Smart #1 costs, pros, cons and common fixes

Production Country
The Smart #1 is assembled in Xi’an, China, on Geely’s SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) electric platform.
Brief Description
The Smart #1 is a compact five-seat electric crossover with bold, muscular styling: a closed grille, “Crystal Face” full LED headlights, and sharply sculpted body lines. Built on a skateboard architecture, it features a rear-mounted 200 kW (272 hp) electric motor delivering 343 Nm of torque, paired with a 62 kWh net battery that yields a WLTP range of 420–440 km. Inside, a high-tech cabin showcases up to a 12.8″ central touchscreen, a digital driver display, premium materials, and generous passenger space, plus a 411 L boot and an additional front “frunk.”
Powertrain & Performance
Specification | Value |
---|
Electric Motor | Rear-mounted, 200 kW (272 hp) / 343 Nm |
Battery (net) | 62 kWh |
WLTP Range | 420–440 km |
0–100 km/h | 6.7 s |
Top Speed | 180 km/h |
WLTP Consumption | 17.0 kWh/100 km |
AC Charging | 11 kW (0→100 % in ≈6 h) |
DC Fast Charging | 150 kW (10→80 % in 30 min) |
Boot Capacity | 411 L + frunk |
Main Trims & Pricing
Trim | Battery | Range (WLTP) | From (€) |
---|
Pure | 49 kWh | ≈ 310 km | 34 500 |
Pro | 49 kWh | ≈ 310 km | 37 500 |
Pro+ | 62 kWh | ≈ 420 km | 42 000 |
Premium | 62 kWh | ≈ 440 km | 45 000 |
Brabus | 62 kWh | ≈ 400 km | 52 000 |
(On-the-road prices include VAT; local incentives and delivery fees excluded.)
Maintenance & First Service Costs (indicative)
Service / Repair | Approx. Cost (€) |
---|
1st Service (1 year or 15 000 km) | 150–200 |
2nd Service (2 years or 30 000 km) | 180–220 |
Front Brake Pads Replacement | 200–250 |
Front Discs + Pads Replacement | 450–550 |
Cabin & Engine Air Filter Replacement | 90–120 |
12 V Auxiliary Battery Replacement | 120–150 |
Single Tyre Replacement | 110–150 each |
All costs include genuine parts and labour; actual prices may vary by workshop and region.
Pros
Long real-world range (420–440 km WLTP) and rapid 150 kW DC charging
Distinctive design and premium-quality interior with large touchscreen
Spacious cabin for the segment and generous 411 L boot plus frunk
Dedicated EV platform ensures a low centre of gravity and balanced ride
Brabus trim delivers hot-SUV performance (0–100 km/h in 3.9 s)
Cons
Premium pricing for a compact crossover
Slow AC charging without a high-power wallbox
Rear passenger space is modest given the 4.27 m length
Advanced electronics and infotainment can have a steep learning curve
In Summary
The Smart #1 ushers the iconic brand into the electric era with a stylish, tech-packed crossover that delivers strong range, fast charging and surprising practicality. From the entry-level Pure to the performance-oriented Brabus, it caters to urban drivers and families alike, offering a zero-emission drive without sacrificing comfort or flair.
Verdict — Smart #1 (Model Year 2025)
Compact electric SUV · 66 kWh (usable 62 kWh) battery · 200 kW (272 hp), 343 Nm · RWD · 0–100 km/h in 6.7 s · DC charging up to 150 kW
The Smart #1 marks Smart’s bold entry into the electric SUV segment, offering a compact footprint (4.27 m long, 2.75 m wheelbase) with surprisingly spacious “Open Space” packaging thanks to its rear-drive skateboard architecture. Its minimalist front fascia—defined by smooth body panels and full-LED headlights—flows into gently sculpted flanks and a sleek, sloping roofline, while the absence of a front motor frees up extra storage under the bonnet.
Inside, the cabin combines high-tech and airy comfort: a 12.8″ central touchscreen integrates Google-built infotainment and climate controls, paired with a digital instrument display. Premium materials and a full-length panoramic glass roof enhance the sense of light and space. Rear passengers enjoy generous legroom, and the 411 L boot—expandable by folding the 60:40 split rear seats—is complemented by a practical front “frunk” and multiple clever storage cubbies.
Key Technical Highlights:
Electric Drive: Single rear-mounted motor delivers 200 kW (272 hp) and 343 Nm, sprinting to 100 km/h in 6.7 s.
Battery & Range: 66 kWh nominal (62 kWh usable) Li-ion pack, WLTP range around 420–440 km, with energy recuperation optimized for urban driving.
Charging: AC charging up to 22 kW; DC fast-charging up to 150 kW yields 10–80 % in about 30 minutes.
Chassis & Handling: Rear-wheel-drive “skateboard” SEA platform; McPherson front suspension and multilink rear ensure precise steering and a comfortable ride.
ADAS Suite: Level-2 driver assistance including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, plus 360° park assist.
Category | Where It Excels | Where It Holds Its Own | Where It’s Limited |
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Design & Styling | Sleek, minimalist surfaces; distinctive full-LED lighting | Compact dimensions ideal for urban environments | Less rugged off-road character |
Comfort & Space | “Open Space” cabin with panoramic roof; premium finishes | Supportive seats; generous rear legroom | Noticeable center tunnel |
Efficiency & Range | Up to ~440 km WLTP; optimized regenerative braking | Competitive energy consumption for its class | Range drops in cold weather or at high speed |
Driving Dynamics | Instant torque delivery; agile rear-drive handling | Comfort-oriented suspension tuning | Some body roll when pushed hard |
Practicality | 411 L boot + front frunk; multiple clever storage cubbies | Battery preconditioning; fast-charge capability | Rear cargo volume smaller than some rivals |
Infotainment & Connect | 12.8″ touchscreen with Google built-in; OTA updates | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | Certain apps require a subscription |
Safety & ADAS | Full Level-2 ADAS suite standard | Pedestrian/cyclist recognition; park assist | Top-end assist features reserved for higher trims |
Running Costs | Very low “fuel” costs; eligible for EV incentives | Reduced maintenance vs. ICE models | EV servicing in specialist workshops can be pricier |
Depreciation | Growing brand presence in EV market | Strong residuals for Smart | Highly competitive compact-EV segment |
Who It’s For
Urban drivers and small families seeking a stylish, compact electric SUV with a high-tech interior and strong real-world range for daily commuting and weekend getaways.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you need off-road capability or larger cargo space, consider the Hyundai Kona Electric or Volkswagen ID.4.
Recommended Configuration
Smart #1 Premium trim with the 66 kWh battery, 19″ wheels, panoramic glass roof, 3.7 kW V2L module, full ADAS suite, and the “Smart Connect” app package—for the perfect blend of technology, space, and driving pleasure.