Road Tested By Hugh Maguire.
Mercedes actually own the Smart brand but in an attempt to revive the product range they have teamed up with Chinese brand Geely (who own Polestar, Volvo and Lotus) to launch two all new EV’s called the Smart #1 and Smart #3. Strange names but there you go!
The Smart #1 was launched to the Irish Motoring Press recently and is now on sale through a select number of Mercedes dealerships across the country.
The Smart #1 comes on the market in a choice of four versions: an entry-level Pro, followed in turn by a Pro+ and Premium editions, and by an exclusive smart #1 BRABUS edition. In the case of Pro, Pro+ and Premium editions, all share the same appearance, outside and inside, with some slight feature variations that extend the choice available to customers.
In the smart #1 BRABUS edition – styled by the German ‘luxury mobility brand specialists’ of the same name – it boasts unique bodywork trim and sports styling.This week I have been road testing the new Smart #1 Brabus edition. So does it live up to the promise of a more sporting experience?
So how does it look?
The new #1 Brabus does not really stand out from the crowd from a styling point of view. The shape is more boxy than its larger sibling and frankly more attractive #3. So I guess in summary it won’t win any prizes for styling in my humble opinion.
What is it like inside?
The interior has gone the way of many EV’s with a huge central touchscreen and a small driver display. This in my opinion is the wrong way around. These huge screens are distracting to use (give us back buttons please) and Smart are no different so it makes this interior much like that of a BYD or indeed any other new EV. Seems to me manufacturers have lost the ability to be individual as now these car interiors are all starting to look the same.
My Smart #1 Brabus suffered from numerous rattles and indeed the cars interior panels seemed to creak over poorer road surfaces. Now I will say the #3 tested felt really well screwed together but this car certainly did not feel the same. Maybe then its a one off but it shouldn’t be!
The Brabus edition boasts numerous cosmetic upgrades inside and out with a two tone paint exterior, nice alloys and inside funky deviated stitching on the upholstery, Brabus badging, unique sports seats and so forth.
There is plenty of standard kit including a pano roof, matrix LED headlights, and head up display and a bit too much in the way of intrusive “safety driver aids”. Frankly having all the cars functions operate through the touch screen ( right down to adjusting the door mirrors or turning on a rear foglight) is both distracting and annoying.
What’s under the bonnet?
The Brabus edition boasts dual motors driving all four wheels powered by a 62kWh battery. Claimed range is 400km but in reality its closer to 310km. With some 428bhp on tap its certainly quick in a straight line at least.
Charging from about 20% to 80% takes about 30 minutes at a fast charger. Road tax is €120.00.
How does it drive?
Like most EV’s its quiet and refined. The ride is reasonably good on most surfaces but feels a bit firm and unsettled on poorer surfaces. The handling is good though you do feel the mass and it starts to roll if pushed on in tight corners. Nevertheless its safe and secure but not an involving drive.
Verdict
The Brabus edition of the Smart #1 commands a premium over the standard model and really I am not sure its worth it.
The standard #1 costs from €37,479, the Brabus version costs a whopping €54,170.