Peter Lyon
December 7, 2023
In just over three months since bookings opened in August, the Smart #1 has surpassed 1,000 bookings in Malaysia. Following its November physical introduction in the country, Smart Malaysia said the number of reservations for the small crossover electric vehicle (EV) had cleared 500, and had doubled to 1,000 units since then.
“The success of Smart #1 reflects not only the excellence of our product but also our dedication to providing a seamless and enjoyable ownership experience,” said Zhang Qiang, CEO of Smart Malaysia. “The comprehensive warranty coverage, complimentary packages, and the smartCharge Home Charger offer are a testament to our commitment to customer satisfaction. Delivery is also a pivotal aspect, and our team is diligently working to ensure timely delivery of cars to our valued customers.”
The Smart #1 came in three flavours when it first debuted in Malaysia: Pro, Premium, and Brabus. The Pro variant costs RM189,000, while the Brabus starts at RM249,000.
For buyers searching for a premium entry-level EV, a worthy option is the Smart #1 Pro, which boasts 315 km of range thanks to its 49 kWh LFP battery pack. A larger 66 kWh battery, good for 400 km and 440 km of range, powers the Premium and Brabus versions, respectively.
A single electric motor powers the rear wheels of both the Pro and Premium models. Both versions can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and possess identical performance numbers of 272 hp and 343 Nm. With its dual-motor AWD layout generating 428 hp and 543 Nm, the Brabus—with its 0-100 time of 3.9 seconds—is the perfect option for those seeking extra performance.
Since it was launched the Smart #1 has received a favourable response from Malaysians with bookings exceeding 1,000 units. The #1 relaunches the Smart brand in Malaysia, which is currently owned by Mercedes-Benz and Geely Holding while the official distributor of Smart in Malaysia is Pro-Net, a new energy division of Proton.
OUR THOUGHTS
We are not surprised to hear that the Smart #1 has resonated with Malaysian buyers. We think it’s one of the sharpest-looking, best-appointed EVs on the market and offers a great lineup of three variants employing two powertrains, with the Brabus at the flagship end packing a punch. Pricewise it’s competitive too.
