The #1 also bears distinctive design cues expected to become hallmarks of the reinvented Smart range, namely its charismatic wrap-around front light bar, two-tone paint scheme, 'flying' roof and squat, compact proportions.
Importantly, this system is unrelated to Mercedes' own MBUX infotainment platform, nor is it lifted wholesale from any car sold by Geely. It is instead sourced from Geely affiliate Ecarx, whose combination of a Qualcomm chip and bespoke software is claimed to give the #1 one of the most advanced systems on the market.
Precise details of Smart's revised retail strategy have yet to be confirmed, but the firm said it will work with"experienced partners" to provide a"real and customer-oriented omni-channel experience along the entire customer journey", using a mixture of online and offline processes.UK deliveries of the #1 will begin this summer. The crossover is available in four specifications, Pro+, Premium, Launch Edition and Brabus.
Upgrading to Premium adds a heat pump and silicon-carbide inverter, boosting range to 273 miles. It also features the aforementioned 22kW AC charger, allowing a 10-80% recharge from a home supply in three hours.