Verdict
The smart #1 Premium is the sensible Malaysian pick at RM209,000: it keeps the 66 kWh battery, 22 kW AC and 150 kW DC charging, 411-litre boot and the same extensive driver-assistance kit, while travelling 440 km on a charge. The RM40,000 dearer Brabus brings a second motor, all-wheel drive and a huge jump from 268 hp/343 Nm to 422 hp/543 Nm, cutting 0-100 km/h from 6.7 to 3.9 seconds. But it sacrifices 40 km of range and costs RM355 more in annual road tax.
Pick the smart #1 Premium if 440 km range, lower running costs and the same cabin, charging hardware and safety kit matter more than outright acceleration.
Pick the smart #1 Brabus if you will use its 422 hp dual-motor all-wheel-drive performance and 3.9-second 0-100 km/h time often enough to justify the extra outlay.
Key differences
- Price: RM209,000 for the Premium versus RM249,000 for the Brabus.
- Motors and driveline: one motor with rear-wheel drive versus two motors with all-wheel drive.
- Motor output: 268 hp and 343 Nm versus 422 hp and 543 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: 6.7 seconds versus 3.9 seconds.
- EV range: 440 km versus 400 km.
- Annual road tax: RM260 versus RM615.
Premium
- RM40,000 lower purchase price.
- 440 km EV range, 40 km further than the Brabus.
- Same 66 kWh battery, 150 kW DC charging and 22 kW AC charging.
- Single-motor rear-wheel drive rather than dual-motor all-wheel drive.
- 268 hp and 343 Nm leave it 154 hp and 200 Nm down on the Brabus.
- 6.7-second 0-100 km/h time is 2.8 seconds slower.
Brabus
- 422 hp, 543 Nm and all-wheel drive.
- 3.9-second 0-100 km/h acceleration.
- Sport suspension and Dynamo 19-inch alloy wheels.
- RM40,000 more expensive.
- 400 km EV range is 40 km shorter.
- RM615 annual road tax versus RM260 for the Premium.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM209,000✓ | RM249,000 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM260✓ | RM615 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 400V architecture |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | 268 hp | 422 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 343 Nm | 543 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 66 kWh | 66 kWh |
| EV Range | 440 km✓ | 400 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 22 kW | 22 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 150 kW | 150 kW |
| V2L | 3.3 kW | 3.3 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6.7 seconds | 3.9 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,270 mm | 4,270 mm |
| Width | 1,822 mm | 1,822 mm |
| Height | 1,636 mm | 1,636 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,750 mm |
| Weight | 1,800 kg | 1,900 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 411 litres | 411 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/45R19 | 235/45R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/45R19 | 235/45R19 |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Continental EcoContact 6 Q |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Rotor Alloy Wheels | 19" Dynamo Alloy Wheels |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Rotor Alloy Wheels | 19" Dynamo Alloy Wheels |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Comfort Suspension | Sport Suspension |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver & Front Passenger, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags and Driver's Knee Airbag | Driver & Front Passenger, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags and Driver's Knee Airbag |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available On Front Passenger Seat, Rear Outer Seats | Available On Front Passenger Seat, Rear Outer Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Front and Rear | Yes, Front and Rear |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Door Opening Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Auto High Beam, | Door Opening Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Auto High Beam, |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam & Auto Levelling | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam & Auto Levelling |
| Taillamps | LED | LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 10-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory Function, Powered Front Passenger's Seat with Seat Ventilation | 10-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory Function, Powered Front Passenger's Seat with Seat Ventilation |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-fold with Sliding Adjustment | 60:40 Split-fold with Sliding Adjustment |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 3 USB-C, 1 USB-A, Qi Wireless Charger | 1 Front, 3 USB-C, 1 USB-A, Qi Wireless Charger |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights, 64-colour Extended Ambient Lighting | Map Lights, 64-colour Extended Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Yes | Yes |
| Audio | 12.8" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 13-speaker Beats EQ Sound System | 12.8" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 13-speaker Beats EQ Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless (Depress Brake Pedal) | Keyless (Depress Brake Pedal) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Highway & Traffic Jam Assist | Adaptive Cruise Control with Highway & Traffic Jam Assist |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Yes, Powered with Kick Sensor | Yes, Powered with Kick Sensor |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, With 360-degree Camera | Yes, With 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 4 years | 4 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/200,000 km Battery Warranty | 8-year/200,000 km Battery Warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
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Premium vs Brabus FAQ
Is the smart #1 Premium or smart #1 Brabus better?
The Premium is better for most buyers because it retains the same battery, charging rates, cabin equipment and safety systems while delivering 440 km range. The Brabus is better only if its 422 hp, all-wheel drive and 3.9-second sprint are priorities.
What is the price difference?
The smart #1 Brabus costs RM40,000 more than the Premium: RM249,000 versus RM209,000. Its annual road tax is also RM355 higher, at RM615 versus RM260.
Does the smart #1 Brabus charge faster than the Premium?
No. Both have a 66 kWh battery, support 22 kW AC charging and 150 kW DC charging, and provide 3.3 kW vehicle-to-load capability. The Premium has the longer stated range, at 440 km versus 400 km.