Smart, the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely Auto, has launched a redesigned #1 electric SUV in China as it seeks to strengthen its position in the increasingly crowded small battery-electric vehicle market.
The new-generation model is offered in 535 Max and 535 Ultra versions, priced at 152,900 yuan and 172,900 yuan respectively. Promotional pricing brings the figures down to 149,900 yuan ($22,080) and 169,900 yuan for a limited period.
Smart said the latest #1 incorporates more than 200 upgrades over the previous model, covering its electric powertrain, charging system, driver-assistance technology and interior.
800-Volt Platform Brings Faster Charging
The new #1 is built around an 800-volt silicon carbide high-voltage architecture, making it the first Smart model to offer an 800-volt system as standard across its range.
The vehicle uses a 16-in-1 integrated electric drive system and a single rear-mounted motor producing up to 245 kW, or about 329 horsepower, and 320 Nm of torque.
Smart quotes a 0-to-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.7 seconds.
A 61.52 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery provides a claimed CLTC driving range of 535 km. The vehicle supports 6C ultra-fast charging, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in about 12 minutes.
The charging upgrade addresses a limitation of the previous Smart #1, which used a 400-volt architecture and was less competitive with newer rivals in charging performance.
Smart Adds More Advanced Driving Hardware
Intelligent driving is another major focus of the new model.
The higher-specification Ultra version features a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, Nvidia’s Orin Y computing platform and Geely’s Afari Smart Driving H5 advanced driver-assistance system.
Smart said the system combines 31 sensing components with peak computing performance of 200 TOPS. It supports navigation-assisted driving on urban and highway roads without requiring high-definition maps.
The technology is also available on the Max version as an option. Smart is offering its G-ASD advanced driving package at a limited-time price of 14,000 yuan, representing a 50% discount from the regular option price.
Interior Receives Technology Upgrade
The cabin has also received a technology-focused update, including a 15.4-inch central display with 2.5K resolution.
The infotainment system runs Flyme Auto, a platform deeply customised for Smart OS.
Smart is also offering a package of five limited-time customer incentives with a combined stated value of more than 25,000 yuan.
The promotions include a 3,000 yuan deduction from the final payment, a half-price upgrade for the advanced driving package and half-price pricing for 19-inch wheels and an official home charging unit.
Existing Smart owners trading in their vehicles can receive an additional 10,000 yuan discount.
New #1 Faces Crowded EV Market
The redesigned #1 enters a competitive segment in which automakers are increasingly combining compact dimensions with longer driving ranges, faster charging and advanced driver-assistance technology.
Its direct competitors include the Zeekr X, Mini Aceman and Nio Firefly EV.
Smart also faces competition from lower-priced electric vehicles such as BYD’s Yuan Plus and XPeng’s Mona L03, extending the competitive pressure beyond the premium small-SUV segment.
The move to an 800-volt architecture and the addition of more advanced driving hardware are intended to give the new #1 stronger technical credentials as Smart seeks to compete in China’s rapidly evolving electric vehicle market.
