Smart #1 Facelift Receives 800V Technology - How Much Will the Electric SUV Cost in Romania?
Smart has officially launched the updated version of its #1 electric crossover on the Chinese market. The model developed in partnership by Geely and Mercedes-Benz benefits from a major facelift that brings discreet aesthetic changes, but above all a substantially improved technical package. The good news for European customers is that the new version will later also reach the markets on the Continent where the brand is present.
Subtle aesthetic changes and a more refined cabin
Visually, the new Smart #1 facelift retains the proportions and general lines drawn by Mercedes-Benz designers, but adds to the details. The exterior receives optical blocks with a new light signature, new color palettes for the body and the option of a roof painted in a contrasting shade of gold. The range of options is completed by new alloy wheel designs.
Inside, the changes are geared towards comfort and superior materials. Smart has introduced revised seats for better support over long distances, new dashboard finishes and improved upholstery. The infotainment system also gets new safety and assistance features based on artificial intelligence, although it remains to be seen how many of these Chinese-market software features will be carried over to the European homologation.
800V architecture and more powerful engine developed by Geely
The most important development of the new Smart #1 facelift is under the body. The switch to a high-voltage platform at 800V allows for significantly reduced recharging times.
The 62 kWh battery now takes just 12 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% at ultra-fast DC charging stations, a considerable reduction from the times required for the pre-facelift model. The manufacturer has not yet specified the maximum charging power in kW absorbed by the new architecture.
Under the hood is a new generation electric motor, developed directly by Geely. It delivers 329 horsepower, an increase of 60 hp over the previous version. With this power resource, the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 6.7 seconds.
Despite the increased dynamic performance, energy efficiency has been optimized, so the maximum range remains unchanged: up to 535 kilometers, measured according to the Chinese CLTC/CTLC standard.
Price and availability for the Romanian market
In China, the new Smart #1 facelift has a starting price equivalent to approximately 19,500 – 22,000 euros (149,900 CNY). However, the price structure for European markets will be different due to transportation costs, homologation, VAT and new taxes applied to electric vehicles imported from China.
- Estimated launch: The debut on European markets (including through the network and distributors in Romania) is expected towards the end of this year or the beginning of next year.
- Estimated price in Romania: The basic version with a 62 kWh battery is estimated at a starting price between 38,000 and 42,000 euros (without applying any eco-vouchers through the Rabla Plus Program).
The Smart #1 facelift will thus continue its direct rivalry in the premium B-SUV segment with models such as the Volvo EX30, Kia EV3, Hyundai Kona Electric and Cupra Born, bringing the charging speed specific to higher segments as its main asset to the European market.
