Smart #1 Begins A New Era For The Brand

Smart is no longer alive in the United States, but in other parts of the world, it still sells the extremely tiny ForTwo. However, the Mercedes-owned automaker can't live on a microscopic city car forever, which is where the Smart #1 comes into the picture. This little crossover looks to keep Smart in the right direction with an evolved design, a roomier cabin, and much more advanced technology.

The #1 is based on an all-new EV-dedicated platform, and it's filled to the brim with tech that you wouldn't expect in such a small package. Despite being an SUV, the #1 keeps the compact footprint that Smart cars are known for, with a 2750-millimeter (9 feet) wheelbase, and a full length of just 4270 millimeters (14 feet). Thanks to a flat floor and less moving parts, Smart was able to make the most of the #1's short wheelbase. This is a big advantage that all EVs share, so going electric is a huge benefit for smaller vehicles.

The Smart #1 carries a new face, which appears to be loosely inspired by the Mercedes lineup. Up front, an LED light bar slowly widens at the edges and connects each headlight, which creates an interesting effect. The same treatment is applied to the rear, but with a more expressive light signature. A considerably long front overhang gives the #1 more mature look than the funky ForTwo, but a two-tone floating roof keeps the fun personality going. From the side, flush door handles on the frameless doors promote a cleaner look, while the greenhouse slopes down slightly until it wraps around to reach the rear windshield. A stylish side bumper insert matches the color of the roof, and similar touches have been added to the front and rear bumpers. Each wheel features 19-inch rims, which are pretty impressive for a car that measures just 14 feet.

This microcar's interior is where the #1 impresses us the most, with a beautiful dashboard design, cavernous storage compartments, and a large 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment screen. This system is a huge leap from the ForTwo's small LCD display, with customizable menus and displays, AI-based voice commands, and a personal avatar. The system is linked to the cloud, and Smart promises that it is secure and up to date with the latest cyber security standards. This new infotainment also features over-the-air updates, which are capable of updating a whopping 75% of the #1's ECU parts. The driver can also control their own 'smart ID' account to manage the car's settings and connect to Smart's mobile app. This app can act as a digital key, and allows the user to connect with fellow Smart owners.

At launch, the Smart #1 will have up to 200 kW of power, and can charge from 10% to 80% in three hours with an AC charging unit. Using DC fast charging will drastically reduce that number to about 30 minutes. With OTA updates and the possibility of more powerful trim variations, the #1's performance might improve in the future.

When Europe and Asia can finally get behind the wheel of the #1, Smart says that a strong in-person dealer network is essential for a better consumer experience. However, buyers also have the option purchase their Smart online. For those who want both, customers can easily switch from digital to in-person and back again.

An exciting new chapter has begun for Smart, and the #1 leads the way for an all-electric future, a new design direction, and more advanced tech. If the #1 successfully brings Smart back to what it once was, companies like Mini and Fiat will be facing fierce new competition in the electric era.

Should Smart come back to the US with the #1?

Images: Smart