The automobile world is changing, and so is Smart. The icon of tiny premium city cars has, since the last few years, gone full electric, but to tend to its health, the brand plans to emancipate itself from its former market and open itself to other ones. at the IAA Munich Mobility Salon, the co-enterprise founded between Mercedes and Geely presents the Concept #1, the brand’s first SUV.

Mercedes and Geely want to make Smart into a household manufacturer in the high-end electric automobile world. Where Mercedes leans on its designers for the uotside of the car, Geely, who also owns Volvo, is in charge of the technological development.

The Concept #1 from Smart, which we were able to discover a few days ago in Paris, intrigues through its small SUV design as well as it bronze-colored roof which contrasts with the car’s white body. The concept-car measures 4.29 meters long, 1.91 meters wide and 1.7 meters tall, the same dimensions we should find on the series model that will release a few years from now. For comparative purposes, the Forfour measures 3.5 meters long and 1.67 meters wide. The market segment is not the same, but this weight gain brings welcomed advantages in terms of habitability, thanks to a generous 2.75 meter wheelbase.

Aesthetically, the style is modern without being too futuristic. The concept benefits a little robust side, with anthracite body protections and 21 inch rims. Clients should undoubtedly appreciate. A little amusing detail: Smart added LED optics offering a sort of lightshow through little prism that vibrate according to the music.

Let’s now take a look at the inside, with a luminous cabin, especially thanks to the giant panoramic view, an ambient lighting system ingrained in the flooring, and anvery well designed dashboard. A 12.8 inch touchscreen thrones at the center tof the console.

A virtual assistant helps the driver navigate the panels and options. The AI software simultaneously leanrs the drivers habits and settings in order to know his or her preferences. The Concept #1 possesses a sort of brain allowing it to control the car’s commands, entertainment, driving assist, as well as electric options.

Smart hasn’t yet announced the range and available engine specifics, having only said that the model will have five seats. The car banks on the SEA platform (Sustainable Experience Architecture) which will be adopted on Volvo’s upcoming XC20. One, two or three is the amount of engines the car might have, with an operating life of around 700 kilometers.