SMART #1: THE NEW STAR OF SMALL ELECTRIC FAMILY CARS?

EV Channels Review

The Smart #1 represents a significant new direction for the brand, a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz for design and Geely for hardware and software. The reviewer was initially lukewarm but found the car impressive in person, praising its distinctive exterior design, particularly the rear, and its premium interior, which rivals higher-end vehicles. Key highlights include a spacious cabin, a claimed range of 270 miles from a 66 kWh battery, and surprisingly quick acceleration (0-60 in 6 seconds) from the rear-wheel-drive, 260 horsepower launch spec model. The interior boasts a large 12.8-inch touchscreen and a focus on AI integration, though direct interaction was limited during the preview. The reviewer notes the car's surprisingly aerodynamic design (0.29 drag coefficient) despite its crossover form factor. While the boot space is considered small, the overall package is deemed highly desirable within its segment, potentially outshining rivals like the VW ID.3. The reviewer sees this Mercedes-Geely partnership as a potential blueprint for future automotive development, with European brands focusing on design and Chinese partners providing advanced EV technology.