The Mercedes-Benz subsidiary, Smart packed its operations from the US market in 2019. However, it is still producing vehicles for select markets. In fact, the Smart has now totally transformed into an electric brand after Mercedes joined hands with Chinese automaker Geely.
The first fruit of this joint venture is a zero-emission crossover, which previews what we should expect from the brand. Enter the Smart #1 all-electric crossover that appears totally different from what the automaker was previously offering with its smooth appearance, advanced tech, and zero-emission propulsion.
Design
The new Smart EV has debuted yesterday as the automaker gave us some information about its specs and showed its production face. If you have seen the Smart Concept #1 revealed in 2021, it is pretty similar to that both on the outside and on the inside. The interior is a tech powerhouse featuring a 3D user interface powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). There is a big 12.8-inch infotainment display and a 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster.
Dimensions
Other prominent attributes include frameless doors, retractable door handles, and a panoramic glass roof. Smart says it is 4.27 metres (14.0 feet) long, 1.82 metres (5.9 ft) wide, and 1.64 metres (5.4 ft) tall with a 2.75 metres (9.0 ft) wheelbase. It weighs 4,012 pounds (1,820 kilograms).
Powertrain
The powertrain consists of a 268-horsepower (200-kilowatt) electric motor and a 66-kilowatt-hour NCM (nickel, cobalt, manganese) battery. The total torque output stands at 252 pound-feet (343 Newton-meters) that goes directly to the rear wheels. The maximum speed the Smart #1 can attain is 112 miles per hour (180 kilometers per hour).
Charging and Range
Juicing up from 10 to 80 per cent requires 3.5 hours through a 22-kW AC charger. Opt for the 150-kW DC and the crossover will take about just 30 minutes for the same. The automaker believes a full charge will enable the EV to deliver 260-273 miles (420-440 kilometers) of range according to the generous WLTP cycle.
The tech installed in the vehicle is capable of getting updates over-the-air. However, only about 75 per cent of Smart #1’s ECUs will benefit from it. The updates likely will increase the vehicle’s performance and systems on the go.
Availability and Price
The company is salient on the availability and price of this crossover EV. However, we know the Smart #1 will first hit the roads in China before launching into the European markets. We believe the price will be announced before the company starts selling.
Source and Images: Motor1