A Shockingly Swift Smart: The Smart #1 Brabus Review
Remember the days when the mere thought of a 'smart' car meant imagining something the size of a cereal box that putted about like a wounded duck? Ah, those good ol' days. But fast forward to 2023, and here we are. The Smart #1 Brabus: a sprightly little devil on wheels, bristling with electricity and quite literally shocking in its performance.
Let's break it down a bit. I've ridden all types of vehicles. From the majestic sailboats that glide with elegance, to roaring Harley-Davidsons that wouldn’t let me hear for days after. I've even made peace with the gentle hum of electric cars and bikes, despite being partial to the grumble of gasoline. But this? The Smart #1 Brabus isn't just another addition to the electric parade. It’s a mischievous jester that sprints about with 422 horsepower!
Its dimensions may be in the league of a large supermini, but it's been hit by the German wand of Brabus and now boasts a 0-62mph timing of 3.9 seconds. It’s quicker than the Kias and Hyundais of this world and might even give a BMW iX1 a run for its money. Quite the overachiever, isn’t it? Mind you, this speed is limited to 112mph, but then again, how fast does one truly need to go in what’s practically an electrified pocket rocket?
Let’s talk aesthetics. On the outside, it looks like a cutesy toy, with 19-inch alloy wheels, a distinctive paint job, red highlights, and a spoiler that's just... there. For what? Maybe for those imagined wind tunnels it’ll encounter while doing grocery runs. Inside, plush plastic and branding abound. The Brabus insignia is everywhere, making sure you don't forget the madness you're seated in. Although, I did frown a tad at the infotainment system. If there's a place the Smart #1 needs some smarts, it's there.
The price? Well, take a deep breath. It's estimated at north of £43,000 in the good old Blighty (well over $53,500). But hey, for the speed demon in supermini clothing, it might just be worth the splurge.
The dual motors, one sitting gallantly at the front and the other at the back, together churn out that outrageous 422bhp. Charging is efficient, reaching 80% in less than 30 minutes via a 150kW DC charger. But there's a catch - your range is about 248 miles. A touch disappointing? Maybe, but I reckon it's the price you pay for all that bristling energy.
Driving this electric maverick is a circus on its own. With so much power, it's like having an overenthusiastic puppy constantly wanting to sprint. But, like a puppy, it can get a bit... messy. Turn corners and you might find yourself in a tango with understeer and oversteer. It's like the car has had a bit too much caffeine and isn't quite sure where to channel all that energy. Yet, amidst the chaos, there's a thrill. After all, who doesn’t like a slightly unruly pet?
But let's step back a bit. Smart and Brabus have been partners in crime for two decades. From the bite-sized ForTwo to the Roadster, they've played this game before. And while this new Smart #1 Brabus might not be the epitome of dynamic finesse, it's an electric joyride that'll make you grin like a child in a candy store.
In a nutshell, it's a paradox. It’s small yet monstrously fast. It’s cute but not entirely refined. But is it fun? Oh, a bucket load!
Would I recommend it? If you’ve got a penchant for surprises and can appreciate the eccentricity, absolutely. But a word of caution: Hold onto your hats, folks. This Smart ain’t playing it dumb.
