We’ve already seen the cutesy Smart #1 all-electric crossover, but now it appears the automaker is gearing up to reveal a hotter, more angry version – potentially with Brabus badging.
This sporty-looking Smart #1 was teased in a cryptic teaser video uploaded to Smart’s social media in early June that showed off a number of short, cropped glimpses at the car.
Although the car in the video may look similar to the regular Smart #1, it appears to have a number of sporty additions like air ducts on the bonnet, different alloy wheels, as well as red accents on the lower air intake, roof and interior air vents.
We’ve previously seen a spied prototype with the same alloy wheel design as this vehicle in the teaser video, as well as having red-painted brake calipers.
Car News China also recently captured the upcoming hot Smart #1 completely uncamouflaged while parked in a carpark, which suggests the reveal isn’t too far off.
At the time this sporty-looking Smart #1 was believed to be a Brabus version due to the Smart’s ties with the German tuning firm.
Previous spied prototype 
Regular Smart #1
There’s no mention of Brabus throughout the video though, nor is it shown on the hot-looking Smart #1 at any point.
The regular Smart #1 is currently available with one drivetrain featuring an electric motor making 200kW of power and 343Nm of torque, driving the rear wheels. Smart claims the #1 has a top speed of 180km/h.
This is equipped with a 66kWh nickel-cobalt-manganese battery, the Smart #1 has a claimed range of between 420 and 440km according to WLTP testing.
This hotter Smart #1 is rumoured to have a dual-electric-motor setup with a total system output of around 300kW, according to Car News China.
Throughout the 45-second teaser video there are the standard disclaimers down the bottom saying to avoid dangerous driving, but one particular disclaimer says this hotter Smart #1 is currently in EU homologation.
The disclaimer refers to the vehicle as “the car” and it indicates this homologation process is “expected to be completed in July 2022”.
Once the homologation process is finalised it will apparently publish “official values”. It’s expected these values will include power and efficiency ratings.
The Smart #1 is the brand’s first vehicle developed under the joint ownership of Mercedes-Benz and Geely.
While all previous Smart models were built in Europe – most were made at the brand’s factory in Hambach, France – the #1 and subsequent vehicles will be produced in China by Geely.
Deliveries for the regular Smart #1 are expected to start in China from late 2022, with Europe to follow soon after in early 2023.
Smart left Australia in 2015 before the third-generation ForTwo could be launched locally. There are no current plans from Mercedes-Benz Australia to re-introduce the brand.
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MORE: 2023 Smart #1 unveiled
