smart Malaysia has allowed us to show you the stunning interior of their upcoming (to Malaysia) smart #1 - We have also driven it so our Opinion is here

 Yup. A few weeks after we were invited to a preview of the soon to be launched in Malaysia smart #1 battery electric crossover we can now show you interior shots of the car with what we can say will be the trim that is selected for #1 sold in Malaysia. Barring last minute changes of course. Like I mentioned in the previous post, the smart #1 is a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, so it features so many Mercedes-Benz touches that I feel that this is essentially a rebadged, slightly more entry level variant of the EQ range of electric vehicles that Mercedes-Benz produces. 

The exterior feels like a Mercedes-Benz EQA or EQB sans front Three Pointed Star grille. Even the rear has the same DNA or stylling as the EQA or B. The only factor is the lack of that star cachet, but since there is a top of the range Brabus variant (with twin motors too), it pulls back some of the cachet back in terms of branding. I believe smart Malaysia needs to push that branding thing to the fullest in order to gain success here. Malaysia is a country where brand rules, so this would need to be played in full. 

Anyway, the interior. So many familiar switchgear is used, as it the layout. Everything is very Mercedes-Benz in terms of equipment, features, ergonomic layout that it feels familiar to someone who has driven many Mercedes-Benz cars out there. You now have the smart badging in place of that Star. This basically means there is that same feeling of perceived quality that you get from that German product even though this is essentially something with a Geely EV drivetrain.. 

It could be the best of both worlds if you are not so brand snobbish and expect a Three Pointed Star. The interior is well kitted out with a properly good infotainment system - this has smart's proprietary user interface but it is easy to navigate with everything up front and no super deep sub-menus to get into. I like things straight forward and not buried deep in sub-sub-sub menus. 

The sound system for music is also good. It goes with the exterior lights which can play to the beat of the music. Speaking of beats, the sound system used is engineered by Beats, this is a company made famous by Dr Dre and sounds pretty good. I suppose they chose Beats as smart targets the younger set and something with Dr Dre's name attached to it has that youngish vibe over say what Mercedes-Benz uses these days - Burmeister. 

As I said, it feels like a Mercedes A-Class in the previous post. When you get into this car everything is laid out like one of those cars. The feel of the steering wheel when you drive it is also similiar. The stalks used are familiar. The layout, the cooling box in the center armrest is also familiar. The trim used is also almost the same in many of its touch points. 

Why do I mentioned the driving experience for the interior preview post? Well, the interior is what connects you as a driver and as a passenger. The drive experience in the #1 is actually very pleasant and nice. It feels like you are driving one of those EQ cars. The weight transfer feels similiar and the turn in also feels the same. Turning the steering wheel made me question whether the steering ratio is the same as the other cars mentioned herein. 

I think this is from the same DNA but built elsewhere and designed with the same set of rules. The only thing I found a bit of a detriment is the artificial sound used to simulate an engine. It seems to not go hand in hand with the throttle input by the driver - especially in the Brabus twin motor variant. It seems to sound super loud and supposedly fast even if you've just pressed less than a quarter of throttle. And the v6 simulation sound just sounded droney. Better to keep it just silent and enjoy wafting in pure electric motor bliss.

Anyway, basically the car is good looking inside and out. Quite deceptive in terms of size on its own (like the photos in the studio). Outside, beside other vehicles, the smart #1 is quite large. More akin to a Proton X50 actually. It must be the rounded styling that makes it look smaller than it is. 

I hope smart Malaysia does well with this car actually. It is one of the more interesting EV cars that will go on sale today. Of course, it all depends of the pricing. I personally think that this car should not be sold more than a Mercedes-Benz A200 here (RM238+). Why so? Well it isn't a Mercedes-Benz and it is essentially a smart car. Smarts were an entry level Mercedes-Benz product when it was launched in the 1990s and that image is essentially the same. Malaysians are very brand snobbish and pricing is the key to success here if the brand is unfamiliar to most of them. No matter how good the car is.

Official Details after the Photos Below

 

Exterior & Interior smart #1

Exterior

Mercedes-Benz Inspired Design: A Symphony of Surprises

smart #1 is a beacon of innovation, combining cutting-edge technology with a touch of artistry in its design. The illuminated front grille, boasting warm light animations with embedded LED light beads, sets the stage for an extraordinary journey. Complemented by concealed electric door handles, frame-less doors, and a floating panoramic halo roof, smart #1 exudes sleek sophistication that captivates at every glance.

Seamless Elegance and Functionality

The frame-less doors of smart #1 not only elevate its elegance but also enhance functionality by reducing aerodynamic drag and noise, ensuring a smooth and efficient ride. These doors automatically unlock and gracefully pop out as you approach, an impressive feat of engineering that embodies elegance and convenience. Equipped with door-handle-lighting, smart #1 offers an elegant touch, even in the dark.

An Enchanting Light Show

Explore smart #1 from every angle and unlock a world of delightful surprises. Its illuminated exterior elements and captivating musical light show feature set it apart from the crowd, infusing each journey with a touch of magic. The floating panoramic halo roof enhances the interior's lounge-like atmosphere while providing a breathtaking view of the surroundings, elevating the driving experience to new heights.

Advanced Safety, Uncompromised Style

With CyberSparksLED+ Adaptive Matrix Headlights, smart #1 is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting technology that adapts to the road ahead, ensuring optimal visibility while safeguarding other motorists from glare. Dynamic sequential turn signals add flair to practicality, while the signature illumination maximizes your visibility on the road. Completing the futuristic style, 19inch low drag rotor-style alloys turn heads and summon a sense of futuristic wonder.

Interior

Minimalist Interior Design

Embracing the essence of 'less is more' from the Bauhaus design, our lifestyle presents the Minimalist T-shaped Floating Interior Panel. Merging sleek lines with gentle curves, it evokes a truly sensorial experience. Its captivating 'capsule-shaped' design houses a 64-color Dual Zone Ambient Light, providing a wide array of customizable lighting options to match any mood. With 20 distinct lighting levels, create your perfect ambiance within this minimalist masterpiece. Embrace a lifestyle that embraces both functionality and emotional connection.

Elevating Comfort and Innovation in Style

Experience effortless entry and exit with the Courtesy Seat, thoughtfully designed to ensure ease and comfort as you step in and out of the car. Conveniently accessible from the IHU, the front passenger seat adjustment ensures ample room for your valued rear passengers. Enjoy added convenience with the Center Glove Box, featuring a chiller for your essential refreshments. Experience unparalleled comfort and innovation with smart, setting new standards in the automotive world. Complemented by Front Seat Ventilation, Rear Seat Armrest with 2 cupholders, 10-way electric adjustment with memory, and an Electric sun blind for thermal insulation and shade.

Space Wonders: Discover Versatility and Abundant Storage

Introducing the ingenious lifestyle of smart #1 - a pioneer in the automotive world, offering unrivalled convenience. With a flat-folded rear seat, a capacious 986L storage space awaits, adapting to your evolving needs. Revel in the flexibility of a movable rear bench seat, granting extra legroom or expanding the trunk as you desire. Discover the "frunk," a 15-litre compartment beneath the hood, cleverly sealed with foam, offering easy access to your essentials. Welcome to a world where smart is more than just a name—it's a way of life.

Immerse Yourself in Beats

Step into the world of premium sound entertainment designed for the new generation, brought to you by the visionary Dr. Dre. With 13 powerful speakers and an impressive 640W power output, this all-surround sound system immerses you in a breathtaking audio experience. Choose from two distinct sound modes: Classic and Beats, catering to your diverse music preferences. Custom-tuned by Beats professionals, this system delivers a unique and unparalleled sound signature that resonates with your soul. Elevate your music experience with precision-engineered brilliance.