The article was updated with additional pictures showing two smart #1 prototypes with different wheels
The #1, Smart’s first electric crossover, was spied during the last leg of development ahead of its imminent debut, showing more of its design features. Our spy photographers got a closer look at the prototype that keeps shedding more of its camouflage while giving us a glimpse of its cabin.
Predictably, the production model looks very similar to the smart Concept #1 that premiered last September in Munich. Confirming what we saw in the patent images, the “Hashtag 1” retains the full-width headlights and taillights, the crossover stance, the characteristic windowline, and the pop-out door handles. The latter will be able to open even with a thin layer of ice covering the vehicle, as confirmed by the carmaker.
See Also: Smart #1 Spied In Europe Ahead Of Rumored Debut On April 7th
Our spy photographers sent us photos of two prototypes wearing different sets of wheels. One of them is opting for aero caps while the other has sportier alloy wheels hiding red brake calipers. The latter could hint at a beefed-up variant or simply a sportier-looking trim level.
Changes from the concept car include the door-mounted mirrors, the slightly larger lighting units, the conventional pillars, and the redesigned bumpers. Smart has confirmed that the #1 will have a drag coefficient of 0.29 cd thanks to the flush door handles, the active grille shutters, and the overall shape that is designed to help maximize driving range. In terms of size, the crossover will most likely retain a similar footprint to the concept, which measured 4,290 mm (168.9-inches) long.
The LED graphics on the taillights are similar to the ones from current Mercedes-Benz models, which is logical since the model was penned by Mercedes’s own design studio. This is also evident inside the cabin, where the raised center console looks like they belong to an AMG, minus the shape of the air vents which is not round. The high-mounted free-standing infotainment touchscreen is quite large – possibly matching the 12.8 inches of the concept. Finally, the sporty seats, the red seatbelts, and the three-spoke steering wheel complete a youthful and sporty atmosphere.
See Also: We’re #1: Smart Unveils Hashtag Naming Convention For New Range Of Cars
The smart #1 is signaling a new era for the company that is owned by Mercedes-Benz and Geely since 2019. It will be based on an EV-dedicated platform engineered by Geely. The model will also feature an advanced battery temperature control system allowing owners to pre-heat the battery pack and further improve efficiency. Smart has also confirmed the electric powertrain will use an ESP system by Bosch.
The Smart #1 electric SUV is rumored to debut on April 7, when we will get to discover the full specifications. The model will be rolled out in both China and Europe, where it is going to compete with other fully electric small SUVs including the DS3 Crossback E-Tense, the Opel Mokka-e, the Peugeot e-2008, and the upcoming baby-Jeep.
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