Smart, a microcar manufacturer wholly-owned by Mercedes-Benz since 2006, will make its official Singapore debut later this year.
The marque’s original niche offerings meant that none of their products were ever volume sellers. A fresh approach was needed if the brand was to be profitable, and this came in 2019, when Mercedes-Benz announced that the nameplate will make a return to showrooms globally.
Only this time, they’ll be building cars in a joint-venture with Chinese automaker Geely. The first model that they’d be offering to Singaporean car buyers is the Smart #1 – and here’s what you need to know about it!
The German-Chinese firm will offer the car in its ‘Pro+’ trim level. This includes 19 inch rims and a panoramic sunroof. Powering the #1 is a 268bhp electric motor that is good for a 0 – 100km/h time of 6.7 seconds. It has a 66 kWh nickel cobalt manganese battery, which is good for a WLTP range of 420 kilometres.
Not rapid enough for you? Smart also offers a Brabus version of the #1. It has the same battery as the standard car, but gains a front electric motor. This means an output of 428 bhp, and a century sprint time of just 3.9 seconds. Both variants will do DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, with a 10 – 80% charge taking less than 30 minutes.
Cosmetically, the cars are very similar. You can tell the cars apart from the Brabus version’s additional rear wing, and the inclusion of Brabus emblems throughout the vehicle.
Cycle & Carriage will be Smart’s official distributor. The Smart showroom, currently still undergoing renovation works, will be housed on the third level of the Mercedes-Benz Centre. Customers will be able to view and test drive the car at various roving roadshows!
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