While Mercedes chief designer Gorden Wagener speaks of wanting to make Smart a 'leading design brand', the brand is not even mentioned within the Mercedes-Benz Group, let alone offered a link, a attribute that Smart has retained.

Otherwise, apart from the logo and slight reminders of the shapes on the C-pillar, there is no connection to the old Smart. It is said to have been co-designed by Mercedes, but the main work will probably have been done in China by joint venture partner Geely, where the car is also produced.

The data are probably more aligned with the VW ID.3, except perhaps for the greater height, which is similar to that of the Mini Countryman with almost 7 cm more than at the VW with otherwise almost identical external dimensions. However, the battery capacity is between the medium and large in the ID.3, and the engine power is significantly higher.

What horsepower is for the ID.3, kilowatts are for the Smart #1. However, the difference in torque is slightly smaller. The Smart #1 only starts with rear-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive is also to be expected here. Even the front luggage compartment, which hardly deserves the name at 15 liters, bears witness to this. Is a hood with gas pressure dampers worth it at all?

The rear seat bench, which can be moved by 13 cm, is practical. The center console, which runs from the middle of the dashboard to just behind the front seats, also catches the eye. The car is trying to achieve a higher standard, although that's a bit difficult to see in individual details. Overall, the car takes a massive but meaningful leap away from the old Smarts.