Introduction:
Urban young gentlemen and ladies aspire to own a stylish and distinctive vehicle, and the BMW MINI is an inevitable choice. With the backing of BMW and its inherently chic design, MINI has garnered immense popularity among young people, especially female consumers. However, amidst the wave of new energy vehicles, the electric BMW MINI has yet to arrive. Stepping ahead, Smart, with its equally chic brand persona, introduces the electric Smart #01, positioned as a pure electric subcompact SUV.
The Smart Spirit #1 Lineup:
The current lineup of Smart #01 includes five models, including a performance variant by Brabus, with prices ranging from $29,000 to $41,800. Interestingly, this price range overlaps significantly with that of BMW MINI models. To further enrich its product portfolio, Smart introduced a brand-new model on March 3rd: the Smart Spirit #1 Pro edition, priced at $26,800, making it $2,000 cheaper than the entry-level model. This reduction in price lowers the barrier to entry for the Smart Spirit #1, undoubtedly good news for enthusiasts of this model.
Innovations of the Smart Spirit #1 Pro:
As the newly added entry-level model, the Smart #01 Pro edition mainly differs in its adoption of a 49-degree lithium iron phosphate battery, providing a CLTC pure electric range of 400km. Although the range and battery capacity are lower compared to the current models with a 66-degree battery, the Pro version supports a maximum 150 kW fast charging, allowing it to charge up to 80% in just 30 minutes. Given that most commuting occurs within urban areas and with proper home charging facilities, the Pro version is more than sufficient.
Exterior Design:
In terms of exterior design, the Smart #01 Pro edition retains the rounded and full design language of its predecessors. The triangular headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights ensure high visibility, while the large air intakes below the bumper, surrounded by bright accents, add a touch of personality. The side profile stands out with its dual-tone body and distinctive D-pillar design, enhancing the car’s individuality. Additionally, features like frameless doors and concealed door handles are trendy design elements. The Mercedes-Benz logo embedded on the B-pillar underscores the involvement of Mercedes-Benz in the design process.
Interior Elegance:
Moving to the interior, the overall ambiance exudes a sense of fashion and sophistication, appealing particularly to female consumers. The three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, adorned with matte accents, is paired with a 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch central infotainment screen. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset, the infotainment system supports features like navigation, 4G connectivity, and OTA updates.
Performance and Handling:
The Smart Spirit #1 Pro edition will be equipped with a rear-mounted electric motor delivering a maximum power of 272 hp and a maximum torque of 343 Nm. With an official 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.7 seconds, it offers ample performance for city driving. Built on the Geely Haohan platform and featuring compact dimensions, the Smart Spirit #1 demonstrates commendable handling prowess. The suspension setup consists of front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension.
Shopping Advice:
When considering a purchase of the Smart #01 or similar models, it’s essential not to evaluate solely based on value for money. Like the BMW MINI, the design and brand persona of the Smart #01 contribute significantly to its price. Therefore, if you view it from a practical standpoint, especially concerning space, the Smart #01 may not score highly. However, if your goal is to acquire a vehicle within the $20,000 price range that reflects your personality and taste while exuding elegance, then the Smart #01 is an excellent choice. With the introduction of the Pro version, lowering the purchase barrier to below $27,000, it provides consumers with even more options.
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Conclusion:
Embark on a journey of sophistication and innovation with the China Smart #01 EV. From its stylish design to its efficient electric performance, the Smart Spirit #1 Pro edition sets a new standard for urban mobility. Experience the future of driving today.