Staff Writer
cleverIn 2019, it became the first “traditional car manufacturer” to completely abandon the internal combustion engine, and exhibited Concept #1 at the Munich Motor Show as a preview of its first SUV model. Smart started an aggressive product strategy under the leadership of its new co-owner, Geely, and Geely now owns 50% of the company.
- Concept #1 is Smart’s first customized electric car
- Measures similar to those of the parent company Mercedes EQA EV
- Technical details remain confidential
Smart concept #1: What is it?
Concept 1 will herald the beginning of an important new era for the brand, during which Geely will manage the engineering and design aspects of Mercedes model development. The concept close to mass production takes the form of a compact electric crossover with a length of 4,290 mm, a width of 1,910 mm and a height of 1,698 mm.In terms of scale, it is very close to the parent company Mercedes-Benz EQA electric crossover.
Smart Concept #1: Design
Design director Gorden Wagener said that it can clearly be identified as Smart, but it has evolutionary design elements aimed at enhancing the image of a “cool and mature” brand. Its defining features include short overhangs at both ends, panoramic sunroofs, frameless doors and contrasting black lower body elements.
The rear hinged door is opened by a touch-sensitive light panel instead of a handle, coupled with the unique LED light set at both ends and unique internal lighting settings, which contributes to the “eye-catching light display” of the concept.
Smart said that the wheels are pushed to the corners of the car, and the 2,750mm wheelbase allows for a “very spacious” interior space, which will get the fifth production seat. Elbow room, leg room and storage space are said to be on par with higher-level vehicles, while the “floating” center console, no B-pillars and glass roof air flow out of the cabin.
Smart Concept #1: Platform
Technical details are still confidential, but future Smart models will be equipped with a customized EV platform developed by Geely, which promises “the highest level of dynamic processing and passive safety.” Fast charging, long battery life and wireless software update support will also be features of the new product series.
See also:
Mercedes-Benz EQE debuts in Munich as an E-class electric car
Mercedes-Benz EQG concept previews electric G-class SUV
Geely showcases new Zeekr EV brand
Mercedes and Geely jointly develop a four-cylinder gasoline engine
Electric cars and SUVs currently sold in India in 2021
