Smart has announced that its new electric SUV – called the ‘#1’ – will be revealed next week.
It arrives as Smart’s first new model since Geely took a 50 per cent share of the brand from Daimler, which is now rebranded as Mercedes-Benz, and joins the Fortwo and Forfour in the firm’s range.
For the new #1, Mercedes has taken the lead on the model’s design, while Geely (which owns firms such as Lotus, Polestar and Volvo) has taken care of the new car’s engineering. The new model will closely follow the design of the ‘concept #1’, revealed at last year’s Munich motor show.
Testing of the new Smart has recently taken place in northern China, with the model’s battery and technology systems subject to temperatures as low as -40°C. Smart’s European team has also supported testing and homologation at its development centre in Renningen, Germany.
Few official details have been revealed about the #1 ahead of its launch, though Smart has said it aims to take the brand upmarket with this new model, with its length of 4.3m putting it firmly in the small SUV segment. That will put it in contention with models like the Hyundai Kona Electric and Peugeot e-2008.
Smart UK CEO David Browne, said: “This is a truly exciting time for the smart brand. The upcoming reveal of the Smart #1 is a key milestone in the evolution of our brand, reflecting our history of innovation, outstanding design and space efficiency.
“Our dedicated electric platform and high degree of connectivity make for the ideal electric car to meet the needs of UK car buyers.”
The Smart #1 will be revealed on April 7 at a dedicated event in Berlin.
