The new Smart #1 has been unveiled in China, boasting a significant upgrade to its charging capability and other notable enhancements. The headline update for the new Smart #1 is the switch to an 800V electrical system that now facilitates much faster charging. This means the same 66kWh battery pack will top up from 10-80 percent in just 12 minutes, down from more than 30 in the current generation. Smart has not confirmed a specific kW figure, but the new peak DC charging speed is around 360kW, based on Chinese documentation.
However, while charging is much improved, the new car’s estimated range is similar to before, rated at 206 miles on the Chinese CLTC test. This equates to around 169 miles on the more stringent WLTP cycle used in the US. Smart has also replaced the electric motor for a new unit developed by the brand’s part owner Geely. Peak power is rated at 444 horsepower with 236 lb-ft of torque, which will get the new #1 to 62mph in 6.7 seconds.
View Price on AmazonA new, more connected infotainment system has also been introduced, although the updates are specific to Chinese-market models, and it remains to be seen how much of the new car’s AI-assisted functionality will be applied to US variants. This is also true of the car’s new sensor suite, which in China includes a roof-mounted LiDAR system. Smart hasn’t fundamentally changed the #1’s styling, but there will be new color and trim choices, fresh wheels and new LED headlights.
The high-specification Brabus model will also feature some of these upgrades, but no official information on that has been revealed so far. We expect the new models to be available in the US in the coming months. Pricing should stay at a similar level as it is currently, starting at just under $30,000 for the entry model and rising to around $44,000 or so for the Brabus.
Source: autoexpress.co.uk
