26/11/2012
The automotive landscape in the UK is about to welcome a new contender that promises to redefine expectations for electric compact SUVs. Later this summer, the all-electric smart #1 will officially arrive on British shores, heralding an exciting new chapter for the smart brand. Moving beyond its iconic city car roots, the #1 emerges as a sophisticated and exceptionally well-equipped vehicle, blending premium design with advanced engineering and a commitment to remarkable value for money. This isn't just a new car; it's a statement about accessible, innovative, and stylish electric mobility, designed to captivate a broader audience while staying true to smart's pioneering spirit.
For over two decades, smart has consistently challenged the status quo, from its revolutionary fortwo to becoming the first established automotive marque to transition entirely to electric power in 2019. The #1 proudly continues this legacy, embodying years of electrification expertise. It's the harmonious result of Mercedes-Benz's renowned design prowess and Geely's cutting-edge BEV-dedicated SEA platform, a potent combination delivering next-generation mobility today. This compact SUV expands smart's appeal, offering a compelling blend of spaciousness, luxury, and frugality, all wrapped in a sleek, modern package.
- A New Era of Design and Engineering Excellence
- Tailored Trims: Performance and Value for Every Driver
- Uncompromised Safety: Confidence on Every Journey
- Seamless Connectivity and Immersive Infotainment
- The Smart Way to Buy a New Car
- Smart #1 Trim Level Comparison
- Frequently Asked Questions About the smart #1
- The Future of Electric Driving is Here
A New Era of Design and Engineering Excellence
The smart #1 takes a bold step in design direction, moving away from the diminutive city cars for which the brand is traditionally known. Despite its expanded proportions, smart's core dedication to efficiency, intelligent use of space, and exceptional value remains at its heart. The vehicle’s sophisticated exterior and interior styling, conceived by the Mercedes-Benz global design team, defy its practical underpinnings. Elegant features such as a floating halo roof, concealed door handles, and stylish 19-inch alloy wheels contribute to a visually striking presence. These sleek lines and flowing curves aren't merely for aesthetics; they optimise the car’s aerodynamic efficiency, boasting a drag coefficient of just 0.29 Cd, which directly contributes to maximising its range and overall efficiency.
Beneath its elegant exterior lies a marvel of modern engineering, built on Geely’s EV-specific SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform. This foundation ensures that the #1 is not only robust but also intelligently designed for electric performance. The generous 2750mm wheelbase translates into a remarkably spacious five-seat cabin, offering comfort for all occupants. Practicality is further enhanced by a standard sliding second row, providing up to 421 litres of luggage space, which expands to a substantial 986 litres with the rear seats folded down. This thoughtful use of space ensures the #1 is as versatile as it is stylish, making it ideal for everything from daily commutes to weekend adventures.
Tailored Trims: Performance and Value for Every Driver
The smart #1 arrives in the UK with a carefully curated range of trim levels, each designed to offer an outstanding blend of features, performance, and value. From the impressively equipped entry-level Pro+ to the exhilarating BRABUS variant, there’s a #1 to suit diverse preferences and driving needs. What’s more, smart’s commitment to fair and transparent haggle-free pricing ensures customers can purchase with confidence, whether buying online or through their nationwide retailer network.
The smart #1 Pro+: Exceptional Standard
Starting from just £35,950 on the road, the smart #1 Pro+ sets a new benchmark for standard specification in its class. It comes packed with features often associated with much more expensive luxury cars, ensuring a comprehensive and comfortable driving experience. Drivers will benefit from an extensive range of advanced driving assistance systems, a panoramic sunroof for an airy cabin feel, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) for relaxed motorway journeys, and heated seats for those colder British mornings. A 360-degree surround camera makes parking effortless, while intelligent voice assistance keeps you connected and in control. LED lights provide excellent visibility, and a powered tailgate adds a touch of modern convenience. With a WLTP range of 260 miles and a spirited 0-62mph acceleration in just 6.7 seconds, the Pro+ makes every journey an event.
Building upon the already generous features of the Pro+, the smart #1 Premium, priced from £38,950, elevates the driving experience with a host of premium additions. Audiophiles will appreciate the enhanced sound system by Beats, delivering crystal-clear audio quality. A Head-Up Display (HUD) projects essential driving information directly into the driver’s line of sight, minimising distraction. CyberSparks+ Matrix LED headlights provide superior illumination and adaptive lighting capabilities, while Automatic Parking Assist (APA) takes the stress out of tricky parking manoeuvres. The Premium also boasts an even greater WLTP range of 273 miles, thanks to a state-of-the-art silicon carbide inverter and a heat pump for improved response and efficiency. Furthermore, its 22kW three-phase on-board charger allows for rapid AC charging, achieving 10-80% in less than three hours, making it incredibly practical for daily use.
The Exclusive smart #1 Launch Edition
For those eager to be among the first to experience this new era of smart, the exclusive smart #1 Launch Edition offers unique design traits and exclusive aesthetics combined with the extensive feature list of the Premium trim. Priced from £39,450, this highly sought-after variant will be limited to just 100 examples in the UK, making it a truly special statement.
The Exhilarating smart #1 BRABUS: Unleashing Performance
For enthusiasts seeking an unparalleled driving thrill, the smart #1 BRABUS opens a completely new chapter for both smart and BRABUS, continuing a storied partnership that began in 2003. Priced from £43,450, the #1 BRABUS sets new performance standards unmatched by any rival in its price point. Its intentions are clear from the outset, with aggressive styling, distinctive bonnet vents, unique contrast paint, and striking 19-inch Dynamo wheels. The performance transformation is equally dramatic, with the standard 200 kW of power boosted to a formidable 315 kW, and torque surging from 343 Nm to an incredible 584 Nm. All-wheel drive ensures exceptional traction and aids acceleration, while a specifically calibrated BRABUS driving mode unleashes the car's full potential, delivering an astonishing 0-62mph sprint in just 3.9 seconds. Inside, the sporty ambiance is enhanced by an Alcantara steering wheel, microfibre suede seats, headrests with BRABUS design stitching, red seatbelts, and metal pedals, ensuring a truly immersive and exhilarating driving experience.
Uncompromised Safety: Confidence on Every Journey
The smart #1 is not only designed for style and performance but also engineered to be among the safest vehicles on the road. Its exceptional build quality, combined with a comprehensive suite of advanced assistance systems, contributes to the highest standards for active and passive safety. The vehicle proudly received a full five-star rating in the industry-standard EURO NCAP safety tests, solidifying its credentials. Furthermore, it secured a remarkable second-place finish in the prestigious What Car? Safety Award 2023, achieving one of the highest Adult Occupant protection scores of the year with an impressive 96%.
As the judges noted, “The smart #1 demonstrates that it is possible to make an affordable small electric car that is also safer than many larger models. This is a significant achievement; small cars have to work harder than larger ones to get top safety scores, because they’re lighter and there’s less metal to absorb an impact.” The #1’s 88% score in safety assist tests also highlights its proactive approach to accident prevention, significantly reducing the likelihood of a collision in the first place.
Every #1 comes equipped with a high level of standard driver assistance features, including Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Emergency Autonomous Braking (EAB), Highway Assist (HWA), Evasive Manoeuvre Assist (EMA), Emergency Lane Keep Assist (ELKA), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop&Go. These systems work in harmony to provide a secure and confident driving experience. Beyond its outstanding safety, the build quality and inherent reliability of the smart #1 are further backed by comprehensive warranty and service packages. This includes an Integrated Service Package covering servicing and wear and tear items for 3 years / 30,000 miles, a high-voltage battery warranty covering 8 years / 125,000 miles, and Roadside Assistance for up to 8 years / 100,000 miles if maintained at a smart aftersales partner, giving owners ultimate peace of mind.
Seamless Connectivity and Immersive Infotainment
In an increasingly connected world, the smart #1 excels as a hub for digital life, designed to connect people, places, and experiences. It offers a pure and immersive driving experience, allowing the driver to focus on the road while providing all the creature comforts and assistance they desire. Users benefit from the ubiquitous presence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.
The vehicle’s outstanding human-tech balance is a result of a powerhouse partnership with ECARX, experts in software and hardware integration. This collaboration transforms the #1 into a fully integrated information, communication, and transportation device, redefining the user experience in a smooth, efficient, and enjoyable way. At its core lies Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8155 intelligent chipset, built with 7nm process technology and an 8-core CPU processor – making it one of the strongest mass-produced car-level chips presently on the market. Combined with ECARX’s self-developed software stack, the smart #1 boasts one of the most advanced infotainment platforms available today.
All this technological prowess is beautifully displayed via a crisp 12.8-inch high-definition central control screen with a resolution of 1920x1080. The system offers a tailored and seamless technology and connectivity experience, featuring shortcut icons to the most popular functions, a one-click drop-down menu for frequently used vehicle controls, media operation directly from the home screen via a dynamic widget, and split-screen functionality for simultaneous camera-view and navigation. Smart OS from ECARX ensures interactions are efficient, smooth, and enjoyable. A fast-reacting touchscreen with multi-language voice input, an "Inspiring Planet" design concept, and smart’s own fox AI assistant avatar further guarantee a driving experience that looks and feels unique. For Premium trim and above, the standard 640w Beats sound system, consisting of an amplifier module, 13 speakers including a sub-woofer, and in-vehicle tuning by top experts from Beats, ensures an unparalleled auditory experience. Colourful ambient lighting with 64 colours and pre-configured themes illustrates a brand-new user experience, while a wide spectrum of third-party apps, including Spotify pre-installed, podcasting, and in-car games, transform the cabin into an additional living space. A one-year trial of the Premium Connectivity Package, offering unlimited data and map updates, is complemented by dynamic upgradeability via over-the-air (OTA) updates, ensuring a refreshed user experience over time and bringing continuous functional enhancements and new functionalities.
The Smart Way to Buy a New Car
The introduction of the smart #1 marks a significant evolution in smart’s business and sales model. The brand is adopting a fully integrated, online, direct-to-customer approach, which complements its well-organised nationwide retailer network. This dual strategy offers customers the convenience of online purchasing alongside the reassurance of high-quality, professional contact points for sales and after-sales support.
For this new digital era, smart mobility lease and PCP programmes utilise the integrated financial services offering of ALD. This streamlined system keeps complexity low, enabling a simple ordering process for customers to buy or lease a #1 quickly and easily, with no paper contracts needed. Thanks to smart’s fair and transparent, haggle-free pricing, customers can rest assured they are getting the best deal, regardless of their chosen purchasing method. For those who prefer the personal guidance of a retailer, smart’s nationwide network currently includes 22 sales and after-sales locations across the UK, with further expansion planned to ensure accessibility for all.
Smart #1 Trim Level Comparison
To help you choose the perfect smart #1 for your needs, here's a detailed comparison of the key variants:
| Feature | smart #1 Pro+ | smart #1 Premium | smart #1 BRABUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-the-Road (OTR) Price | £35,950 | £38,950 | £43,450 |
| WLTP Range | 260 miles | 273 miles | Not specified (Performance-oriented) |
| 0-62mph Acceleration | 6.7 seconds | 6.7 seconds | 3.9 seconds |
| Maximum Power | 200 kW | 200 kW | 315 kW |
| Maximum Torque | 343 Nm | 343 Nm | 584 Nm |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Charging (AC) | Standard | 22kW three-phase on-board charger (10-80% in <3 hours) | 22kW three-phase on-board charger (10-80% in <3 hours) |
| Key Features | Panoramic sunroof, ACC, heated seats, 360° camera, intelligent voice assist, LED lights, powered tailgate, extensive ADAS. | All Pro+ features plus: Beats sound system, Head-Up Display (HUD), CyberSparks+ Matrix LED headlights, Automatic Parking Assist (APA), silicon carbide inverter, heat pump. | All Premium features plus: Aggressive styling, bonnet vents, unique contrast paint, 19-inch Dynamo wheels, Alcantara steering wheel, microfibre suede seats, BRABUS design stitching, red seatbelts, metal pedals, BRABUS driving mode. |
Frequently Asked Questions About the smart #1
When will the smart #1 be available in the UK?
The new all-electric smart #1 is set to arrive on UK shores later this summer, with the full market launch expected around that time.
What is the starting price of the smart #1 in the UK?
The smart #1 Pro+ starts from just £35,950 on the road (OTR).
What is the maximum range of the smart #1?
The smart #1 Premium offers a WLTP range of 273 miles. The Pro+ variant offers a WLTP range of 260 miles. The range for the BRABUS variant is not explicitly specified in the provided information.
Does the smart #1 support bidirectional charging?
The provided information about the smart #1 does not mention support for bidirectional charging (Vehicle-to-Grid or Vehicle-to-Load). Therefore, we cannot confirm this feature based on the available details.
What makes the smart #1 a safe car?
The smart #1 received a full five-star EURO NCAP safety rating and achieved one of the highest Adult Occupant protection scores of 96% in 2023. It comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including Emergency Autonomous Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Can I buy the smart #1 online?
Yes, the smart #1 is the first car to be available online through smart’s direct-to-customer service, in addition to its nationwide retailer network. This offers a convenient and haggle-free purchasing experience.
The Future of Electric Driving is Here
The smart #1 represents a compelling leap forward for electric vehicles in the UK. It combines smart’s rich heritage in innovation with a fresh, contemporary design and advanced technology, all while maintaining a strong emphasis on value and accessibility. From its robust safety features and spacious interior to its state-of-the-art infotainment system and thrilling performance options, the #1 is designed to meet the demands of modern drivers. With its arrival, smart isn't just launching a new car; it's inviting drivers to experience a truly integrated, efficient, and enjoyable future of mobility. As David Browne, CEO of smart UK, aptly puts it, the smart #1 is a "fantastic product for an incredibly compelling price," poised to make a significant impact on British roads.
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