Peter Lyon
October 18, 2023
The smart #1 in Premium spec has now been fully introduced to the Malaysian public and is now open for booking. However, to further spice up the marketplace, smart Malaysia is also debuting the high-performance Brabus specced #1 EV (pronounced hashtag one) which was first revealed at the International Electric Mobility Showcase (IEMS) exhibition at the KL Convention Centre.
The #1 Brabus is the range’s true performance leader and not some dressed-up bodykit. When compared to the standard #1, the Brabus offers dual-motor AWD capabilities by adding an electric motor in the front. The compact crossover sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds thanks to a combined output of 428 ps and 543 Nm of torque. Its top speed is 180km/h.
For those happy with the Premium model, you can still look forward to 272 ps and 343 Nm of torque from a single motor, giving it a 0-100km/h time of 6.7 seconds. At 1,900 kg, the Brabus weighs 100 kg more than the Premium.
Do you want sound to go with the speed? Drivers can select between “smart original sounds” that were sampled from the outgoing ICE-powered smart Brabus or a “classic” analog sound that was motivated by an “amazingly powerful V6 engine.”
The 66 kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery that powers the Brabus’ motors has a range of 400 km (WLTP rating). The standard Pro employs a 49 kWh lithium battery for a 315 km range, whilst the Premium offers an additional 40 km of range. Drivers can charge at a 22 kW AC charging location, which charges from 10-80% in three hours.
In Malaysia’s EV market, where 11 kW is the standard charging rate, 22 kW is quite uncommon. Only the Porsche Taycan and the ’55 quattro’ versions of Audi’s e-tron are compatible with 22 kW AC charging here, whereas some cheaper EVs only accept 7 kW.
Inside the Brabus gets a Beats 13-speaker sound system, a 12.8-inch centre touchscreen, and a slim 9.2-inch meter cluster. Also standard are comfort features like ventilated front seats, 10-way powered front seats, driver’s courtesy seat, dual-zone auto air-con with an N95 carbon filter, a moonroof, 64-colour ambient lighting, and illuminated door sills.
OUR THOUGHTS
For those looking for a good-looking, sporty, compact EV crossover packing some serious performance, the Brabus #1 deals up a very full menu. smart Malaysia is yet to confirm RRPs for the #1 range but has revealed an estimated price range of between RM200,000 and RM250,000.
