Smart is experiencing a real foundation. Under the control of a joint venture between Geely and Mercedes-Benz since 2019, the German firm wants to leave its past behind and become a manufacturer of small and medium-sized premium vehicles capable of standing up to BMW’s almighty MINI.
Its first model of this new era, the smart #1, makes this new philosophy clear, as it is a 4.27-meter-long B-SUV that has nothing to do with the company’s old urban proposals. This vehicle sits on Geely’s SEA platform and has a 272 hp (200 kW) electric motor and 66 kWh batteries.
The main rival of this electric SUV will be the MINI Aceman, whose launch will take place in two years. On the other hand, we cannot forget that just a few days ago the smart #1 Brabus was presented, a sports variant that brings with it a wild two-motor drive train capable of delivering a whopping 428 hp (315 kW).
However, this is only the beginning, as smart is already working on more models to accompany #1. The company has confirmed during a conference in China the launch of two new electric cars in 2023 and 2024, which should help smart gain a foothold in the Chinese and European markets.
The smart ForTwo will have the fourth generation
The first to arrive will be smart #3, a kind of “coupé” version of smart #1. The main difference between the two will be the lower, descending roof line on #3. Although from a technical point of view they will be identical, it is expected that the new model will achieve a little more autonomy thanks to its better aerodynamics.
Although “coupé” SUVs are very fashionable today, probably the brand’s most anticipated launch is the smart #2, the fourth generation of the diminutive two-seater urban that has been in production since 1998. Called to replace the current smart EQ ForTwo in 2024, it will keep the characteristic number “two” in its name.
Like smart #1, the new smart #2 and smart #3 will be produced in China, as the French plant in Hambach where the EQ ForTwo is made has been sold to INEOS. All of them will be marketed directly and online, although some selected Mercedes-Benz dealers will have small smart exhibitions.
