According to Smart, the #1 crossover is switching to a superior platform and powertrain as it heads into 2027.
The new architecture is based on 800-volt power internals (up from 400V). This means charging the battery from almost empty to 80% now takes a trifling 12 minutes (down from 30). The battery pack itself now holds 61.54 kilowatt-hours of charge, which is enough to cover 535 kilometers (332 miles) per the WLTC cycle. That’s also a nice improvement over the predecessor’s 440 km (273 mi).
It’s still unclear how fast of a sprinter the new Smart #1 is. The electric SUV trades its old 272-PS (268-hp / 200-kW) motor for a new 333-PS (328-hp / 245-kW) unit sourced from the recently launched Geely Galaxy TT. As such, it should be a fair bit livelier to drive.
Among other noteworthy features, the company promises us access to a new LiDAR-powered driver assistance package – the D-Pilot H5, to be specific. We should learn more on Thursday, August 6, when the premiere takes place.