Video Summary
Key findings from the Smart #1 EV review:- The new Smart #1 is developed from a partnership between Swatch and Mercedes and is now owned by Geely.
- This is more of a crossover hatchback rather than a small city car like its predecessors.
- The Smart #1 offers about 273 miles of range from its 66-kilowatt-hour battery pack.
- The tested version is a premium model with a sticker price of £38,950.
- There is abundant detail available regarding the car’s energy efficiency.
- The battery can preheat itself before rapid charging to allow for quicker charge times.
- The simple surface car is easy to clean.
- This car's front and rear styling look similar to the Mercedes EQ series.
- It is built on the same platform as the Volvo EX30 with the same batteries, drivetrain, and software.
- The car is rear-wheel drive with a rear motor.
- Although the vehicle has a heat pump, in very cold conditions, the driver will likely need to turn the temperature up.
- Automatic dipping headlights exist, but are not easily found in the menus.
- The rear electric boot is fairly small for a vehicle of this size, measuring 313 liters, but it has a deep well that is ideal for keeping the cables separated from luggage.
- There are three driving modes: sport, comfort, and eco.
- The review car featured large 19-inch wheels with a distinctive design that resembles a camel’s toe.
- The standard rear-wheel drive version has over 268 horsepower and goes from 0-62 mph in 6.7 seconds.
- The car is acoustically quiet on the motorway.
- The ride quality is good, but the handling and steering are only average.
- It may be that Smart has played it too safe in its recent transition as a brand and has created something that lacks character.
- When driving with 0% indicated range and only 1 mile left, the car will still keep going without any warning messages or alarms.
- The tester accidentally used it to tow out other cars from a salvage yard, which could be an interesting testament to power.
- Its front clam-shell bonnet with small storage area is reminiscent of Minis or Range Rovers.
- The door glass is frameless, but when frozen, it tended to stick to the rubber seal, which is not a good trait for a family car.
- The charging ports for the rapid charge are well designed, but the car lacks interior funkiness and funky design choices.
- Smart #1 is calibrated for comfort over playful, rear wheel driving, and the large tires damage its aerodynamic efficiency.
- Mercedes owns a significant part of Smart so the steering feels like a smaller Mini Countryman or C-Class, not an exciting Brabus car.
- The reviewer stated that this #1 is not class-leading in terms of boot/trunk space, stating that it is similar to, but not as interesting as, the Kia Soul.
