The smart #1 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for a company famous for those tiny two-seat city cars that squeeze into the smallest of parking spaces. The smart #1 – pronounced “Smart Hashtag One” – is the debut product of a new joint venture. As you can probably tell from the review, it’s not just another tiny city car. This electric SUV is actually similar in size to the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Jeep Avenger.

Performance

The entry-level smart #1 boasts a 268bhp electric motor driving its rear wheels, making it quicker than any of its direct competitors. It officially sprints from 0-100km/h in a zippy 6.7 seconds. The performance-focused BRABUS version ups the ante with a second electric motor powering the front wheels, giving it four-wheel drive and a hefty boost to 422bhp. This powerhouse version slashes the 0-100km/h time to an impressive 3.9 seconds, putting it on par with an Audi RS3. Want to learn more about the BRABUS? Check out our other review here.

There are three driving modes (with a fourth BRABUS mode in the go-faster model). You'll likely spend most of your time in Comfort mode. Switching between modes doesn’t affect the suspension, just the motor's response. The car feels quick and responsive to your inputs, even in Eco mode, and the brakes are easy to judge, allowing for a smooth stop.

If you’re an enthusiastic driver and want your family car to be a corner-carving hero on weekends, the smart #1 might not be your top pick. It’s fine, just not particularly thrilling. There’s enough grip to have fun, and the car doesn’t lean too much, but you’ll never feel compelled to push its limits.

Range and Charging

No matter which version you choose, the #1 comes with a 66kWh battery. This provides the Pro+ model with an official range of 420 kilometres, while the Premium model, equipped with a slightly more efficient motor, can achieve an official range of 440 kilometres.

The #1 boasts a maximum charging speed of 150kW, enabling a 10-80% recharge in just 27 minutes. You'd be waiting about 45 minutes for the same charge in an Atto 3, Kona Electric or Niro EV. This makes the #1 not only efficient in terms of range but also highly convenient for quick recharging.

Design and Interior

By SUV standards, you don’t sit far from the road in the smart #1. It offers plenty of steering and electric seat adjustments to help you get comfortable. The 9.2-inch digital instrument display is crisp and easy to read, providing all the information you need. A generous 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits in the middle of the dashboard. One clever feature is the pet mode, which allows you to leave an animal in the car without it getting too hot.

Regarding interior quality, you'll find plenty of soft-touch materials that provide an upmarket feel, along with ambient lighting in the air vents that brightens up at night.

There’s plenty of head and legroom up front for 6ft adults, along with ample storage compartments. The same goes for those sitting in the back. Although the boot space feels a bit cramped, there’s useful underfloor storage for items like your charging cables.

Cost Considerations

The regular #1 offers two primary trims: the Pro+ and Premium. The Pro+ trim, serving as the base model, boasts a comprehensive array of features including dual-zone climate control, heated seats, adaptive cruise control, a sunroof, and keyless entry, starting from €41,894.

Opting for the Premium trim entails additional perks for an extra cost. This includes a heat pump, matrix LED headlights, and a head-up display, with prices starting at €48,332.

To ensure minimised running costs, a service package is available covering the initial three years, encompassing maintenance and wear & tear. Moreover, the battery enjoys its own eight-year warranty, enhancing peace of mind for buyers.

Conclusion

The smart #1 joins the bustling market of electric SUVs. While it might not boast the same level of practicality as some rivals, it still offers respectable range, an appealing design, and commendable value. Additionally, the availability of a BRABUS version provides an enticing option for those seeking extra power. If you're in the market for a compact electric SUV, it's worth exploring alternatives such as the Volvo EX30, Kia Niro EV, and Jeep Avenger.