smart #1 Pro+ Review

Editor : Mark K | Cars&TechSG

Smart's reinvention as a premium EV brand takes full shape in the Smart #1 Pro+, and after spending time with it on the roads, I can confidently say this car is a pleasant surprise. It's no longer the tiny, two-seater city runabout most people remember — it's a grown-up, stylish electric crossover that blends upscale design, tech sophistication, and lively performance in one neat package.

It's not flawless — there are a few quirks — but overall, this is one of the most enjoyable compact EVs I've tested in a while.

Design: Small Footprint, Strong Impression

The first thing that struck me about the Smart #1 Pro+ is how substantial it looks in person. Even though it measures just over 4.2 metres long, the proportions are well-judged, and the design carries real funky presence. The front and rear light bars stretch across the body, giving it a futuristic edge, while the clean surfacing and gently rounded profile give off a premium, almost concept-car vibe.

The floating roof design and hidden door handles help streamline the silhouette, while subtle chrome details add a touch of elegance. It's youthful without being gimmicky — a design that feels genuinely contemporary and well thought out. 

Stepping into the Smart #1 Pro+, the cabin immediately communicates cutting-edge design and technological sophistication far beyond what its compact crossover silhouette might suggest. The interior is spacious, luminous, and meticulously modern, with a layout that feels both intuitive and futuristic. Front and center is the floating 12.8-inch infotainment screen, which functions like a high-performance tablet, seamlessly managing everything from climate control to drive modes. Its crisp, responsive interface is highly customisable, while AI-powered voice control makes interacting with the car feel effortless and remarkably natural — the kind of human-centric tech that elevates everyday driving into a connected, intelligent experience.

Build quality feels solid throughout — with soft-touch plastics, well-fitted trim pieces, and tasteful metallic accents. The ambient lighting creates a warm, premium atmosphere, and the panoramic glass roof makes the interior feel larger than it is.

Technology is central to the Smart #1's appeal. The infotainment interface is sleek and loaded with features, from adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist to a 360° camera for easy parking. The digital driver's display is clear and well-organized, and the onboard assistant adds a bit of character — though I found it more of a novelty than a necessity.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, which is always welcome, but some of the system's deeper settings are buried within menus. Adjusting mirrors or fine-tuning drive modes often takes a few too many taps. It's not a dealbreaker, but simplicity could go a long way here.

The rear cabin of the Smart #1 Pro+ really surprised me with how spacious it feels. Even with two adults in the back, there's still decent amount of legroom and headroom, and the tall roofline keeps things airy for taller passengers. The sliding rear bench adds a nice layer of flexibility, letting you adjust for either extra legroom or cargo space, while rear air vents and USB ports make it comfortable even on longer drives around Singapore. The seats themselves are firm yet supportive, with well-shaped cushions and headrests that sit at a comfortable height, providing solid support without feeling stiff. For a compact EV, the back seats manage to strike a perfect balance between practicality, comfort, and thoughtful design, making every ride relaxing and enjoyable.

However, practicality does take a small hit in the boot, which measures roughly 320 litres — fine for city life and short trips, but you'll run out of room quickly on a long weekend getaway.   

On Road Performance: 

This is where the Smart #1 Pro+ really earns its name. Powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor, it produces around 270 horsepower and 343 Nm of torque, sending power to the rear wheels. On paper, it does 0–100 km/h in about 6.7 seconds, but in practice, i feel it is even quicker thanks to that instant EV torque.

Switch into Sport mode, and the response is immediate — press the pedal, and the car surges forward with surprising urgency. Around corners, the Smart #1 Pro+ feels tight and composed, its low centre of gravity helping it grip confidently through bends. The steering is light and accurate, perfect for city driving, though I did wish for a bit more road feedback when pushing harder.

Ride comfort is another pleasant surprise. The suspension does a good job of smoothing out rough surfaces while keeping the car stable. It's equally at home darting through narrow city streets as it is cruising along the expressway.

The regenerative braking takes a little getting used to — it's fairly strong in its default setting — but once you adapt, it adds to the smooth, one-pedal driving experience.

"Charging the Smart #1 Pro's 66kWh battery is one of its strong suits. On the road, the car's DC fast-charging capability is very competitive: it can jump from roughly 10 % to 80 % in just under half an hour when connected to a ~150 kW station. That means long-distance drives are genuinely feasible — provided you plan your stops, choose high-power chargers and factor in battery temperature. 

The Bottom Line:

After living with the Smart #1 Pro+ for a few days, it's clear this isn't just a nostalgic reboot — it's a genuine contender in the modern EV market. It combines style, quality, and driving enjoyment in a compact, city-friendly form that makes perfect sense for urban drivers in Singapore.

Yes, the boot is small, and the infotainment takes a moment to master, but the premium cabin feel, strong performance, and nimble handling make up for those minor flaws.

For anyone looking for a car that feels futuristic without being fussy, the Smart #1 Pro+ hits the sweet spot.

Cars&TechSG Verdict:
⭐ 8.5 / 10 — Compact, classy, and full of character.

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