Smart #1

The smart #1 is a fully electric compact SUV developed under the modern smart brand jointly owned by Mercedes-Benz and Geely. It rides on the dedicated SEA2 electric platform, combining Mercedes-Benz-led styling with a spacious five-seat cabin and rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations.

The current Malaysian range consists of three fully imported variants – Pro, Premium and BRABUS, priced at RM169,000, RM209,000 and RM249,000 respectively, on-the-road without insurance.

The Pro and Premium produce 200 KW (268 HP) and 343 NM through a single rear motor. The BRABUS adds a front motor for 315 KW (422 HP), 543 NM and AWD. Battery capacities are 49 KWH LFP for the Pro and 66 KWH NMC for Premium and BRABUS, with respective WLTP ranges of 315 KM, 440 KM and 400 KM.

The cabin uses a distinctive T-shaped dashboard with a high floating centre console.

A large 12.8-INCH landscape touchscreen dominates the centre, while a slim 9.2-INCH digital instrument cluster sits ahead of the driver.

Premium and BRABUS additionally receive a 10-INCH colour Head-Up Display.

A slim 9.2-INCH full-LCD digital instrument cluster displays speed, battery status, range and assistance information.

Its unusually narrow format leaves most information duties to the central touchscreen.

Premium and BRABUS supplement it with the 10-inch Head-Up Display.

The #1 accommodates five occupants.

Its unusually long 2,750 MM wheelbase for a 4.27-metre vehicle provides generous rear legroom, aided by the dedicated EV platform and relatively tall roof.

The rear bench can slide by approximately 130 MM, allowing owners to prioritise either rear legroom or luggage capacity.

Luggage capacity varies from approximately 323 L to 411 L depending on the position of the sliding rear bench.

Folding the rear seats increases maximum cargo capacity to 986 L.

A further 15 L frunk provides useful storage for charging accessories or smaller items.

The regular smart #1 measures 4,270 MM long, 1,822 MM wide and 1,636 MM tall, with a lengthy 2,750 MM wheelbase.

The BRABUS extends overall length to approximately 4,300 MM through its sportier exterior treatment.

Ground clearance stands at 182 MM, while kerb weights are approximately 1,780 KG for Pro, 1,800 KG for Premium and 1,900 KG for BRABUS.

The #1 uses a smooth, rounded EV-oriented front design with a largely enclosed nose and slim lighting graphics stretching towards the outer edges.

Flush surfaces and active aerodynamic elements contribute to a drag coefficient of approximately 0.29 CD.

The BRABUS receives more aggressive bumper detailing, additional decorative front openings and red exterior accents.

The rear continues the rounded styling with a full-width lighting treatment and a pronounced roof spoiler.

Premium and BRABUS receive a powered tailgate with hands-free kick operation, while the Pro uses a powered tailgate without the kick sensor.

The BRABUS adds sportier bumper detailing and distinctive red accents.

The Pro uses LED reflector headlamps with manual levelling.

The Premium and BRABUS upgrade to CyberSparks LED+ Matrix headlamps, providing adaptive high-beam functionality and more sophisticated light distribution.

LED daytime running lights and automatic headlamp operation are standard across the range.

Full-LED rear lamps are standard.

Premium and BRABUS receive enhanced lighting animations and sequential direction indicators, complementing the connected rear-light design.

The lighting arrangement is one of the #1’s most recognisable exterior features.

Exterior mirrors feature electric adjustment, heating and automatic folding.

Integrated LED indicators are standard.

Higher variants additionally provide more advanced automatic dimming and reversing functions.

All Malaysian variants ride on 19-INCH alloy wheels with 235/45 R19 tyres.

The Pro uses Amps-design wheels, while the Premium receives distinctive Rotor alloys.

The BRABUS features sportier Dynamo two-tone wheels, complemented by red brake callipers.

A 12.8-INCH touchscreen serves as the primary infotainment interface.

It supports built-in navigation, Bluetooth, 4G connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspot functionality and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The system also integrates vehicle settings, climate functions and the animated smart digital assistant.

The Pro uses a basic five-speaker audio system.

Premium and BRABUS upgrade to a significantly more powerful 13-speaker Beats sound system producing approximately 640 W.

Illuminated A-pillar speaker elements further contribute to the premium cabin presentation.

As fully electric vehicles, all smart #1 variants consume no petrol or diesel.

The Pro uses a 49 KWH LFP battery, providing 315 KM WLTP range. The Premium and BRABUS use a 66 KWH NMC battery, delivering 440 KM and 400 KM WLTP respectively.

All support 150 KW CCS2 DC fast charging. The Pro can recharge from 10-80% in approximately 22 minutes, while Premium and BRABUS require around 29 minutes.

AC charging is 7.2 KW on the Pro, with 10-80% requiring about six hours. Premium and BRABUS feature an unusually powerful 22 KW AC onboard charger, reducing the same 10-80% session to approximately three hours.

All variants additionally support around 3.3 KW V2L.

The #1 uses MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link independent rear arrangement.

Pro and Premium receive a comfort-oriented suspension calibration that provides a good balance between body control and everyday compliance.

The BRABUS receives firmer sport suspension tuning, improving handling response at the expense of some ride softness.

The electric drivetrain removes conventional engine noise and vibration, contributing to a quiet urban driving experience.

Frameless windows create a stylish appearance, while overall road and wind isolation remains strong for a compact EV.

Tyre noise becomes more noticeable on coarse surfaces, particularly with the 19-inch wheel package, but cabin refinement remains one of the #1’s strengths.

The smart #1 remains one of the more premium-focused compact EVs in Malaysia, offering strong performance, a surprisingly spacious cabin and an unusually sophisticated equipment package.

At RM169,000, the Pro already delivers the same 268 HP and 343 NM as the Premium, together with 150 KW DC charging, comprehensive ADAS and a 360-degree camera. Its main limitation is the smaller 49 KWH battery and 315 KM WLTP range.

The RM209,000 Premium is the most balanced variant, combining a 66 KWH battery, 440 KM WLTP range, 22 KW AC charging, Matrix LED lighting, ventilated seats, Head-Up Display and 13-speaker Beats audio.

At the top, the RM249,000 BRABUS transforms the #1 into a genuinely rapid compact EV with 422 HP, 543 NM, AWD and a 3.9-second 0-100 KM/H time, although range falls to 400 KM.

With newer and considerably less expensive EVs now offering larger batteries and faster charging, the #1 is no longer a value leader. Its appeal instead lies in its premium cabin, compact footprint, rear-wheel-drive platform, excellent AC charging capability and distinctive BRABUS performance option.