PETALING JAYA: The Smart #1 electric vehicle (EV), set to launch in Malaysia in the last quarter of 2023, caters to young families who seek sustainable electric mobility as well as trendsetters.
The Smart #1 features the iconic design typical of Smart with compact exterior dimensions in a new vehicle concept that represents the brand's growing premium and high-tech aspirations.
Designed by Mercedes-Benz, the Smart #1 is recognisable as a Smart at first glance, but at the same time its progressive design is a statement of the brand's transformation.
“The new sporty Smart #1 is a re-definition of the Smart brand in a very cool grown-up way," said Mercedes-Benz Group chief design officer Gorden Wagener.
“We have created a completely new design DNA that has the potential to establish Smart as the leading design brand.”
The space to footprint ratio is pushed to the maximum: its 4,270mm length, wheelbase of 2,750mm and the maximum 19-inch rims create an impressive interior space with an enhanced 360-degree view.
This is further accentuated by the distinctive 21-inch wheels with their unique design.
The exterior has elements such as concealed electric door handles, frameless windows, and a floating halo roof that users would not expect on a car in this category.
The light streaming in through the panoramic glass roof enhances the sense of space and contributes to the interior’s lounge-like atmosphere.
"The striking panoramic glass roof, with its distinctive ring of light, is one of the central design features. The light staging creates an optical effect that makes the roof appear to float above the body," said Smart design chief Kai Sieber, who reports to Wagener.
Its highlights are its spacious and comfortable interior for five people as well as a high level of connectivity and vast array of advanced driver assistance features.
One of the prominent design elements in the interior is the centre console, which floats between the front seats and merges with the unique dashboard design.
In addition, the minimalist T-shaped cockpit comes with 64-colour dual-zone ambient light.
Other notable features are the multifunction steering wheel, Beats speakers, Smartphone wireless charging, 12.8-inch floating central control large screen, 9.2-inch high-definition LCD instrument display and a 10-inch full-colour head-up display.
Proton New Energy Technology (Pro-Net), a newly formed Proton subsidiary, is the appointed distributor for the Smart brand.
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