Smart move as the exciting new #1 revealed at EV car show

Smart #1 at Fully Charged North

Company Car & Van attended Fully Charged North back in May, ostensibly to get a look at a number of new electric cars coming to market in 2023.

One of the new models we were most keen to get to know was the smart #1, a new electric car being sold at selected Mercedes-Benz car dealerships.

While at the car show we met up with UK smart CEO David Browne to find out more...

David began by telling us that the new car is the first of several models due in the next few years from smart, all of which will be full electrics. The new venture is a 50:50 split between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, with the #1 built in China, where battery technology and manufacture is currently ahed of Europe.

The model itself is a spacious fivedoor hatchback, with the footprint of an A-Class but coming with the internal space of an E-Class.

All models are well equipped and there’s a strong focus on safety features, which is good news for customers. As standard you’ll find advanced driver assistance systems such as blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control and evasive manoeuvring.

In addition, the #1 brings a sophisticated design with a spacious and fresh interior, unique colour options and exterior design; with frameless doors, concealed electric door handles, and a floating halo roof.

It’s sleek new design and familyfriendly feel will help the #1 stand out on the road.

Battery capacity on the #1 is 66 kWh, with a real world range of 205 miles and an impressive 0-62mph time of just 6.7 seconds. Top speed is 112mph.

Ostensibly, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is on run-out and the new smart models will be aimed at offering existing Mercedes-Benz customers a smaller, cheaper way into an electric vehicle than is currently offered by the current EQA, EQB and EQC models.

Prices will start at just over £35,000, making it much more affordable than an EQA.

For fleet and corporate customers the 2% BIK, cute looks, high spec and top-quality interior, coupled to that 205-mile range will make it extremely competitive.

Currently there are 23 smart locations in key areas across the UK and fleet customers will benefit from MercedesBenz’s existing corporate specialists’ help when leasing a new smart model.

We’re sure it will be a real winner and we can’t wait to get a chance to test its capabilities fully for Company Car & Van..