Smart #1 Pulse

Overview

The Smart #1 Pulse is a seriously funky compact electric SUV, packing a surprising punch and heaps of style. Think of it as the sophisticated, zippy city slicker with AWD grip for all seasons. While not officially sold stateside, its Pulse trim, boasting dual motors and a premium vibe, would aim to carve out a niche against other small, characterful EVs. Its key highlights are its peppy performance, high-tech interior, and distinct design. If it were in the US, expect it to be a premium offering in the compact segment.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the Smart #1 Pulse continues to flex its muscles as a top-tier trim, though specific US-market updates haven't been detailed given its current EU focus. Expect it to carry forward its impressive dual-motor AWD setup, comprehensive tech suite, and distinctive styling cues that set it apart. Any updates would likely involve infotainment software enhancements or minor cosmetic options, keeping it fresh. The Pulse essentially represents the best of the #1's current capabilities, wrapped in a sporty package that would turn heads on American roads.

Design & Exterior

This ain't your grandma's Smart car! The #1 Pulse boasts a super sleek, modern design with smooth surfaces and cool full-width LED light bars front and rear, giving it a mini-Mercedes EQ vibe. Measuring 169.3 inches long, 71.7 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 64.4 inches tall, it's perfectly sized for urban adventures. The Pulse trim often sports unique alloy wheels and subtle sporty accents that enhance its already distinctive look, making it a real head-turner. Its compact but chunky proportions give it a confident stance on the road.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the #1 Pulse, and you’re greeted by a surprisingly posh and airy cabin, feeling more premium than you'd expect. Passenger space is decent for a compact five-seater. You get a massive central touchscreen (think 12.8-inch) for infotainment, likely with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a digital driver display. Cargo-wise, there's 11.1 ft³ in the boot, expanding to 34.8 ft³ with seats down. Don't forget the handy, if tiny, 0.5 ft³ frunk for your charging cables! Material quality generally impresses, adding to its upmarket feel.

Performance & Driving Experience

Hold on tight! The Smart #1 Pulse is a pocket rocket, zipping from 0-60 mph in a blistering 4.3 seconds thanks to its dual-motor All-Wheel Drive system. These Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors churn out a combined 315 kW (that's a hefty 422 hp!) and 431 lb-ft of torque, delivering instant oomph. Expect nimble handling ideal for city driving, with a comfortable ride. Multiple regenerative braking modes will allow for one-pedal driving, making stop-and-go traffic a breeze. It's a properly fun and engaging little SUV to pilot!

Range, Battery & Charging

The #1 Pulse gets its juice from a 62 kWh (usable) battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 211 miles. Efficiency is a respectable 3.4 mi/kWh. For its current markets, it uses a CCS Type 2 port; a US version would likely sport CCS Type 1 or NACS. The kicker is its standard 22 kW AC on-board charger, meaning a full charge in under 3 hours! DC fast charging maxes out at 150 kW, taking it from 10-80% in roughly 30 minutes. That’s quick!

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While US NHTSA ratings are unavailable as it's not sold here, the Smart #1 scored a top five-star rating from Euro NCAP, which is reassuring! You can expect the Pulse trim to come loaded with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems. Think adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking likely as standard. These features would make it a confident companion for both city commutes and highway jaunts, putting it on par with many premium offerings in the safety tech department.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

If the Smart #1 Pulse were to hit US shores, expect warranty coverage competitive with other premium EVs. This would likely mean a basic vehicle warranty around 4 years/50,000 miles, and a battery warranty of 8 years/100,000 miles, covering against significant degradation. Powertrain coverage might align with the battery. Complimentary maintenance isn't a given but could be an introductory perk. Smart's joint venture with Geely and Mercedes suggests a focus on decent build quality, though long-term US-specific reliability data would naturally be pending its (hypothetical) arrival.