The smart #1 is built on an all-new all-electric SUV platform that combines a compact urban-friendly footprint with impressive interior space.
On the outside, its streamlined curves – with concealed door handles and frameless doors for an added premium touch – feel classic and modern in the same breath. Powerful CyberSparks LED headlights with auto high-beam cut through the gloom, while smart #1 Premium and BRABUS editions add CyberSparks LED+ Matrix headlights with adaptive high beam for even smarter after-dark driving.
Opt for the high-performance smart #1 BRABUS, and – in addition to an enhanced all-wheel drive all-electric powertrain that offers even more spark (more on that in a moment) – there’s an added dose of design flair. That includes a body kit with spoilers and side sills, dedicated 19” Dynamo alloy wheels, BRABUS red accents on the exterior and interior, a grippy Alcantara steering wheel and microfibre suede seats.
The floating halo roof design means you get a panoramic sunroof on all models, flooding the cabin with extra light. Equally, you can pick from a wide choice of vibrant paint colours and two-tone roof combinations to style your smart #1 your way.
Talking of the cabin, both the What Car? and Autocar road test teams were hugely taken with the smart #1’s style and practicality. “The smart #1’s interior impresses,” What Car? said. “There are plenty of soft-touch materials and, despite the minimalist look, there are plenty of storage compartments.”
Belying its compact city-friendly design, the smart #1 also has plenty of room for friends and family, including 421 litres of versatile luggage space for weekends away. “In the back, there’s a decent amount of headroom (enough for six-footers),” What Car? pointed out. “Leg room is good, too. It edges the Kia Niro EV, the BYD Atto 3 and the Hyundai Kona Electric in that respect.
“The rear seatback splits and folds down in a 60:40 split, and there’s a ski hatch in the middle so you can poke long items through between two passengers. Unusually at this price point, the smart #1 has sliding and reclining rear seats, so you can juggle between more boot space and more comfort.”
