Smart #1 review | Auto Express

Along with differing battery sizes, there are two power outputs with the Smart #1: the standard single electric motor, rear-wheel drive model with 268bhp that’s available with Pure, Pro, Pro+ and Premium trims, or the high-performance Brabus model with two electric motors, giving you four-wheel drive and 422bhp.

As already alluded to, there are five trim levels, starting with the Pure trim. It comes with all the stuff you’d need, including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED head and tail lights, auto lights and wipers, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Upgrade to Pro trim for 19-inch wheels, a panoramic glass roof, artificial leather trim with front seat electric adjustment, an electric tailgate, adaptive cruise, dual-zone climate control, and ambient interior lighting. 

Next up is Pro+ (not a caffeinated tablet), which gives you a larger battery pack. The Premium trim adds matrix LED headlights, a head-up display, a fancier sound system, wireless phone charging, and (most importantly) a heat pump. The Brabus trim mentioned above is the only way to get four-wheel drive, adds sportier exterior and interior design details on top of all the equipment a Premium trim provides.

If you’re interested in getting yourself a Smart #1, we can help. Configure your ideal Smart #1 now to get top offers from local dealers, check out the latest Smart #1 leasing deals or search for used Smart #1 models with our Buy A Car service. You can even sell your existing car for a great price with Auto Express Sell My Car.

If what you want from your small electric SUV is a speedy getaway in the traffic light Grand Prix, then the Smart #1 is your car. However, we have many corners in this country, along with a wide range of road types of varying quality, so all this performance needs to be backed up by well-sorted suspension to keep things controlled.