Smart 1
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.[1] 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.[2] 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 wheelbase, the Smart #1 offers agile handling suitable for city driving while providing up to 986 litres of boot space with seats folded.[3] It is built on Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform and features a 66 kWh lithium-ion battery 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 torque, 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.[2] The interior incorporates a hyperscreen dashboard with a 12.8-inch central OLED display, integrating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside over-the-air updates and the Smart Pilot suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The vehicle has received design accolades such as the Red Dot and iF Awards for its sleek, frameless-door aesthetic and innovative cabin. As of November 2025, the Smart #1 continues to expand in global markets, positioning smart as a leader in premium electric urban vehicles.[3]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 Munich, Germany. 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 sustainable design and advanced technology. Developed under the smart Automobile Co., Ltd. joint venture—formed in 2019 between Mercedes-Benz AG and Geely Automobile Holdings—the vehicle emphasized a data-driven, omnichannel sales approach to enhance customer experiences.[4] The Concept #1 showcased innovative aesthetics and functionality, including a glossy white exterior with continuous LED light strips, a panoramic glass roof, 21-inch wheels, and concealed door handles, while its interior featured a spacious cabin with a 12.8-inch 3D central touchscreen, AI-assisted user interface, and ambient lighting. Measuring 4,290 mm in length with a 2,750 mm wheelbase, it highlighted smart's shift toward larger, more versatile vehicles compared to its historical city-car focus. Design chief Gorden Wagener described it as embodying a "completely new design DNA" to position smart as a leading design brand in electric mobility.[4] On February 10, 2022, smart officially named the production version the "smart #1," confirming it as the inaugural model in a planned family of battery-electric vehicles built on Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform. The world premiere of the production Smart #1 occurred on April 7, 2022, at STATION-Berlin in Germany, 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.[5][6]Production and platform
The Smart #1 is manufactured by Smart Automobile Co., Ltd., a 50-50 joint venture between Mercedes-Benz AG and Geely Holding Group, established in 2019 to develop and produce all-electric vehicles under the Smart brand.[4][7] Production of the Smart #1 takes place at Geely's Automotive Manufacturing Base in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China, with assembly beginning in early 2022 ahead of its market launch.[8][9] Deliveries commenced in China in September 2022, marking it as the first production vehicle from the joint venture.[10] The vehicle is built on Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), a modular electric vehicle platform designed for scalability across various vehicle sizes and brands within the Geely ecosystem, including Zeekr, Polestar, and Volvo models.[11][12] 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.[11] Key features of the SEA platform in the Smart #1 include a 400-volt electrical architecture 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.[13][12] The platform's design emphasizes sustainability through the use of lightweight materials and efficient power electronics, contributing to the vehicle's overall curb weight starting at around 1,780 kg.[11]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 wheelbase that balances urban maneuverability with interior space.[1] Its exterior adopts a sleek, aerodynamic profile with smooth curves and a lowered roofline, creating a sporty yet sophisticated silhouette that marks a departure from the brand's earlier microcar heritage.[3] This design emphasizes fluidity and presence, with flush door handles that retract to minimize drag and frameless doors that contribute to a premium, coupe-like appearance.[14] A standout element is the floating halo roof, a large panoramic glass panel with an integrated ring of ambient lighting that seamlessly transitions into the windscreen, offering expansive views while enhancing the vehicle's futuristic aesthetic.[4] 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.[15] 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.[16] Influenced by Mercedes-Benz's "Sensual Purity" philosophy, the overall styling prioritizes elegant proportions and high-quality materials, such as metallic paint finishes available in multiple colors like graphite grey or solar red.[5] 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.[14] In performance-oriented variants like the Brabus, exterior enhancements include aggressive front splitter, rear diffuser, and red brake calipers, amplifying the athletic stance without altering core dimensions.[17]Interior and ergonomics
The interior of the Smart #1 adopts a minimalist, premium design inspired by Mercedes-Benz aesthetics, featuring a T-shaped floating instrument panel and a spacious cabin that emphasizes room efficiency through its dedicated electric vehicle platform. High-quality materials dominate, including soft-touch plastics, artificial leather upholstery in base models, and genuine leather or Alcantara options in Premium and Brabus 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.[1][18][19] 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 steering wheel for precise control. Visibility is strong due to slim A-pillars, an upright windscreen, and a low dashboard 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 head-up display 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 Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, which can bury essential settings in sub-menus and reduce tactile feedback during operation.[18][19] Rear passenger space is generous for a compact SUV, accommodating adults up to 6 feet tall with adequate headroom and legroom, aided by a flat floor 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 natural light 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 floor slightly hampers usability for bulky items. Overall, these elements deliver a practical yet upscale environment suited to urban driving.[18][20][19]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.[21] 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.[22][15] 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.[22][15] The electric drivetrain centers on permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) paired with silicon carbide (SiC) inverters, which reduce energy losses and enable higher power density for improved thermal management and efficiency.[15] 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.[22] 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.[22] Charging capabilities support a 400-volt architecture, 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 Brabus trims.[22][21] This setup prioritizes practical usability, with the SEA platform's integrated thermal management system ensuring battery preconditioning for optimal charging and performance in varying conditions.[15]Model trims and performance
The Smart #1 is offered in several trim levels, primarily differentiated by battery capacity, equipment, and performance capabilities as of 2025. The entry-level Pure and Pro trims feature a 49 kWh battery with rear-wheel drive (RWD), delivering 200 kW (272 hp) and 343 Nm of torque, achieving 0-62 mph in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph, with an estimated WLTP range of 193 miles.[23] These models prioritize affordability while providing solid everyday performance, supported by a single rear-mounted electric motor. 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 torque, 6.7-second acceleration, 112 mph top speed, and 261-mile WLTP range.[13] 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 torque for the same 6.7-second 0-62 mph sprint and 112 mph top speed, but extends the WLTP range to 273 miles.[16] This variant includes advanced features like matrix LED headlights and a head-up display, emphasizing longer-range capability and refined driving dynamics suitable for mixed highway use.[23] For maximum performance, the Brabus trim introduces all-wheel drive (AWD) via a dual-motor configuration, boosting output to 315 kW (428 hp) and 543 Nm of torque, 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.[16][24] 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.[18]| Trim | Battery (kWh) | Drivetrain | Power (kW/hp) | Torque (Nm) | 0-62 mph (s) | Top Speed (mph) | WLTP Range (miles) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pure/Pro | 49 | RWD | 200/272 | 343 | 6.7 | 112 | 193 |
| Pro+ | 66 | RWD | 200/272 | 343 | 6.7 | 112 | 261 |
| Premium | 66 | RWD | 200/272 | 343 | 6.7 | 112 | 273 |
| Brabus | 66 | AWD | 315/428 | 543 | 3.9 | 112 | 249 |
Features and technology
Infotainment and connectivity
The Smart #1 features a central 12.8-inch high-resolution OLED touchscreen infotainment system with a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, serving as the primary interface for navigation, media, climate control, and vehicle settings.[1] This display is complemented by a 9.2-inch full HD digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and an optional 10-inch head-up display that projects key information onto the windshield.[1] The system supports user profiles that personalize settings for navigation, lighting, audio, and climate across multiple drivers.[1] 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.[11] 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.[25] 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.[1] 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.[26] Connectivity is seamless through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to mirror smartphone apps directly on the central display without cables for navigation, calls, and streaming.[21][15] The vehicle integrates with the Hello Smart mobile app, which provides real-time monitoring of battery status, range, location, tire pressure, and charging progress, along with remote controls for preconditioning the cabin, locking/unlocking doors, and activating hazard lights.[27][28] Digital key sharing via the app enables peer-to-peer access for family or friends using NFC or Bluetooth.[1] The connected ecosystem employs ISO 27701 and ISO 21434 cybersecurity standards to protect data transmission between the vehicle, app, and cloud.[1]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 adaptive cruise control 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 radar to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes, issuing warnings during lane changes to reduce collision risks. Highway and traffic jam assist combine adaptive cruise control with lane centering to enable hands-on semi-autonomous driving on motorways and in congested conditions, allowing the vehicle to follow traffic flow up to highway speeds. Automatic parking assist employs ultrasonic sensors and cameras to detect suitable spaces and execute parallel or perpendicular parking maneuvers with minimal driver input. Adaptive high beam assist automatically adjusts headlight intensity based on oncoming traffic to improve nighttime visibility without dazzling other drivers. These features are part of the vehicle's core ADAS package, contributing to its Level 2 autonomy certification in select markets. For enhanced capabilities, a 2023 special edition model introduced the Navigation smart Pilot (NSP) system, based on Mobileye SuperVision™ technology. This advanced setup features 11 cameras—including seven 8-megapixel units for 360-degree perception—a driver monitoring camera, and dual Mobileye 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 Mobileye'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 China.[29]Safety and testing
Crash test ratings
The Smart #1 received a five-star overall safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2022, based on its performance across four key assessment areas.[30] 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.[30] 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.[30] 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.[30] Safety assist technologies earned 88%, highlighted by the reliable lane support system and speed assistance that enforced limits accurately.[30] In 2024, the Smart #1 also earned a five-star rating from ANCAP, aligned with Euro NCAP protocols for the 2020-2022 assessment period.[31] 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.[31] Child occupant protection was 87%, supported by standard ISOFIX anchors and top tether points across rear seats, ensuring stable child restraint installation.[31] Vulnerable road users scored 70%, aided by the forward collision warning system that avoided collisions with pedestrians at various speeds.[31] Safety assist features achieved 94%, with the intelligent speed assistance and driver monitoring system performing well in real-world simulations.[31] No ratings have been issued by the IIHS or NHTSA, as the Smart #1 is not sold in the United States market.[32] Similarly, while produced in China, no public C-NCAP results are available for the model as of November 2025.| Assessment Area | Euro NCAP (2022) | ANCAP (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Occupant Protection | 96% | 96% |
| Child Occupant Protection | 89% | 87% |
| Vulnerable Road Users | 71% | 70% |
| Safety Assist | 88% | 94% |
| Overall Rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |