smart #1 on sale in China – EV SUV with up to 560 km range, RM120k-RM149k price, Brabus version teased

smart #1 on sale in China – EV SUV with up to 560 km range, RM120k-RM149k price, Brabus version teased

Two months after the order books were opened, the smart #1 has officially gone on sale in China with the official announcement of prices. The car, which is both the company’s first SUV and its first dedicated electric vehicle, is slightly cheaper than previously expected, with all models retailing under the 230,000 yuan (RM151,500) mark.

In fact, a new entry-level Pure+ variant has been added to drop the price to 181,600 yuan (RM119,600). The Pro+, meanwhile, is more expensive than its pre-sale estimate of 190,000 yuan (RM125,200) suggested, costing 196,600 yuan (RM129,500). The Premium+ tops the range at 226,600 yuan (RM149,300).

All models are powered by the same rear-mounted electric motor, producing 200 kW (272 PS) and 343 Nm of torque, enabling it to get from zero to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. Also fitted to all variants is a 66 kWh lithium-ion battery, providing a range of 535 km on the CLTC cycle.

smart #1 on sale in China – EV SUV with up to 560 km range, RM120k-RM149k price, Brabus version teased

The Premium+ is slightly more efficient thanks to silicon carbide being employed in the motor (likely in the inverter), enabling it to travel an extra 25 km at 560 km. China’s test cycle is clearly more lenient than the WLTP, on which the #1 managed a range of only 439 km.

Charging the #1’s battery to 80% takes seven and a half hours using a 7.5 kW AC wallbox, although European models can support up to 22 kW of charging power that will slash the time needed to under three hours. The car can also accept up to 150 kW of DC fast charging that can fill the battery in just 30 minutes.

The #1 is the first product of a joint venture between Geely and Mercedes-Benz, riding on the former’s Sustainable Electric Architecture (SEA) and exhibiting the latter’s design. As such, the pebble-smooth aesthetic has shades of Stuttgart’s own creations, with details that include full-width LED head- and taillights, a trapezoidal front air intake with contrasting surrounding trim, flush door handles and a “floating roof” with an inset smart badge.

smart #1 on sale in China – EV SUV with up to 560 km range, RM120k-RM149k price, Brabus version teased

Inside, the #1 features a pill-shaped dashboard that flows into the tall “floating” centre console. The cabin is dominated by large 12.8-inch touchscreen, incorporating a globe-style “Inspiration Planet” interface with video game-style low-polygon elements (including a fox avatar as part of its voice control system, which is claimed to be able to learn the user’s voice using artificial intelligence).

The operating system runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor and pumps music through an optional 13-speaker Beats sound system. A slim 9.2-inch instrument display and an available ten-inch head-up display are also fitted, while a smart car smartphone app (confusing, I know) allows users to access vehicular functions and other services remotely, such as playing a light and music show on the outside.

Other features include six-way power-adjustable seats (with heating and ventilation), dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a large panoramic glass roof, Qi wireless charging and a hands-free powered tailgate. There’s even a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function that allows the car to charge another electric vehicle at up to 3.3 kW.

smart is offering several incentives to early-bird customers, including rebates of up to 12,000 yuan (RM7,900), a lifetime powertrain warranty, a 7.2 kW wallbox charger (also designed by Mercedes) and a gift package for those who order before September 30.

As part of the launch, the company also previewed a high-performance version of the #1, featuring twin nostrils ahead of the bonnet edge. This matches the rumoured Brabus variant that was spied in April, reportedly producing 299 kW (406 PS) from twin electric motors that provide all-wheel drive.

The #1’s Chinese-market launch is just the start – the car will also go on sale in the United Kingdom starting in December. It will make its Malaysian-market debut soon after, with Proton Edar being appointed as the local distributor for the smart brand.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Raja Celup on Jun 27, 2022 at 5:04 pm

    The price below RM150K…just perfect for some protected species aka serial cheater here. ;-)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 4
    • Civic Turbo 2018 on Jun 27, 2022 at 6:23 pm

      Price can beat HRV hybrid and Corolla Cross Hybrid

      Summore Geely-build Mercedes sub-brand

      Will go under Proton?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 2
  • Malaysia Citizen on Jun 27, 2022 at 6:00 pm

    Mari sini Malaysia

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • Celup King on Jun 27, 2022 at 6:09 pm

    Bashers sez without P1 this car can sell for RM 60k, but har in China oso no P1 still sold for RM 150k worr…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 5
    • Yazid on Jun 27, 2022 at 6:33 pm

      lolz!! this sounds so much like BN cybertrooper john. habislah kena kantoi

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 6
    • Tortilla on Jun 28, 2022 at 7:37 am

      Geely Binyue X50 Turbo china only begin at RM 50k+/rmb79000

      If there is Smart #1 Turbo, easily RM60k+ / rmb90000 range @ china.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • Alvin on Jun 27, 2022 at 8:16 pm

    let’s see a Brabus EV can tapau Tesla Family car Nürburgring record anot.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • peter on Jun 28, 2022 at 7:57 am

    Hope Proton bring in the one with 22kW AC charger. Don’t short change us. Full spec please. And faster before the tax discount ends in Dec 2023

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • Lolwhut? on Jun 28, 2022 at 9:30 am

      The car is fine but you have to source your own 22KW charger. And not all housing electricals can support such high output so be warned this is more than just a proton matter.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
      • peter on Jun 28, 2022 at 6:58 pm

        Not a problem, just need 3 phase. Of course wallbox must buy 22kW capable

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
      • Justin on Jun 29, 2022 at 10:59 am

        Yeaaa… Like please bring in the one with 22kw on board charger… The home wallbox is not a problem but if the car can’t support it then slow la charge

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
    • Fordist on Jun 28, 2022 at 3:10 pm

      22kW is 22,000 Watt.
      electric bill for a compact EV.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
      • peter on Jun 28, 2022 at 6:56 pm

        Highest tier is 57 sens for 1kWh so 66kWh battery is about Rm38. That is zero to 66kWh. Most of the time it’s never zero and you won’t charge till 100%

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 3
  • RebadgeKing on Jun 30, 2022 at 4:02 pm

    Car falls apart after a year and replacement batteries sold at Lazada haha

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
 

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