The new all electric Smart #1

You might remember Smart as the maker of that tiny city car that would easily park nose-first in a parallel parking space. This was then followed by the quirky Smart Roadster, and eventually a second generation of the petit ForTwo and slightly more practical ForFour – names that explain who the cars are for. While Smart dabbled with electrification, the new Smart #1 represents something of a rebirth for the brand.

Smart #1

Taking the form of a modern four-door SUV, Smart knows that a high-riding compact vehicle with its own identity is what people want right now. This car features a smooth river-pebble aesthetic that’s not too dissimilar to what you’d expect from technology giant Apple, in that its design is clean and lacks many of the aggressive lines found on competitors. You can inject some of your own personality into the Smart #1 with an interesting colour pallet and two-tone paint options.

The interior is just as intriguing with sculpted surfaces and high-quality materials throughout – something that isn’t surprising given that Smart is  50% venture of Mercedes-Benz.

There’s seating for five and good levels of storage thanks to the clever packaging Smart has become known for. Boot space is 273-litres, or about enough for the weekly shop. The rear seats can actually slide forwards and back to boost legroom or boot capacity dependent upon your needs.

If technology is your thing, then the Smart #1 should be on your shortlist. This SUV can be had with a unique 9.2-inch digital driver’s display and an up to 12.8-inch central infotainment screen. It hosts all of the compatibility you’d expect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but also interesting features such as a digital avatar in the form of a playful fox.

Beneath the modern design work is a 66kWh battery which claims a range of up to 273 miles. This car is capable of charging at an impressive 150kW, meaning that a 10-80% charge can be completed in just 30 minutes – a 50kW charger will do the same in 55 minutes.

The standard Smart #1 puts 258bhp at the disposal of the driver, something granted by a single electric motor at the rear. However, if you are feeling the need for speed, you’ll want the Brabus variant. This performance model has two electric motors and all-wheel drive that delivers an incredible 422bhp. That’s enough potential to sprint from 0-62mh in just 3.9 seconds.

The reborn Smart brand is just getting started, but the #1 is certainly an impressive opening statement.

Want to see more? Take a look at our popular cars page.