SUV Under Power: Growing Smart With the Help of Geely

SUV under power
Grow smart with the help of Geely

04/12/2022 06:57 am

There were already plans for an SUV from Smart. In the end, however, it was not Mercedes that implemented it, but the Chinese car company Geely. The result is a 4.27-metre-long Hochbeiner that has to cover a distance of 440 kilometres, completely electric. However, as the size has increased, so have the prices.

When the new millennium began, Smart already had concrete plans for an SUV model. Meanwhile, the small car brand has moved from Mercedes to a joint venture with Chinese carmaker Geely, which is now realizing its plans. The #1 model is a four-door, 4.27-metre long SUV with pure electric drive.

Externally, the new Smart is characterized by smooth surfaces and door handles that are flush with the sheet metal. As usual with e-cars, value was placed on an aerodynamic outer skin that is optimized for efficiency. Front and rear LED light units, each with continuous light strips across the entire width of the vehicle, are striking.

Buttons only on the steering wheel

Workplace in #1 dispenses with massive switches and buttons. Driving-relevant information is output via a 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster and 10-inch heads-up display. In the middle of the dashboard is a 12.8-inch touchscreen as a display and control unit for infotainment and other vehicle functions. Integrated voice control simplifies operation. Of course, the Smart is connected to the Internet, so over-the-air updates and remote access are also possible. Assistance systems include distance cruise control, adaptive high beam, lane keeper, highway, traffic jam and parking assistant.

The rear side can seat three people. The rear seat can be folded lengthwise, increasing the luggage volume in the trunk from 273 to 411 liters. If more storage space is required, the rear seat backrest can be folded in a 60:40 ratio. In addition, the Smart #1 offers a 15-litre storage compartment under the front hood, which can house the charging cable.

440 km range

So far, only a few key data for the drive technology has been mentioned. The engine driving the rear wheels alone is said to produce 272 hp and a maximum torque of 343 Nm. The 1.8-tonne SUV reaches a top speed of 180 km/h. Power comes from a 66 kWh battery, which makes a range of up to 440 kms possible. #1 Can handle charging capacity of up to 150 kW via direct current, making it possible to refill the battery in 30 minutes. With 22 kW AC, 10 to 80 percent filling is completed in about three hours.

The first #1 should arrive in Germany at the end of 2022. Looking at key drive data, the new Smart in SUV format should cost at least 40,000 euros.