Reboot of Smart SUV unveiled in Munich

Smart has always been renowned for its quirky compact designs and city car know-how and now the company is starting a new era. The Concept #1, which was displayed at the IAA Mobility Show in Germany, offers a clear insight into smart’s new generation of all-electric vehicles.

It maintains the compact design, but introduces some high-end styling traits such as LED light strips at the front and rear with rhythmic light show, ambient lighting in the footwells and the introduction of artificial intelligence. There is a full panoramic roof, frameless doors and a floating roof design, plus striking 21-inch alloy wheels. The door handles are concealed with just a glow of light indicating their presence, and the back doors are rear-hinged, Rolls-Royce-style.

Moving inside, the interior is deceptively spacious with room for five. There is a 12.8-inch touchscreen display, and the central console is free standing. A pitch perfect Beats audio system guarantees outstanding sound quality too.

While the details of the powertrain weren’t revealed, it is thought that it will support 800-volt technology, which means exceptionally rapid charging.

Since 2019, Mercedes-Benz’s owners Daimler and Geely Automobile Group have been equal partners in developing smart into one of the leading providers of connected, battery-electric premium cars. The Concept #1 is the beginning of that journey, with a similar looking production car expected to be unveiled next year, in time for when production starts in 2023.