2023 Smart #1 Brabus Packs A 422 HP Punch Despite Subtle Looks

This is the 2023 Smart #1 Brabus, unveiled at the Chengdu Motor Show in China as the ultimate version of the all-electric crossover.

Whereas Brabus is primarily an independent tuner and aftermarket specialist, it worked alongside Smart directly in creating the upgraded crossover. It remains unclear if it will be offered in markets outside of China.

Read More: The Smart #1 Is The Start Of A New Fully Electric Direction For The Brand

Modifications start under the skin where Brabus and Smart have fitted an electric motor up front with 154 hp and 147 lb-ft (200 Nm) of torque that operates alongside the standard 268 hp and 253 lb-ft (343 Nm) motor at the rear axle. That results in a combined 422 hp and 400 lb-ft (543 Nm) of torque, serious figures for a crossover of this size and enough to send the #1 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.7 seconds.

It is understood that the same 66 kWh battery pack as the standard Smart #1 is used by the Brabus model, meaning it will probably have slightly less range than the regular 273 miles (440 km).

Brabus ordinarily equips its creations with wild bodykits but it has been remarkably restrained with its Smart #1. In fact, it doesn’t look all that different from the standard model, other than the additional air intakes just below the hood, distinctive front air curtains, and the new two-tone silver and black wheels. All examples of the Brabus model will be finished with a tri-tone paint scheme combining Matte Gray with Silent Black and Laser Red. The brake calipers are also finished in red.

Further modifications have been made to the cabin of the #1 and include Brabus branding on the headrests, a steering wheel clad in Alcantara and leather, and red contrast stitching throughout.

Chinese pricing for the Smart #1 Brabus kicks off at 279,000 yuan ($40,600), a significant premium over the entry-level #1’s starting price of 190,000 yuan ($27,649).