Smart is repositioning its first all-electric compact SUV in China. From early August, the manufacturer will launch an extensively revised version of the Smart #1 exclusively in its home market. According to Smart, the facelift comprises more than 200 product and equipment updates. The aim is to strengthen the brand’s competitive position in the fiercely contested urban premium electric vehicle segment.
Technologically, the vehicle draws on the expertise of Smart’s joint-venture partners, Mercedes-Benz and Geely. The company has fundamentally redeveloped the model, particularly its electrical architecture and digital systems. According to Smart, the changes mark a key milestone in the brand’s global growth strategy ahead of the sales launch in China.
The electric SUV retains the design language established under Mercedes-Benz’s leadership while introducing visual updates, including new exterior colours such as Blue Gold and White Gold, as well as aerodynamic refinements. Smart has also revised the rear spoiler and fitted new 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels, while leaving the model’s characteristic silhouette unchanged.
The most significant changes are under the skin. Smart is introducing an 800-volt silicon carbide architecture, which it describes as a unique selling point in this vehicle segment. Combined with 6C charging technology, the battery, which has been reduced in capacity from 66 to 61.52 kWh, can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in around twelve minutes under optimal conditions.
