2023 SMART #1 SUV available from December

UK buyers will be able to order the smart #1 SUV from December this year, with the first arrivals anticipated in mid-2023. It’s the first model launched under joint Daimler-Geely ownership and signifies the relaunch of the smart brand as an all-electric concern. The first 100 cars into the UK market will be Launch Edition cars, inspired by the Munich motor show Concept #1. Just 1,000 Launch Edition cars will be sold across Europe.

The Launch Edition features white bodywork and a gold ‘Halo Roof’ with a chequered pattern for a ‘striking, futuristic appearance’. It also boasts 19-inch Prism alloy wheels, exclusive interior trim colours and two-tone leather upholstery. It comes fully loaded too, with kit including Matrix LED adaptive headlights, a 13-speaker Beats audio system, adaptive cruise control, wireless smartphone charging and a fully automated self-parking system. A cloud-based connection will allow owners to customise in-car apps and features an intelligent avatar with AI-based voice control that’s a ‘convenient companion on the move’ according to smart.

Larger and heavier than familiar models like the smart fortwo and forfour, the #1 is powered by a single rear-mounted 268bhp electric motor, fed from a 66kWh battery pack that provides a range of up to 273 miles. It supports 150kW DC rapid charging, for a top-up from 10 to 80% in under halfan- hour at compatible public chargers. It can also charge at up to 22kW AC, with the same size charge taking roughly three hours.

Its 4,270mm length and 2,750mm wheelbase means the smart #1 has burst out of the brand’s traditional city car class and barged into the popular compact SUV class, putting it headto- head with models like the Peugeot 2008, Vauxhall Mokka and VW ID.3. It’s expected to cost from just over £30,000, but the Launch Edition will be pricier.