2024 Smart #1 Premium Review

The 2024 Smart #1 Premium has recently garnered considerable attention in the local market. As a B-Segment all-electric SUV, it targets young families or urban commuters who want a compact body but also seek practical space. The most eye-catching features of this car are its 272PS rear-wheel-drive power, an official range of 440km, and an uncommon level of configuration richness for its price range—such as standard 360-degree camera, seven airbags, and a panoramic sunroof. In this test drive, we mainly evaluated two aspects: whether the space can truly accommodate five people for short trips, and whether its range performance and driving quality in urban conditions meet expectations.

In terms of appearance, the Smart #1 Premium adopts a rounded, cute yet refined design. The front face features a closed grille design, complemented by rounded LED headlights on both sides, making it highly recognizable. The black air intake below the headlights adds a touch of sportiness without any signs of over-design. The side profile of the car showcases smooth lines, and its 235/45 R19 tires are considered large in the same class, paired with hidden door handles for a more minimalist visual appeal. The rear is highlighted by through-type LED taillights, which have strong recognition when lit. The rear bumper design echoes the body lines, making the car look cohesive and in tune with the aesthetic preferences of young consumers.

Sitting inside the car, the first impression is that the materials are more solid than expected. Most of the dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, with silver trim around the air vents for a touch of elegance without feeling cheap. The 12.8-inch central touchscreen is the core of the interior, offering a smooth interface with support for common navigation and smartphone connectivity features. The operational logic is simple, and it doesn't take much time to adjust to it. The instrument panel is fully digital with clear displays and multiple themes to choose from. In terms of configuration, the front seats are power-adjustable with heating functions; the rear seats have independent air vents and USB ports, indicating thoughtful attention to details. The sunroof is a single-pane design, not particularly large, but sufficient for daily lighting needs. The multi-function steering wheel comes standard, with a well-organized button layout that allows for intuitive operation without looking.

Space performance is one of the advantages of the Smart #1 Premium. Its 2750mm wheelbase is considered long for a B-Segment vehicle. When the front seats are adjusted to a suitable sitting position, a passenger with a height of 175cm still has a headroom of one fist and two fingers. The rear legroom is even more surprising, as a passenger of the same height can have two fist-widths of legroom, without feeling cramped; headroom is about one fist—adequate for short to medium trips. The trunk has a standard capacity of 411L, capable of holding two 28-inch suitcases and several backpacks without issue. The rear seats support a 60:40 folding split, and when folded, the expanded space can accommodate larger items easily. As for storage compartments, the front and rear door panels can hold water bottles, and both the center armrest box and glovebox provide sufficient space for daily use.

The first impression when driving is that the power responds quickly. The rear-drive motor delivers a maximum power of 200kW and a peak torque of 343N·m. Pressing the accelerator pedal at start-up provides a noticeable thrust sensation, with an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.7 seconds. In the city, overtaking or changing lanes is very easy. There are three driving modes: Eco, Comfort, and Sport. In Eco mode, the power delivery is smoother, suitable for daily commuting; in Sport mode, the throttle response is more sensitive, ideal for occasionally enjoying the driving experience. The steering wheel is accurate with minimal play; it feels light at low speeds and gets heavier at higher speeds, providing a good level of control. The suspension system features a front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, effectively smoothing out bumps and small jolts in urban environments without causing an obvious feeling of discomfort. Body roll is well-controlled during cornering, providing excellent stability.

We specifically tested the range. The official range is 440km. Under actual urban driving conditions, with air conditioning on and driving normally, the range fulfillment rate is approximately 80%-85%. For example, if the full charge shows 440km, the actual achievable distance is about 350-370km. This performance is considered above average among electric vehicles in the same class. As for energy consumption, urban commuting is roughly 15-16kWh/100km, while it rises to 18-20kWh/100km on highways, meeting expectations. Noise control is done very well. At low speeds, the motor noise is almost inaudible, and though there is some wind and tire noise at high speeds, it's not pronounced and does not affect in-car conversations. There are three levels of regenerative braking, and the drag feeling at the highest level is not strong, making adaptation quick; the lowest level is close to the coasting feel of a fuel-powered car, which is comfortable for daily driving.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2024 Smart #1 Premium are quite evident: the spacious interior provided by its long wheelbase, strong 272PS power, comprehensive safety configurations (seven airbags, L2-level autonomous driving), and excellent range performance. Compared to similarly priced B-segment electric vehicles like the MG ZS EV or BYD Atto 3, it stands out with its superior power and space as well as more comprehensive configurations. This car is suitable for two groups of people: first, young families who prioritize space and practicality—meeting both daily commuting and short weekend trips; second, young individuals who value power and features, as its rear-wheel-drive handling and abundant technological configurations provide a great experience. If your budget is around RM200,000 and you're looking for a well-rounded pure electric SUV, the Smart #1 Premium is worth considering.