Smart Concept #1 Debuts at IAA Mobility Munich; new design language to carryover to production EV
Smart’s Concept #1 is a rather, um, smart looking crossover. Images: Smart
Smart is well known for its microcars, and was borne out of the partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Swiss watch manufacturer Swatch. While the Smart Fortwo and Forfour were never massive sales hits in markets with a penchant for big, thirsty, aggressive vehicles (looking at you Australia and the United States) the practicality and efficiency of the Smart range proved popular in Europe.
In 2019, Daimler AG entered a partnership with Geely Automotive, creating an equally-owned company Smart Automobile Co., Ltd, which aims to manufacture the marque’s future models in China for a global customer base.
Enter the Smart Concept #1; based on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA EV), this platform is expected to be used across Geely’s electric model range, from Smart and Volvo, to Zeekr and Lynk & Co.
To my eyes, there’s a bit of Kia Soul and Range Rover at the front, while the rear design hints at a connection to Mercedes-Benz SUVs. According to Kai Sieber, head of design at Smart, the production car will look very similar to this concept:
The interior will almost certainly be paired back for production, and again, there’s a Mercedes-Benz-ness to some design elements in here. Despite the compact body (4,290mm long), the interior appears quite spacious thanks to a 2,750mm wheelbase. For comparison, the Kia Niro EV/ e-Niro features a 2,700mm wheelbase.
Smart claims the Concept #1 will offer dynamic OTA software updates, as well as a raft of active safety technology and electricmobility-specific functions through its central infotainment system. A “three-dimensional globe” serves as the central menu item on the interior touchscreen, and as is currently the trend in other Chinese EVs, there will be an AI avatar to help access vehicle controls and functions (see NIO’s Nomi)
The Concept #1 will be produced in Xi’an, China from 2022, in left and right hand drive variants. No word yet on whether it will make it to Australia or the United States (probability is low), but expect right hand drive production initially for the UK and Japanese markets.
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Source: Smart
