic progress, and we are extremely confident that the global market will embrace the unique, premium all-electric urban mobility experience offering from smart,” said Tong Xiangbei, Global CEO of smart.