2024 Smart #1 BRABUS Review

The competition in Malaysia's B-segment pure electric market has been heating up in recent years. Consumers are no longer only focused on range but are demanding a better balance between performance and configuration. The Smart #1 BRABUS, as the performance version of the brand, enters the market with 428PS dual motors, 400km range, and a wealth of intelligent features. This time, we got the actual car to test whether its performance matches the "BRABUS" badge and to see how practical it is for daily use.

From the exterior, the Smart #1 BRABUS retains the rounded silhouette of the standard version but has more aggressive details. The front face replaces the sealed design of the standard version with a smoked honeycomb grille, paired with sharp LED daytime running lights on both sides, significantly improving its recognition. The side of the car maintains a sleek proportion with a 2750mm wheelbase, while the 19-inch matte black wheels paired with red brake calipers clearly signify its performance identity. The rear features a spoiler and diffuser design that stands out more than the standard version, while the taillight cluster retains a through-type design, offering high nighttime visibility when lit. Overall, the design maintains Smart's fashionable appeal while reinforcing BRABUS's performance attributes through sporty details.

Sitting inside the car, the interior style leans towards a simple and tech-savvy feel. The center console is built around a 12.8-inch touchscreen, with smooth interface performance, allowing quick access to commonly used functions like navigation and air conditioning control. The interior materials favor soft plastics and fabrics, accented with red stitching. While it doesn't feel luxurious, it matches the level expected at this price point. In terms of features, the front seats support electric adjustment, and the driver's seat can be adjusted to a very comfortable position. The rear row is equipped with independent air conditioning vents, and the middle floor protrusion is not high. Passengers around 175cm tall sitting in the back have about two fists of legroom, and their heads won't feel pressed against the roof. The trunk offers a regular storage capacity of 411L, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats—sufficient for storing strollers or suitcases.

Performance is the core highlight of the Smart #1 BRABUS. The dual-motor system has a combined output of 428PS and 543N·m of torque. In actual use, the car starts off very quickly, and you can immediately feel a strong push-back sensation as soon as you press the accelerator pedal. Although there is no official 0-100km/h acceleration figure, overtaking during daily driving requires no hesitation at all. There are three driving modes: Eco, Standard, and Sport. In Eco mode, the power output is smoother, making it suitable for daily commuting; in Sport mode, the power response becomes the most sensitive, and the steering becomes heavier, offering more driving fun.

The chassis, featuring a front MacPherson strut and a rear multi-link independent suspension, is tuned towards sportiness. During cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, and the steering is precise, making for an agile driving experience. However, when encountering speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension's ability to absorb vibrations is average, and rear passengers may feel noticeable jolts. Noise control performs well, with wind and tire noise at highway speeds within an acceptable range, and they don't disturb in-car conversations. As for range, the official figure is 400km. In our mixed condition testing, primarily in urban commutes, the car achieved around 350km, while highway cruising at 110km/h brought the range down to about 300km. The range achievement rate is average among vehicles in its class. In terms of power consumption, daily commuting uses about 16-18kWh/100km, and it exceeds 20kWh on the highway.

In terms of safety configuration, the Smart #1 BRABUS does an excellent job, featuring 7 airbags, AEB forward collision warning, lane change assist, 360-degree panoramic imaging, and more, providing sufficient protection for daily driving. In terms of intelligent driving assistance, ACC adaptive cruise control is very useful on highways, with reasonable distance control that reduces the fatigue of long-distance driving.

In summary, the core advantages of the Smart #1 BRABUS lie in its strong power performance and abundant safety configurations. Compared to the BYD Atto 3 or MG4 EV in the same class, its performance is more outstanding, making it suitable for young people who enjoy driving fun. However, the 400km range is not the longest in the same class, and the price of RM249,000 is also higher than the standard version of the Smart #1, making it more suitable as a second car for the family or for users with a smaller daily commuting range. If you want a fast, well-equipped, and stylish pure electric SUV, the Smart #1 BRABUS is worth considering.