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Smart #1
Overview
ManufacturerSmart Automobile
Also calledSmart Jingling #1 (China)
Production2022–present[1]
AssemblyChina: Xi'an, Shaanxi[2]
DesignerYi Gao and Mohammad Aminiyekta[3]
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact crossover SUV (B)
Body style5-door SUV
Layout
PlatformSustainable Experience Architecture
Related
Powertrain
Electric motor1× or 2× permanent magnet synchronous
Power output
  • 200 kW (272 PS; 268 hp) (RWD)
  • 315 kW (428 PS; 422 hp) (AWD)
Transmission1-speed direct-drive
Battery66 kWh NMC[4]
Electric range400–440 km (250–270 mi) (WLTP)
Plug-in charging22 kW (AC)
150 kW (DC)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,750 mm (108.3 in)
Length4,270 mm (168.1 in)
Width1,822 mm (71.7 in)
Height1,636 mm (64.4 in)
Kerb weight1,820 kg (4,012 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorSmart EQ Forfour

The Smart #1 (stylised as "smart #1") is a battery electric subcompact crossover SUV developed and produced by Smart Automobile, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz Group and Geely Holding. It is the first vehicle produced by the joint venture. The model is based on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) electric vehicle platform developed by Geely.[5][6][7] In China, the model is marketed as the Smart Jingling #1 (Chinese: 精灵#1; pinyin: Jingling Yihao; lit. 'Elf #1').

Overview

[edit]

The production version was unveiled on 7 April 2022.[8][9] It was developed under the codename HX11, with Mercedes-Benz providing the design while Geely handled engineering and production.[10][11]

Prices for the European market were announced in September 2022.[12]

  • Rear view
    Rear view
  • Interior
    Interior

Concept Car

[edit]

The vehicle was previewed by the Concept #1, which was showcased at the 2021 International Motor Show Germany (IAA) on September 5 in Munich, with features like concealed electric door handles, frameless doors, and a floating halo roof.[13][14][15] It has a drag coefficient of 0.29. The concept emphasized digitalization with extensive connectivity features and over-the-air updates.[16]

  • Smart Concept #1 Front View
    Smart Concept #1 Front View
  • Smart Concept #1 Rear View
    Smart Concept #1 Rear View

First generation (2022)

[edit]

The Smart #1 is equipped with a 12.8-inch touchscreen with a customizable user interface and ambient lighting. The vehicle offers connectivity through a dedicated app and an AI-based voice control system. It is powered by a 200 kW (268 hp; 272 PS) electric motor. Charging options include 22 kW AC charging and DC fast charging. Safety features include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a range of safety technologies.

Lines:

  • Pure
  • Pure+
  • Pro
  • Pro+
  • Premium
  • Pulse
  • Brabus

#1 Brabus

[edit]

A performance version with the Brabus branding was unveiled in August 2022. The edition offers a sportier driving experience with enhanced performance features. Exterior changes includes red accents on the bumpers, intakes, door sills, mirror caps, roof and improved brake calipers to handle the extra power, and a matte grey exterior finish and black emblems.[17][18] It is powered by an additional 115 kW (156 PS; 154 hp) electric motor in the front to form an all-wheel drive layout, producing a total output of 315 kW (428 PS; 422 hp) with a claimed 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) figure of 3.9 seconds. The range is decreased to 400 km (249 mi). It was released in Europe in September 2022.[19]

  • Smart #1 Brabus
    Smart #1 Brabus
  • Rear view
    Rear view
  • Interior
    Interior

Feature table

[edit]
Feature Pure Pure+ Pro Pro+ Pulse Premium BRABUS
Acceleration (0-100 km/h) 6.7 s 4.5 s 6.7 s 3.9 s
Range WLTP combined (km) 310 km (193 mi) 420 km (261 mi) 310 km (193 mi) 420 km (261 mi) 400 km (249 mi) 440 km (273 mi) 400 km (249 mi)
AC Charging Power up to 7.4 kW 22 kW 7.4 kW 22 kW
DA Charging Power up to 130 kW 150 kW 130 kW 150 kW
Drivetrain RWD, 200 kW AWD, 315 kW RWD, 200 kW AWD, 315 kW
Parking Sensors 4 Rear 8 Front and Rear 12 Front and Rear
Parking Camera - - 360-degree
Parking Assist - Automatic Parking Assist
CyberSparks LED With Automatic High Beam Assist With Matrix Headlights and Adaptive High Beam
Seats Fabric Man-made Leather Duo Leather Microfiber Suede Seats
- Electrically Adjustable, Heated Front Seats Electrically Adjustable, Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
Halo Roof - Panoramic Halo Roof
Logo Projection - Courtesy Lights with Logo Projection
Wireless Phone Charger - Wireless Phone Charger
Central Display 12.8'' Screen with Navigation System

Safety

[edit]
ANCAP test results
Smart #1 all variants
(2022, aligned with Euro NCAP)[20]
Test Points %
Overall: StarStarStarStarStar
Adult occupant: 36.62 96%
Child occupant: 43.06 87%
Pedestrian: 37.86 70%
Safety assist: 15.05 94%
Euro NCAP test results
smart 1 (2022)[21]
Test Points %
Overall: StarStarStarStarStar
Adult occupant: 36.6 96%
Child occupant: 43.8 89%
Pedestrian: 38.9 71%
Safety assist: 14.1 88%

Sales

[edit]
Year China
2023 33,256[22]
2024 22,565[23]
2025 20,762[24]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Smart 1

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Smart #1 (stylized as smart #1) is a battery electric subcompact crossover SUV manufactured by Smart Automobile, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely. Unveiled at the 2022 Shanghai Auto Show, it marks the first production model under the relaunched smart brand, emphasizing premium urban mobility with a focus on design, technology, and sustainability. Production began in late 2022 at a dedicated facility in Xi'an, China, with sales commencing in Europe and China in 2023. Measuring 4,270 mm in length, 1,636 mm in height, and 1,822 mm in width (2,022 mm including mirrors), with a 2,750 mm , the Smart #1 offers agile handling suitable for city driving while providing up to 986 litres of space with seats folded. It is built on Geely's Sustainable Experience (SEA) platform and features a 66 kWh pack, delivering a WLTP range of up to 440 km (273 miles) in the Premium trim. Power options include a rear-wheel-drive single-motor setup producing 200 kW (272 hp) and 343 Nm of , achieving 0–100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, or the all-wheel-drive Brabus variant with 315 kW (428 hp) and 543 Nm for 3.9 seconds acceleration. Charging capabilities support up to 150 kW DC fast charging, reaching 10–80% in under 30 minutes. The interior incorporates a hyperscreen with a 12.8-inch central display, integrating and , alongside over-the-air updates and the Smart Pilot suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including and blind-spot monitoring. The vehicle has received design accolades such as and iF Awards for its sleek, frameless-door aesthetic and innovative cabin. As of November 2025, the continues to expand in global markets, positioning smart as a leader in premium electric urban vehicles.

Development

Concept and announcement

The Smart #1 traces its origins to the Concept #1, a near-production study unveiled by smart on September 5, 2021, at the IAA MOBILITY event in , . This concept served as the herald for the brand's new all-electric generation, positioning the upcoming production model as a premium compact SUV aimed at redefining urban mobility through and advanced technology. Developed under the smart Automobile Co., Ltd. —formed in 2019 between AG and Automobile Holdings—the vehicle emphasized a data-driven, sales approach to enhance customer experiences. The Concept #1 showcased innovative aesthetics and functionality, including a glossy white exterior with continuous LED light strips, a panoramic roof, 21-inch wheels, and concealed door handles, while its interior featured a spacious cabin with a 12.8-inch 3D central , AI-assisted , and ambient lighting. Measuring 4,290 mm in length with a 2,750 mm , it highlighted smart's shift toward larger, more versatile vehicles compared to its historical city-car focus. chief described it as embodying a "completely new DNA" to position smart as a leading brand in electric mobility. On February 10, 2022, smart officially named the production version the "," confirming it as the inaugural model in a planned family of battery-electric vehicles built on Geely's platform. The world premiere of the production occurred on April 7, 2022, at STATION-Berlin in , where it was presented as a tech-forward crossover with over-the-air updates and a focus on premium all-electric performance, signaling the brand's full transition to electrification.

Production and platform

The Smart #1 is manufactured by Smart Automobile Co., Ltd., a 50-50 between AG and Holding Group, established in 2019 to develop and produce all-electric vehicles under the Smart brand. Production of the Smart #1 takes place at 's Automotive Base in , Shaanxi Province, , with assembly beginning in early 2022 ahead of its market launch. Deliveries commenced in in September 2022, marking it as the first production vehicle from the . The vehicle is built on Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), a modular platform designed for scalability across various vehicle sizes and brands within the Geely ecosystem, including Zeekr, , and models. Specifically, the Smart #1 utilizes the SEA-E variant, optimized for compact vehicles, which supports rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations with up to three electric motors. Key features of the SEA platform in the include a 400-volt electrical supporting DC fast charging up to 150 kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in less than 30 minutes with compatible infrastructure, and integrated structural battery packs that enhance rigidity and efficiency. The platform's design emphasizes through the use of lightweight materials and efficient , contributing to the vehicle's overall curb weight starting at around 1,780 kg.

Design

Exterior styling

The Smart #1 features a compact SUV body with dimensions of 4,270 mm in length, 1,822 mm in width, and 1,636 mm in height, complemented by a 2,750 mm that balances urban maneuverability with interior space. Its exterior adopts a sleek, aerodynamic profile with smooth curves and a lowered roofline, creating a sporty yet sophisticated that marks a departure from the brand's earlier heritage. This emphasizes fluidity and presence, with flush door handles that retract to minimize drag and frameless doors that contribute to a premium, coupe-like appearance. A standout element is the floating halo roof, a large panoramic panel with an integrated ring of ambient lighting that seamlessly transitions into the windscreen, offering expansive views while enhancing the vehicle's futuristic aesthetic. The front fascia incorporates sharp, V-shaped CyberSparks LED headlamps with dynamic sequencing functions, paired with an illuminated grille that accentuates the bold, angular lines. At the rear, full-width LED taillights with a distinctive light bar provide a modern, cohesive look, while optional roof rails and 19-inch alloy wheels add versatility and visual dynamism across trims. Influenced by Mercedes-Benz's "Sensual Purity" philosophy, the overall styling prioritizes elegant proportions and high-quality materials, such as finishes available in multiple colors like graphite grey or solar red. The design has been recognized with the Red Dot Product Design Award and iF Design Award in 2023 for its innovative and segment-leading execution. In performance-oriented variants like the , exterior enhancements include aggressive front splitter, rear diffuser, and red brake calipers, amplifying the athletic stance without altering core dimensions.

Interior and ergonomics

The interior of the Smart #1 adopts a minimalist, premium design inspired by aesthetics, featuring a T-shaped floating instrument panel and a spacious cabin that emphasizes room efficiency through its dedicated platform. High-quality materials dominate, including soft-touch plastics, upholstery in base models, and genuine leather or Alcantara options in Premium and trims, paired with ambient lighting that customizes the mood across the dashboard and air vents. Unique details like woven door panel structures and a floating center console with integrated storage and cupholders contribute to an "emotional living room" character, enhancing the sense of openness and luxury. Ergonomics prioritize driver comfort with an excellent seating position, offering extensive electric adjustments for the front seats—including height, reach, lumbar support, and tilt—alongside a neatly contoured for precise control. Visibility is strong due to slim A-pillars, an upright windscreen, and a low line, while the supportive front seats provide good lateral hold without feeling overly firm. The 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster is crisp and readable, and higher trims add a 10-inch to minimize eye diversion. However, many functions, such as climate controls and mirror adjustments, rely on the responsive 12.8-inch central touchscreen powered by a chipset, which can bury essential settings in sub-menus and reduce tactile feedback during operation. Rear passenger space is generous for a compact , accommodating adults up to 6 feet tall with adequate headroom and legroom, aided by a flat that enables comfortable three-abreast seating. The 60:40-split rear bench slides forward or backward by up to 150 mm and reclines for versatility, balancing family comfort against cargo needs, while the panoramic glass roof floods the area with for an airy feel. Trunk capacity adjusts from 273 liters (seats upright) to 411 liters (seats slid forward), supplemented by a 15-liter frunk for cables, though the high load slightly hampers for bulky items. Overall, these elements deliver a practical yet upscale environment suited to urban driving.

Powertrain and variants

Battery and electric drivetrain

The Smart #1 is built on Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform, a modular electric vehicle architecture designed for compact to midsize EVs, which integrates the battery pack and electric drivetrain components for optimized packaging and efficiency. The vehicle's battery options include a 66 kWh lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) pack in higher trims like the Premium and Brabus, offering higher energy density and faster charging compared to the base model's 49 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack. The NMC battery employs ternary chemistry for a balance of energy density, power output, and longevity, with a usable capacity of approximately 62 kWh, enabling WLTP ranges up to 440 km in rear-wheel-drive configurations as of 2025. The electric drivetrain centers on permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) paired with (SiC) inverters, which reduce energy losses and enable higher power density for improved thermal management and efficiency. Standard models feature a single rear-mounted motor delivering 200 kW (272 hp) and 343 Nm of torque in rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout, achieving 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6.7 seconds. The Brabus variant upgrades to a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with a combined 315 kW (428 hp) and 543 Nm, accelerating to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds while maintaining the same 66 kWh battery. Charging capabilities support a 400-volt , with DC fast charging up to 150 kW allowing a 10-80% top-up in under 30 minutes for the 66 kWh pack; AC charging varies by onboard charger, from 7.4 kW (over 7.5 hours full charge) in base models to 22 kW (under 3 hours) in Premium and trims. This setup prioritizes practical usability, with the SEA platform's integrated ensuring battery preconditioning for optimal charging and performance in varying conditions.

Model trims and performance

The is offered in several trim levels, primarily differentiated by battery capacity, , and capabilities as of 2025. The entry-level Pure and Pro trims feature a 49 kWh battery with (RWD), delivering 200 kW (272 hp) and 343 Nm of , achieving 0-62 mph in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph, with an estimated WLTP range of 193 miles. These models prioritize affordability while providing solid everyday , supported by a single rear-mounted . The Pro+ trim builds on the base models with minor enhancements like a power tailgate and upgraded driver assistance, using a 66 kWh battery, RWD setup, 200 kW power output, 343 Nm , 6.7-second acceleration, 112 mph top speed, and 261-mile WLTP range. It offers a balanced entry into the lineup for urban drivers seeking efficiency without premium luxuries. Stepping up, the Premium trim uses a 66 kWh battery, maintaining RWD and 200 kW (272 hp) with 343 Nm for the same 6.7-second 0-62 mph sprint and 112 mph top speed, but extends the WLTP range to 273 miles. This variant includes advanced features like matrix LED headlights and a , emphasizing longer-range capability and refined driving dynamics suitable for mixed highway use. For maximum performance, the trim introduces all-wheel drive (AWD) via a dual-motor configuration, boosting output to 315 kW (428 hp) and 543 Nm of , enabling a rapid 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds while limited to a 112 mph top speed and retaining the 66 kWh battery for a 249-mile WLTP range. Its sport-tuned chassis and aggressive styling enhance handling and acceleration, making it the performance-oriented choice, though the added weight slightly impacts efficiency compared to RWD variants.
TrimBattery (kWh)Power (kW/hp) (Nm)0-62 mph (s)Top Speed (mph)WLTP Range (miles)
Pure/Pro49RWD200/2723436.7112193
Pro+66RWD200/2723436.7112261
Premium66RWD200/2723436.7112273
66AWD315/4285433.9112249
Overall, the Smart #1's performance emphasizes agile, responsive electric propulsion across trims, with the RWD models offering efficient, linear power delivery for city and suburban driving, while the provides thrilling AWD grip for dynamic scenarios. Real-world tests confirm the RWD variants achieve around 200-220 miles in mixed conditions for 66 kWh models, with the closer to 170-210 miles due to its higher output; 49 kWh models achieve approximately 150-170 miles.

Features and technology

Infotainment and connectivity

The Smart #1 features a central 12.8-inch high-resolution touchscreen infotainment system with a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, serving as the primary interface for , media, control, and vehicle settings. This display is complemented by a 9.2-inch full HD digital instrument cluster behind the and an optional 10-inch head-up display that projects key information onto the windshield. The system supports user profiles that personalize settings for , lighting, audio, and across multiple drivers. The infotainment runs on an integrated software platform derived from the Geely SEA architecture, enabling over-the-air (OTA) updates for continuous improvements in functionality and user interface. In April 2025, smart integrated TomTom's navigation services into the Smart #1, providing industry-leading maps, real-time traffic updates, EV-optimized routing, and ADAS maps to enhance the driving experience. Voice control is powered by an AI-based assistant activated by "Hey Smart," featuring a 3D user interface and a virtual fox avatar that responds to natural language commands for tasks like adjusting temperature, finding routes, or playing music. The system includes multiple entertainment modes, such as ambient lighting integration and a 13-speaker Beats Audio sound system in higher trims, enhancing the in-cabin experience. Connectivity is seamless through wireless Apple CarPlay and , allowing drivers to mirror apps directly on the central display without cables for navigation, calls, and streaming. The vehicle integrates with the Hello Smart mobile app, which provides real-time monitoring of battery status, range, , , and charging progress, along with remote controls for preconditioning the cabin, locking/unlocking doors, and activating hazard lights. Digital key sharing via the app enables access for family or friends using NFC or . The connected ecosystem employs ISO 27701 and ISO 21434 cybersecurity standards to protect data transmission between the vehicle, app, and cloud.

Advanced driver assistance systems

The Smart #1 incorporates a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard equipment, leveraging sensors and cameras to support safer and more convenient driving. These include with stop-and-go functionality, which automatically maintains a preset speed and following distance while handling low-speed traffic scenarios. Active lane keeping assist provides gentle steering inputs to prevent unintended lane departures, working in conjunction with lane departure warning that alerts the driver via visual and haptic feedback. Blind spot assist uses to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes, issuing warnings during lane changes to reduce collision risks. Highway and traffic jam assist combine with to enable hands-on semi-autonomous driving on motorways and in congested conditions, allowing the vehicle to follow up to highway speeds. Automatic parking assist employs ultrasonic sensors and cameras to detect suitable spaces and execute parallel or parking maneuvers with minimal driver input. Adaptive high beam assist automatically adjusts headlight intensity based on oncoming to improve nighttime visibility without dazzling other drivers. These features are part of the vehicle's core ADAS package, contributing to its Level 2 in select markets. For enhanced capabilities, a 2023 special edition model introduced the Navigation smart Pilot (NSP) system, based on SuperVision™ technology. This advanced setup features 11 cameras—including seven 8-megapixel units for 360-degree perception—a driver monitoring camera, and dual EyeQ5™ chips to process environmental data in real time. NSP enables point-to-point automatic navigation on highways and urban expressways, supporting automatic overtaking, lane changes, ramp entry and exit, and traffic jam assistance for smoother urban and intercity travel. The system supports over-the-air (OTA) upgrades to refine performance and add new functions, marking smart's first integration of 's high-definition vision platform. The upgraded NSP PRO, introduced by the end of 2024, expands these hands-free operations to include urban pilot assisted driving, emulating mature driver habits with over 95% success rate at intersections and smooth obstacle navigation, initially available in .

Safety and testing

Crash test ratings

The Smart #1 received a five-star overall safety rating from in 2022, based on its performance across four key assessment areas. It achieved 96% for adult occupant protection, demonstrating strong results in frontal offset and full-width rigid barrier tests, where dummy readings indicated good protection for the driver's chest and knees, though marginal chest protection was noted in the side barrier impact. Child occupant protection scored 89%, with effective restraint systems for 6- and 10-year-old dummies in dynamic tests, including the frontal offset and side barrier scenarios. Vulnerable road user protection was rated at 71%, benefiting from the vehicle's autonomous emergency braking system that detected cyclists and pedestrians effectively, though the bonnet offered weaker protection in some impact zones. Safety assist technologies earned 88%, highlighted by the reliable lane support system and speed assistance that enforced limits accurately. In 2024, the Smart #1 also earned a five-star rating from ANCAP, aligned with protocols for the 2020-2022 assessment period. Adult occupant protection reached 96%, with adequate to good outcomes in frontal and side crash tests, including full points for whiplash protection from the front seats. Child occupant protection was 87%, supported by standard anchors and top tether points across rear seats, ensuring stable child restraint installation. Vulnerable road users scored 70%, aided by the forward collision warning system that avoided collisions with pedestrians at various speeds. Safety assist features achieved 94%, with the and performing well in real-world simulations. No ratings have been issued by the IIHS or NHTSA, as the is not sold market. Similarly, while produced in , no public C-NCAP results are available for the model as of November 2025.
Assessment Area (2022)ANCAP (2024)
Adult Occupant Protection96%96%
Child Occupant Protection89%87%
Vulnerable Road Users71%70%
Safety Assist88%94%
Overall Rating5 stars5 stars

Structural features

The Smart #1 features a body-in-white structure composed of 74% high-strength steel and 19% press-hardened steel, forming a rigid safety cage that enhances occupant protection during collisions. This material distribution, developed in collaboration with and , prioritizes energy absorption and deformation control to minimize intrusion into the passenger compartment. In crash testing, the passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal offset deformable barrier test, with dummy measurements indicating good protection for the knees and femurs of both the driver and front . The demonstrated capability to withstand loads from more severe impacts, contributing to the vehicle's 96% score in adult occupant protection. Similarly, in the full-width rigid barrier test, the body shell maintained integrity, limiting forces on occupants to acceptable levels. For battery safety, the underbody incorporates dedicated structural reinforcements around the high-voltage , including a sloped front casing to deflect impacts and aluminum alloy side protections to prevent penetration or short-circuit risks. This design ensures the battery remains isolated from the passenger cell, supporting the overall five-star rating by reducing fire and electrical hazards in crashes. The vehicle is built on Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform, which integrates modular battery mounting with reinforced floorpan elements for enhanced torsional rigidity and side-impact resistance. In side barrier and pole tests, the structure provided good head and pelvis protection, though marginal chest compression was noted for the driver, underscoring the role of ultra-high-strength steel in key pillars and sills.

Sales and reception

Market launch and figures

The Smart #1 was first introduced to the market in , where it went on sale on April 25, 2022, with initial deliveries commencing on September 24, 2022. Priced starting at RMB 209,900 for the base model (excluding subsidies), the vehicle quickly gained traction in the competitive Chinese EV segment, benefiting from the brand's partnership between and . In , pre-orders for left-hand-drive models opened in October 2022, with the first customer deliveries beginning in early 2023 across key markets such as , , and . By mid-2023, deliveries had expanded to additional countries including and , where the model was officially launched on July 17, 2023. Pricing in started at €43,590 for the Pro trim in , positioning it as an accessible premium compact EV . Global market expansion accelerated in subsequent years, with the Smart #1 entering the Australian market in August 2024, followed by further rollouts in (April 2025), (January 2025), (July 2025), , , , and over 10 additional overseas regions in 2025. By January 2025, the brand operated in 22 countries and regions, supported by a network of 316 sales outlets in and 210 stores in . Sales figures reflect steady growth since launch, with nearly 70,000 units delivered globally by the end of 2023, primarily driven by the Chinese market where the #1 led premium compact SUVs for the brand. In 2024, worldwide deliveries reached approximately 65,000 units, including about 20,000 in Europe, contributing to a nearly 7% year-on-year increase and a cumulative total approaching 135,000 units. As of May 2025, monthly sales in China showed an upward trend, reaching 2,757 units, building on earlier figures such as 1,489 in January and 1,900 in March.

Critical reviews and awards

The Smart #1 received generally positive critical reception upon its launch in 2023, with reviewers praising its stylish design, spacious interior, refined driving experience, and competitive range and charging capabilities, though some noted limitations in boot space and dynamic handling. Electrifying.com awarded it 9 out of 10, highlighting its beautiful build quality, impressive (0-62 mph in 6.7 seconds for the ), generous rear legroom, and comfortable suspension, while criticizing the small 273-liter and occasionally slow . Carwow gave it 8 out of 10, commending the quirky exterior, excellent , and roomy cabin influenced by and , but pointing out the limited and frunk space, as well as a lack of engagement on winding roads. What Car? rated the four out of five stars, describing it as a "brilliant " for its agile handling, plush interior with high-quality materials, and rapid charging (10-80% in 27 minutes at 150 kW), though it critiqued the choppy low-speed ride and modest efficiency leading to a real-world range of around 245-273 miles. Top Gear scored it 7 out of 10, appreciating the soft-edged comfort and futuristic styling but noting it as yet another electric crossover lacking a unique selling point beyond its brand revival. Australian outlet CarsGuide assigned 7.2 out of 10, lauding the premium feel and stacked features but observing that the ride could feel firm over rough surfaces. Reviewers have noted the Smart #1's suitability for urban environments. It is praised for its agile handling and precise steering, good all-round visibility, and standard front and rear parking sensors combined with a 360-degree camera, making it practical and nippy for city streets, traffic, and parking. The model offers strong efficiency in urban conditions along with rapid charging capabilities. However, some critics have pointed out a slightly choppy low-speed ride over bumps and potholes, as well as jerky or inconsistent regenerative braking in stop-go traffic, which can affect comfort and smoothness in town. The vehicle earned several notable awards for its design, performance, and safety. In 2024, it won Best Small Electric at the What Car? Awards, recognized for its class-leading performance, practical and classy interior, competitive pricing, and extensive equipment, with editor Steve Huntingford stating it excels in driving dynamics and safety. At the 2023 What Car? EV Awards, it took Best Small , praised for its spaciousness, elegant design, smooth ride, quick acceleration, and fast charging. It also secured first place in its class and second overall in the 2023 What Car? Safety Awards, based on a five-star rating with strong scores in adult (96%) and child (89%) occupant protection. Additionally, the Smart #1 received the 2023 Red Dot Design Award in the Product Design category for its futuristic compact aesthetics, including frameless doors and a floating halo roof, appealing to urban drivers with an uncomplicated appearance.

References

  1. https://media.smart.com/uk/smart-1---welcome-the-new-generation-of-smart-models/
  2. https://media.smart.com/uk/the-new-smart-1-uk-specification-and-pricing-revealed/
  3. https://uk.smart.com/en/models/hashtag-one/
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  13. https://ev-database.org/car/1667/Smart-1-Proplus
  14. https://media.smart.com/eu/juries-convinced-smart-1-receives-red-dot-award-and-if-design-award-for-outstanding-design/
  15. https://my.smart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/E-Brochure-Premium-Pro.pdf
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  19. https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/smart/1/interior
  20. https://media.smart.com/eu/smart-1--the--definition-of-smart-space/
  21. https://media.smart.com/uk/the-new-smart-1--uk-specification-and-pricing-revealed/
  22. https://nz.smart.com/app/uploads/2025/02/smart-1-spec-sheet.pdf
  23. https://www.electrifying.com/reviews/smart/1/review
  24. https://www.brabus.com/en-int/coops/brabus-x-smart/smart1.html
  25. https://www.tomtom.com/newsroom/press-releases/general/658735357/tomtom-provides-enhanced-navigation-to-smart-s-in-vehicle-solutions/
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  28. https://my.smart.com/connectivity/
  29. https://media.smart.com/on-the-road-to-carbon-neutral-vehicles-smart-releases-2024-sustainability-report/
  30. https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/smart/%25231/48000
  31. https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings/smart/1/5dfbf1
  32. https://www.iihs.org/ratings
  33. https://media.smart.com/all-new-smart-1-is-awarded-a-five-star-euro-ncap-rating/
  34. https://au.smart.com/en/media/australian-market-specification-and-pricing/
  35. https://media.smart.com/eu/five-star-euro-ncap-rating-for-the-smart-1/
  36. https://www.scribd.com/document/688541623/Smart-1-FULL-USP-Highlights
  37. https://cnevpost.com/2023/08/01/smart-deliveries-china-jul/
  38. https://media.smart.com/the-all-new-smart-1-brabus-officially-launches-in-china-at-the-25th-chengdu-motor-show/
  39. https://www.electrive.com/2022/09/28/smart-announces-prices-for-the-1/
  40. https://media.smart.com/driving-the-smart-1-redefining-the-user-mobility-experience/
  41. https://cnevpost.com/2023/07/17/smart-launches-smart-1-switzerland-spain/
  42. https://media.smart.com/enhancing-global-business-operation-in-2025-smart-plans-to-expand-into-over-10-new-overseas-markets/
  43. https://www.barchart.com/story/news/34007243/expanding-global-market-presence-smart-announces-new-zealand-launch-of-the-smart-1-and-3
  44. https://media.smart.com/global-deliveries-near-70000-units-business-expands-to-22-countries-and-regions-smart-will-sprint-to-the-next-level-in-2024/
  45. https://www.electrive.com/2025/01/20/smart-5-could-nearly-double-global-sales/
  46. https://autonews.gasgoo.com/sales/article/76113.html
  47. https://autonews.gasgoo.com/sales/article/76708.html
  48. https://autonews.gasgoo.com/sales/article/77128.html
  49. https://www.carwow.co.uk/smart/1
  50. https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/smart/1
  51. https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/smart-1-premium-snapshot-94691
  52. https://media.smart.com/eu/smart-1-named-best-small-electric-suv-at-2024-what-car-awards/
  53. https://www.carsupermarket.com/blog/small-wonder-smarts-1-makes-big-waves-at-what-car-electric-awards
  54. https://www.red-dot.org/project/smart-1-64064
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