September 05, 2021 – smart is entering a new era. The smart Concept #1 previewing at the IAA MOBILITY in Munich provides a clear insight into the first production model in smart’s new generation of all-electric vehicles.
The SUV concept vehicle takes the smart brand into the high-growth small and compact car segment. The near-production smart Concept #1 transfers very compact exterior dimensions and the traditional smart design into a new vehicle concept with a significantly higher premium and high-tech claim. This is underlined by innovative details such as LED light strips at the front and rear with a rhythmic light show, ambient lighting including the footwell and a newly developed UI/UX concept with artificial intelligence. In true smart fashion, the interior of the electric SUV is very spacious in relation to its compact exterior dimensions.
The smart brand has been a pioneer of urban mobility since 1997. It stands for a sustainable and connected urban lifestyle. Its pioneering status was underlined again in 2019 when smart became the world's first car manufacturer to switch completely from a combustion engine to electric drive only. With the establishment of the joint venture, smart Automobile Co., Ltd. at the end of 2019, Mercedes-Benz AG and Geely Automobile Group are now turning to the next chapter in the company's history. The two equal partners are developing smart into a leading global provider of connected, battery-electric premium vehicles for demanding customer groups. The development of the next generation of smart vehicles will take place in Geely's global engineering network. The exterior and interior design will be created in the global Mercedes-Benz Design network.
The comfort and space of a business sedan
Despite its compact exterior dimensions (length/width/height in mm: 4,290/1,910/1,698; wheelbase: 2,750 mm), the interior of the smart Concept #1 is extremely spacious thanks to its wheels positioned far out to the corners of the vehicle. The purpose-designed BEV architecture also means that, like the future five-seater production model, the four-seater study offers legroom and elbow room on par with vehicles from higher segments as well as plenty of storage space. The light streaming in through the panoramic glass roof further enhances the subjective sense of space and contributes significantly to the interior’s lounge-like atmosphere. Sophisticated details such as the ambient light integrated into the vehicle floor, or the extremely elegant air vents, underline the premium appeal of the new smart model generation.
New smart generation based on purpose-built, battery-electric platform
The next generation of smart models will offer the highest level of dynamic handling and passive safety. Moreover, the platform gives the vehicles multiple further benefits. These include a long battery life and fast-charging functions as well as a wide range of cloud-based over-the-air updates for vehicle software, as well as state-of-the-art infotainment features and highly innovative driver assistance systems.
Digitalisation: extensive connectivity for maximum comfort and safety
The new smart model generation has a powerful central computer that controls the four main domains: infotainment, driver assistance systems, electromobility-specific functions and the electric/electronic vehicle architecture (E/E architecture). Thanks to dynamic OTA software updates, more than 75% of all ECUs can be updated remotely on an ongoing basis.
The range of functions to enhance comfort and safety is correspondingly extensive. For example, modern features such as a parking assistant, an evasive steering assistant, a motorway assistant and an emergency lane assistant will be available for the electric SUV. In terms of assistance systems, the next smart generation will be one of the leading all-electric vehicles in its segment.
Sales: new sales model to match brand transformation
Parallel to the comprehensive digitalisation of its vehicles, smart is also undertaking an extensive revision of the sales structures for the new model generation. smart’s data-driven approach will redefine omnichannel commerce and enable it to engage directly with customers and fans, creating meaningful interactions at every touchpoint and offering a more transparent and convenient customer journey. Furthermore, by supporting the efforts of future retail partners, smart will enable them to focus even more on providing the best possible sales and after-sales service experience. Targeted data-driven solutions will meet customers' individual needs in pre-sales, in-sales and after-sales, thus further improving the overall user experience both offline and online.
