The name “Smart” has long been synonymous with quirky, two-seater city cars designed for urban mobility. Born from a collaboration between Swatch and Mercedes-Benz, the original Smart City-Coupé (later renamed the Fortwo) was an icon of compact design, offering a unique solution to navigating congested European city streets. Over the years, the brand experimented with other models, including the four-seater Forfour and the sporty Roadster, but it was the ultra-compact Fortwo that defined its legacy.
After many years, the brand has embarked on a new, bold direction. Following a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and the Chinese automotive giant Geely, Smart has been completely reinvented as an all-electric, new-premium brand focused on a broader range of vehicles. This new era marks a significant departure from its micro car roots.
The first vehicle to arrive from this new chapter is the Smart #1, a compact electric SUV that brings the brand into direct competition with popular models like the BYD Atto 3, MG4, and the Volvo EX30. While it retains a sense of style and unique design elements, the new Smart #1 has been completely re-engineered from the ground up, built on a dedicated EV platform and packed with technology. This includes a peppy electric motor, a long-range battery, and a high-tech interior, all designed to appeal to a wider audience looking for a stylish and practical all-electric vehicle for the modern world.
What We Like and Dislike About The 2025 Smart #1 Premium
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Quirky, appealing, and unique styling Overall Package Range Spec Level Funky Infotainment UI | Aggressive driver assistance features Infotainment a bit glitchy Price Level of configuration |
What’s In The 2025 Smart #1 Premium Range?
The Smart #1 is available in New Zealand in three distinct variants: the Pro+, Premium, and the high-performance BRABUS model. The entry-level Pro+ starts from $64,990, offering a range of up to 420km. The mid-range Premium model, priced from $69,990, extends the range to 440km and includes additional luxury features. For those seeking maximum performance, the top-tier BRABUS variant is available from $79,990. While its range is slightly shorter at 400km due to the weight of its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, it boasts a much faster 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.9 seconds.
2025 Smart #1 Premium Colour Range
The Smart #1 is available in a variety of exterior colours and two-tone combinations. The specific options can depend on the trim level (Pro +, Premium, or BRABUS).
Here is a summary of the available colour combinations:
- Meta Black Metallic (one tone)
- Atom Grey Matte (one tone)
- Laser Red Metallic with Eclipse Black Roof
- Cyber Silver Metallic with Eclipse Black Roof – Review Car Colour
- Digital White with a contrasting roof (often black or red)
- Quantum Blue with a contrasting roof
- Lumen Yellow with a contrasting roof
The BRABUS model often features a two-tone exterior with a contrasting red roof.
Our Review Vehicle’s Optional Equipment
Our review vehicle did not have any optional equipment spec’d, which left the vehicle’s retail price at $64,990.
For a full list of specs and options available for the Smart #1 Premium, head on over to Smart New Zealand’s website.
How Does The 2025 Smart #1 Premium Compare To Its Competition?
The 2025 Smart #1 makes its entry into the New Zealand EV market as a premium yet compact electric SUV. It costs $64,990 + ORC for the Pro+ variant, which is in a higher premium level than price-conscious alternatives like the BYD Atto 3 and the MG4 that usually are priced below $50,000 to $60,000.
Instead, the Smart #1’s key rivals are the similarly-priced Volvo EX30, with which it shares a platform, and Cupra Born, all three of which offer European appearance, high-end spec, and premium-feeling interior. The Smart #1 sets itself apart with a specially quirky and spacious appearance, presenting an appealing alternative for buyers who are looking for premium quality and finish without the premium price of a Mercedes-Benz EQA or similar luxury EVs.
| Make/ Model | Battery Capacity kW-hr | Power/ Torque kW/Nm | 0-100km/h seconds | Range (WLTP), km | Boot Space, litres | Price |
| Hyundai Kona Electric Long Range | 64 | 150/395 | 7.9 | 484 | 332 | $69,990 |
| Tesla Model Y RWD | 60 | 220/350 | 5.9 | 466 | 854 | $67,900 |
| Cupra Born V+ | 77 | 170/310 | 7.0 | 548 | 385 | $64,990 |
| Smart #1 Premium | 66 | 200/343 | 6.7 | 440 | 313 | $64,990 |
| Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Range | 69 | 200/343 | 5.3 | 462 | 318 | $63,990 |
| Kia EV3 Light Long Range | 81.4 | 150/283 | 7.7 | 605 | 460 | $62,220 |
| MG4 Long Range | 77 | 180/250 | 6.5 | 530 | 350 | $55,990 |
| BYD Atto 3 Extended Range | 60.48 | 150/310 | 7.3 | 420 | 440 | $55,990 |
Please note that DriveLife does its best to ensure the information above is correct at the time of publication, however, prices, specifications and models can change over time. Please bear that in mind when comparing models in the comparison table.
First Impressions Of The 2025 Smart #1 Premium
The new Smart #1 is a complete rethink of the Smart brand. Everyone comments on its “cute and sporty silhouette”, which drops the retro micro car appearance for a more adult and contemporary compact SUV appearance. This design language gives the car a slick, premium look that’s both accessible and substantial.
It is easy to recognise electric Smart’s intruding on the market niche of vehicles like the Volvo EX30, but its appearance is more pronounced and unusual. The design of the exterior, including contrasting roof colours and flush door handles, makes a strong first impression of a well-made, quality product. I like it, it’s different, in the same way the FourTwo was. However, the #1 has a bit more of a funky child like fun styling about it. It’s a shame that the review vehicle came in silver and not one of the more vibrant colours like Laser Red or Lumen Yellow.
What’s The Interior Like In The 2025 Smart #1 Premium?
The cabin of the Smart #1 is the key highlight, with passengers frequently noting its surprising spaciousness and premium feel. The interior is designed to be a comfortable and uncluttered space, though its technology-first approach has a few caveats.
The front seats are well-sculpted and offer good bolstering for support, making them suitable for longer drives. The seating position is high, providing an excellent view out and a commanding feel on the road. A particularly nice touch on some trim is the electric driver’s seat, which slides back automatically to ease entry and exit. I did however find this a bit annoying, or if there’s a rear passenger. This appeared to be a feature that could not be disabled.
Rear seat space is surprisingly generous for the car’s compact footprint. There is a “class-leading” amount of headroom and a flat floor, which enhances foot space and allows for a comfortable ride for up to two adults. The rear seats can also slide and recline, adding valuable versatility to either passenger comfort or cargo space.
The interior is dominated by a large, centrally mounted 12.8-inch touchscreen. It is positioned prominently on the dashboard, making it the focal point of the cabin. A slimline, 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster is located behind the steering wheel, providing a clean and modern driver-facing display.
The high roofline, expansive windows, and panoramic glass roof (a standard feature on many trims) prevent any feeling of claustrophobia. The car feels much more spacious inside than its exterior dimensions suggest.
The fit and finish are exceptional for this price bracket, inline with similar sized Mercedes-Benz models. Panel gaps are tight, and the quality of materials is high, particularly above the waistline. Artificial leather and soft-touch plastics are used throughout, creating a premium feel.
Storage is plentiful. There is a decent-sized glove box and a large centre console with a sliding cover for the cupholders. Below the main console, there is a large open storage area big enough for a small bag.
A Qi wireless charging pad is available on most trims. It works very effectively, with a lip at the bottom to prevent phones from sliding around during acceleration or cornering.
The boot features a secondary storage compartment under the main floor, which is a great place to keep smaller items or the tire repair kit. The boot floor can be adjusted to be either single or double-height, with a dedicated space underneath for additional storage. The loading lip is generally considered to be at a reasonable height, with a wide aperture that makes it easy to load bulky objects. Like most modern EVs, the Smart #1 does not come with a spare wheel. Instead, it includes a tire repair kit.
The boot is often cited as the car’s main practicality weakness. With the rear seats in their rearmost position, cargo capacity is a modest 313 litres (323 litres in the base Pro+ model). This space is reduced to 203 litres on higher trims with the Beats’ audio system’s subwoofer. While the boot floor can be raised for a flat loading surface, this reduces the overall volume. The rear seats fold in a 60:40 split, and when folded down, the space increases to 986 litres, creating a much more useful area. There is also a small 15-litre “frunk” under the bonnet, ideal for storing charging cables.
What’s The 2025 Smart #1 Premium Like To Drive?
The driving experience of the Smart #1 is a core strength, blending comfort with spirited performance, though the technology interface requires some patience. The Smart #1 should be praised for its drivability, particularly in urban environments. Its compact size, tight turning circle, and excellent all-around visibility make it an easy and agile car to manoeuvre through city traffic.
The dashboard is clean and modern, dominated by the central touchscreen. The small digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel provides essential information clearly, but its compact size means some functions must be accessed via the main screen.
The car offers a composed and comfortable driver feel. The steering is direct and well-weighted, particularly when adjusted through the various drive modes. The car feels stable and predictable, hiding its nearly 1,800 kg weight surprisingly well.
With its high seating position and large windows, forward and side visibility are very good. Rear visibility is more restricted due to the design of the rear window and thick C-pillars, which is a common trade-off for its stylish design.
The car’s real-world efficiency is considered good but not best-in-class. While the WLTP range for the Premium model is up to 440 km, our real-world testing suggests a more realistic range of around 400 km in mixed driving conditions.
The steering wheel features physical controls for functions like media, cruise control, and a customizable “star” button on the 2025 model. These controls are logically placed and provide a good haptic feel.
The Smart #1 offers several drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, and Sport, which primarily adjust throttle response, steering weight, and a subtle “faux engine note.” These modes are effective, with Sport offering a noticeable increase in responsiveness.
The ride quality is a major plus. The suspension is tuned on the softer side, absorbing bumps and road imperfections with ease, making for a comfortable and quiet ride, even on coarse road surfaces.
Handling is stable and predictable. While not a hardcore sports car, it corners confidently with minimal body roll. The rear-wheel-drive platform provides a “punchy” feel, even in wet conditions.
The car’s electric motor is virtually silent. With excellent cabin insulation, with minimal road and wind noise intrusion, creating a serene and quiet driving environment.
The brakes are generally strong and stable, with good stopping power. The brake pedal feel is consistent. However, the regenerative braking system is a point of criticism, I often found its calibration to be “unpredictable” and “grabby” at low speeds, which can make smooth stop-start driving difficult. While it offers one-pedal driving, the regen is often not strong enough to bring the car to a full stop without using the brake pedal.
The Smart #1 comes with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. Features like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control are praised for being smooth and reliable. However, I found certain safety systems, such as the speed limit warning and lane-keeping assist, to be overly intrusive and “nannying” on narrower roads, requiring them to be disabled for a more relaxed drive. This unfortunately needs to be reset each time you start the car, which is frustrating.
The infotainment system, powered by a fast Snapdragon processor, is very responsive. However, its usage is a significant point of frustration for many. The menu structure is deemed “fussy and complicated,” with basic functions hidden in sub-menus. While the screens themselves are high-resolution and quick, the user interface’s design can be distracting and challenging to use while driving.
Read on to check out our summary of the 2025 Smart #1 Premium.
2025 Smart #1 Premium – Specifications
| Vehicle Type | Electric Compact SUV |
| Starting Price | $64,990 |
| Price as Tested | $64,990 |
| Engine | Electric motor |
| Power, Torque kW/Nm | 200 / 343 |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
| Spare Wheel | Tyre repair kit only |
| Kerb Weight, Kg | 1,800 |
| Length x Width x Height mm | 4,279 x 1,822 x 1,636 |
| Boot Space / Cargo Capacity, Litres (seats up/seats down) | 323 / 986 |
| Energy Economy, kWh/100km | Advertised Spec – Combined – 16.7 Real-World Test – Combined – 18.8 Low Usage: 6-10 / Medium Usage 11-19 / High Usage 19+ |
| Towing Capacity Kg, unbraked/braked | 750 / 1,600 |
| Turning circle metres | 11.0 Small: 6-10m / Medium 10-12m / Large 12m+ |
| Warranty | 5 years / 150,000 km (vehicle) 8 years / 160,000 km (high-voltage battery) |
| Safety information | ANCAP Rating – 5 stars – Link Rightcar.govt.nz – 5 Stars – RBE214 |
Have you enjoyed this review? Be sure to join our monthly email newsletter list so you don’t miss a single car review!
