A new Smart #1 has been revealed in China with several mechanical and visual changes, ahead of an expected UK debut later this year.
The biggest upgrade to the Smart #1 is its switch from a 400-volt to an 800V version of parent firm Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform.
This means that the new Smart #1’s 66kWh battery can now be charged from 10%-80% in just 12 minutes, 18 minutes fewer than the current car’s time of over half an hour. Smart has not confirmed an official fast-charging figure, but the new peak DC charging speed is quoted to be about 360kW.
However, the range of the new Smart #1 is largely unchanged. On the more lenient Chinese CLTC efficiency cycle, it is quoted as achieving up to 331 miles on a single charge – the equivalent of around 272 miles on the European WLTP test.
An additional major under-the-skin upgrade is the addition of a new electric motor developed by Geely, which produces 328bhp and shifts Smart’s answer to the likes of the Renault Mégane E-Tech, the Kia EV3, and the Volvo EX30 from 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds. Despite the 56bhp increase over the current UK-spec car, torque is reduced from 343 to 263lb ft.
In terms of design, the biggest visual changes to the Smart #1 are new LED headlights, new wheels, plus a choice of new colours and trim levels.
While no related information about UK-bound cars has been announced yet, the recent Chinese-market cars have reportedly taken a turn for the luxurious. High-end features include a contrasting soft-gold roof, redesigned seats, and improved materials.
Pricing for UK-bound versions of the new Smart #1 is expected to remain around £30,000 for the entry-level model, while costs for the flagship Brabus are likely to be somewhere around the £45,000 mark.
The new #1 isn’t the only all-electric model confirmed by Smart in 2026. Its #2, the spiritual successor to the ForTwo compact car, will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show this October and hit showrooms in early 2027.
