First look at Smart #1 - Soon to be Proton Edar's first EV, developed by Mercedes-Benz, built by Geely

• First Smart model under the new Mercedes-Geely venture
• RWD with 272 PS/343 Nm, up to 440 km range
• Coming to Malaysia with Proton Edar as distributor

This is the all-new Smart #1, the first model of the new generation all-electric product family under the new joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely.

The electric bits

The Smart #1 is based on Geely’s modular SEA platform with a 66-kWh battery that allows for a WLTP range of around 420 to 440 km. It uses the CCS Combo 2 type charging connector, supporting up to 22 kW AC charging and a maximum DC charging of 150 kW.

Also read: What is CHAdeMO and CCS? Everything you need to know about charging EVs

The Smart #1 has a rear-mounted motor – making it a rear-wheel drive model – that makes 272 PS/343 Nm. Smart hasn’t given a 0-100 km/h sprint time, but top speed appears to be capped at 180 km/h.

Also read: Confused by EV terms? Here's everything you need to know

How big is the Smart #1?

Dimensions wise, it measures 4,270 mm long, 1,822 mm wide, and 1,636 mm tall with a wheelbase that stretches at 2,750 mm.

For context, its length places the Smart #1 between the Toyota Yaris and Honda City Hatchback while its wheelbase is longer than that of a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla Altis. It also makes it the largest Smart model ever.

Also read: Daimler's Smart to build new SUV with Geely’s SEA platform

The Smart #1’s design is rather similar to the concept model with its smooth and rounded exterior, as well as the Y-shaped front and rear light band.

It has concealed electric door handles, frameless doors, floating halo roof with blacked-out A-pillar, Matrix LED headlights, and a rather massive set of 19-inch wheels wrapped with 235/45 profile tyres.

Smart #1's interior

Inside, there’s a 12.8-inch 1080p touchscreen infotainment display on top of the floating centre console, a 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch Head-up Display (HUD), 64-colour ambient lighting, and Beats audio system with 13 speakers.

The Smart #1 is capable of level 2 semi-autonomous driving, courtesy of the ADAS Package that includes:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function
• Active Lane Keeping System
• Blind Spot Assist
• Highway and Traffic Jam Assist
• Auto Parking Assist
• Adaptive High Beam Assist

The Smart #1 is expected to go on sale in Europe and China later this year, expect further details such as prices to be revealed upon the model’s launch.

Smart #1 coming to Malaysia?

Earlier this year, Proton signed an agreement with the Mercedes-Benz-Geely jointly-owned Smart brand that will see Proton Edar appointed as the importer, distributor, and dealer for Smart in Malaysia and Thailand.

While Proton Edar did not specify which models will be making their way to Malaysia, the Smart #1 is now an obvious candidate.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz's Smart EVs are coming to Malaysia, under Proton Edar as importer and distributor