The Smart car brand has unveiled an all-new SUV known as the ‘1’ which combines fully-electric underpinnings with Mercedes-Benz styling.
Becoming the first all-new car to be released under the German name plate since 2014, the Smart 1 is entirely unrelated to the small Smart Fortwo and Forfour EV hatches.
Mercedes-Benz and Geely, who both own shares in Smart, have split responsibilities between them on the Smart 1, with Geely providing the fully-electric platform underpinning the SUV while Mercedes will handle the design.
The Smart 1 will be powered by a single 200kW electric motor
While dimensions have not yet been revealed, the Smart 1 will likely serve as a more affordable alternative to the Mercedes-Benz EQA and compete against larger rivals such as Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
Smart 1 range and charging
The Smart 1 is the first car bound for Europe that uses Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) which will soon also be used for a compact electric SUV from Volvo.
At launch the Smart 1 will be available with a single motor mounted on the rear axle producing a healthy 200kW of power which uses a 66kWh battery to provide 440km of range.
Mercedes-Benz was tasked with designing the interior and exterior of the 1
Smart is said to be considering a diverse selection of powertrain options and battery sizes, leaving the door open for a sprightly all-wheel-drive version, according to AutoCar.
The Smart 1 is capable of 150kW charging, meaning that the small electric SUV can be charged from 10-80 percent in less than half an hour.
Smart have worked hard to make sure the 1 is as aerodynamic as possible to maximise range. The team achieved a drag coefficient of just 0.29 by concealing door handles, adding an active grille shutter and designing a curved silhouette. This puts it at the similar drag coefficient as the Volkswagen ID.4 coupe-shaped SUV.
With a 150kW fast charger, the 1 can go from 10-80 percent in under 30 minutes
Will we even get this car in Australia?
It is unlikely that the new Smart 1 electric car will come to Australia, as the focus market for this vehicle is mainly Europe and the United Kingdom.
Sales will begin in Europe at the end of 2022, followed by a 2023 UK release.
Instead of opening its own dealerships, Smart will sell its cars through the Mercedes-Benz dealership network in the UK in a partnership that is set to continue for quite some time.
The Smart brand disappeared from the Australian automotive landscape in 2014 and has not reappeared since, however this new Smart 1 could act as an avenue to reintroduce the brand in Australia.
