Smart #1 SUV: UK pricing and specification revealed

Smart has revealed details for its fully electric #1 small SUV, which launches in the UK this summer, priced from £35,950 and with up to 273 miles of range (WLTP).

The performance range-topper #1 Brabus starts from £43,450

A rival to models such as the Peugeot e-2008, the new model – pronounced ‘Hashtag One’ – sparks big changes at the brand as it pivots to an all-electric line-up under joint Mercedes-Geely ownership and introduces a direct-sales agency model alongside its dealer network.

As with the #3 coupé-SUV revealed last week at the Shanghai motor show and due in 2024, it’s based on Geely’s bespoke electric SEA platform while the Mercedes-Benz Design network takes care of styling.

It will initially be available in three production variants – Pro+, Premium and the performance Brabus model – as well as the previously announced high-spec and limited-edition Launch Edition.

The entry-level Pro+ features a 268hp motor mounted on the rear axle and enabling a 6.7-second 0-62mph time. It’s fed by a 62kWh battery and has a 260-mile WLTP official range. The 7.4kW AC onboard charger enables a 10-80% capacity in less than 7.5 hours while DC charging at up to 150kW delivers the same charge in less than 30 minutes.

Standard specification on the Pro+ includes panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, heated seats, a 360-degree surround camera, intelligent voice assistance, LED lights and a powered tailgate.

Next up is the Premium, which is priced from £38,950 and uses the same drivetrain and battery as the Pro+ but gets a silicon carbide invertor and heat pump for improved response and efficiency, increasing range to the headline 273 miles for the #1 line-up. It also gains a 22kW three-phase onboard charger to deliver 10-80% AC charging in less than three hours.

Equipment on the Premium version includes a sound system by Beats, head-up display, CyberSparks+ Matrix LED headlights and automatic parking assist.

The exclusive #1 Launch Edition is based on the Premium but with bespoke design features and with just 100 UK examples, priced from £39,450.

The top-performance #1 Brabus starts from £43,450 and switches to a dual-motor drivetrain that ramps up to power to 422hp, while torque rises from 343Nm to 584Nm. It also delivers all-wheel drive, a specifically calibrated Brabus driving mode and a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds.

Matching its more aggressive performance, the Brabus dials up styling with bonnet vents, unique contrast paint and 19-inch Dynamo wheels. The cabin gets an Alcantara steering wheel, microfibre suede seats and headrests with Brabus design stitching.

All models come with a 12.8-inch high-definition central control screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, 4G WiFi hotspot and a one-year trial of the Premium Connectivity Package, including unlimited data, stolen vehicle tracking and map updates. Over-the-air updates will deliver upgrades and new features.

Driver assistance features fitted as standard include blind spot monitoring, emergency autonomous braking, highway assist evasive manoeuvre assist, emergency lane keep assist, traffic jam assist and adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go. A battery warranty of eight years/125,000 miles is also standard.

The cabin comes with a sliding second row of seats, giving to 421 litres of luggage space with them in place or 986 litres when folded down.

“We are very proud of what we achieved with the smart #1,” said David Browne, CEO, smart UK. “From the exceptional standard specification of the entry level Pro+, which offers features usually associated with luxury cars, to the incredible performance of Brabus, which leaves purpose-built sports cars trailing in its wake. We look forward to the media and public alike getting to experience the entire #1 line-up as we build toward our full market launch later this summer.”

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.