Smart Concept #1 Gets A Fresh Look
by AutoExpert | 8 September, 2021
A dramatic makeover of Smart's city vehicle brand, now controlled in part by Chinese giant Geely, begins with the Smart Concept #1.
The small Smart Concept #1 SUV is the first ground-up EV unveiled since Smart declared in 2019 that it will forsake ICE engines, the same year Daimler and Geely confirmed their partnership.
For its Concept #1, Mercedes has created completely new styling cues for the future Smarts, which will be developed by Geely in China.
In terms of length, width, and height, the tiny Smart Concept #1 measures 168.9 inches (4290 millimeters), 75.2 inches (1910 millimeters), and 66.9 inches (1698 millimeters). A Geely-developed chassis will be used in future Smarts, and it may also be used in Volvos.
From the front to the back diffuser, light effects flow in sync with the music. A split C-pillar creates the illusion of a floating rooftop, and no B-pillar is owing to rear-hinged back doors opening through touch-sensitive light components.
Despite the SUV's small proportions, Smart claims that its interior room is its strongest feature since the car's massive 21-inch wheels are pushed deep into each corner. The exhibition Smart Concept #1 is a four-seater, but the production model will have five seats.
There is a huge panoramic roof that fills the cabin with light, and the floating center console is reminiscent of some Mercedes-Benz dashboards. Another connection is the 12.8-inch infotainment screen that sits above the dash.
An intelligent app can be used as a digital key, and the SUV has enhanced support systems and the capacity to get over-the-air upgrades, but Smart hasn't disclosed any technical information regarding the EV engine.
Smart Concept #1 SUV is expected to go into production in Europe and China by 2023, but don't hope for sales in the United States, since Smart left the market after the 2019 model year because of an extended sales decline.
