If anyone is unconvinced an electric car can be a tarmac express, all you need do is seat this doubting Thomas next to you in the smart #1 Brabus and let it rip.
Chances are all scepticism would vanish after the wheels screech to a stop.
With a 0-100kph sprint time of 3.9s, this is impressive pace from a car that's eyeballing the likes of supercars that typically flash by in under 3s.
The smart #1 is a far different creature from the days when the Smart name referred to cute and tiny urban runabouts in the Fortwo and Forfour. Those cars are now historical footnotes as the smart brand has been rebooted as much bigger vehicles for five people — for the most part.
Under a Mercedes-Geely global joint venture hammered out in 2020, the new smart has emerged as an all-electric brand with both parent companies holding equal stakes. The deal calls for Mercedes-Benz to design the smart cars, while engineering/production were shifted to China and come under Geely's watch.
The #1 and #3 are the first evidence of the collaboration, with a #5 and an all-new version of the Fortwo city car in the pipeline.
The #1 arrived in Malaysia last November, while the #3 was launched just last month. Each is offered in three variants. And Brabus represents the top of the line and the most powerful.
Outwardly, the #1 Brabus looks like a oversized hatchback with a quirky design. It's not what you'd call a boxy car. While it has a compact, SUV-like shape, its design is more rounded and sleek, with smooth curves and a sporty silhouette accentuated by short overhangs, frameless windows and popped-out door handles.
The #1 Brabus' playful styling and beefy look reminds one of the electric MINI Countryman, though that car is slightly bigger and a little pricier.
The matte grey with red floating roof looks striking, though you have other 2-tone colour choices to choose from as well. A single matte grey colourway is also offered if that's preferred. The matte grey is a RM5,000 option by the way.
The Matrix LED headlights with adaptive high beam and taillights are joined by light strips to underscore the car's width. The animated grille with its musical lightshow ability makes for a cool party trick, while the illuminated smart logo on the C-pillar reinforces its charm. Those 19-inch wheels also pop.
The Brabus package add decorative vents in front, side skirts and rear spoiler with plenty of red accents as contrast features, along with a smattering of Brabus logos.
The cabin is dark in keeping with the Brabus theme and again there are red bits here and there - and more Brabus logos. A panoramic sunroof lets in light and counterbalaces the dark interior.
The T-shaped dash has a minimal appearance as most of the settings and controls are nestled in the 12.8-inch centre touchscreen. It gets a small 9.2-inch meter cluster and a 10-inch colour head-up display. Standard kit includes wireless charger, navigation with charging locations and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Ergonomics is, however, eroded to maintain the clean look, with many of the key functions like air-cond adjustments and door mirrors accessible only through the centre touchscreen.
Seats are upholstered in suede/leather combo, with the ones up front being ventilated. They are pleasant transit points and there's enough room all-around to get comfortable. Even in second row.
Overall, the cabin looks and feels premium.
Boot space, however, is small but you do get a fair amount of space with slidable back seats folded. A small frunk offers additional storage.
The car gets top marks for safety. Besides having seven airbags and the usual passive safety kit, it is loaded with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features such as adaptive cruise control, evasive maneouvre assist, rear cross traffic alert, lane centring assist for Level 2+ semi-autonomous driving, autonomous emergency braking and auto parking assist.
It can even perform an automated lane change provided certain conditions are met for a safe switch.
Propulsion comes from two electric motors doling out 315kW/543Nm and they are energised by a 66kWh battery pack.
The underfloor battery is the main reason for the 1,900kg kerb weight.
Still, the powerful motors compensate for the heaviness, giving it rapid momentum even with a casual dab on the go pedal. One-pedal driving is somewhat improved with three levels of brake regeneration following a software update.
The Brabus treatment is more visual than performance-based.
The car gets stiffened dampers but the ride isn't harsh; it gravitates towards comfort. This is evident when pushing the car into corners as it causes the car to lean in to some degree.
The #1 Brabus offers a balanced and enjoyable driving experience in everyday condition.
Its well-weighted steering and compact size means it's highly maneuverable in tight urban settings, complemented by good visibility all round.
Road irregularities are handled competently and contributes to a quiet ride. Tyre noise tend to creep in once the speedo pointer starts swinging right, with top speed limited to 180kph.
The way the electric motors reel out power is managed by four drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport and Brabus. Brabus is the one that opens up the tap for maximum thrills, accompanied by fake engine noises that heightened the driving experience.
But like the lightshow, the novelty of the sound packs fade quickly after a while. Yes, it can be turned off - via the centre screen again.
In addition, the driver monitor camera behind the steering wheel is fickle; the system sometimes warns the driver he's tired when he isn't.
The #1 Brabus functions perfectly well for urban commutes and does duty as a small family car without fuss.
Its sporty alter ego is the magnetic draw for those who also want to have a little fun on the side every once in a while. On that count, this car delivers some measure of that.
It can even do the occasional out-of-town runs. With a 400km range, the RM249,000 #1 Brabus should have no trouble going from Petaling Jaya to Johor Baru or George Town, with a fast charging stop to allay range anxiety.
smart #1 Brabus
Electric motor: Dual motor, front and rear axles (Permanently Excited Synchronous)
Maximum power: 315kW/422hp
Maximum torque: 543Nm
Battery capacity & type: 66kWh, Lithium-ion (NMC chemistry)
Range: 400km (WLTP)
Charger Type: Type 2 (AC) / CCS2 (DC)
Normal charging (AC, 22kW 10-100%): 3 hours
Quick Charging (DC, 150kW 10-80%): 30 mins
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Features: Seven airbags, all-wheel drive, panoramic sunroof, 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, 9.2-inch instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Qi wireless charging, Matrix LED headlights with adaptive high beam, four drive modes, 640W Beats hi-fi audio with 13 speakers, tyre repair kit, aluminium pedals, Vehicle-to-Load, hands-free powered tailgate, Brabus aero kit, 19-inch 2-tone wheels, 360-degree camera, 15-litre frunk
Suspension: MacPherson strut (front) and five-link independent (rear)
Acceleration (0-100kph): 3.9s
Top speed: 180kph
Kerb weight: 1,900kg
Boot capacity: 411 litres
Price (OTR without insurance): RM249,000
