Reviewing the Smart #1 Brabus

The Smart #1 Brabus review-the next generation of performance EVs?

The old adage that electric cars are boring has well and truly deceased. It’s strikingly obvious that many of the recent innovations to reach the UK are anything other than exciting - blistering 0 - 62 times, instant torque and fascinating styling are all common facets of so many of the latest EVs to be made available to buy or lease.

And, quite interestingly, the running costs of these zero-emission vehicles has also been well received with some of the more efficient options proving to be considerably cheaper to run than a petrol or diesel equivalent.

The argument for combustion v electric has almost swayed to the latter, with only a minority of instances or circumstances proving to be more apt to a combustion option. In particular, the recent confirmation of a 34p/kWh maximum for domestic charging tariffs, means that a “full tank” on EVs will be around £10 - £40, battery size dependent.

The “meaner side” of greener transport has been more popular than even the e-car lease team envisaged. Around 2020, the UK’s top-selling EV, the Tesla Model 3, saw a Performance model capable of 3.5 seconds on 0 - 62! This is the type of credentials we would expect from a Ferrari or Lamborghini - how is it possible to achieve this with an electric car? Quite simply, some of the more substantial battery vehicles can be configured to deliver instant torque.

EVs do not rely on the gear changes which the combustion options have to go through. While this does “flatten out” at higher speeds, the initial acceleration is now the terrain of electric cars. And while this is perhaps not something which should be so prominently advertised, there are a swathe of customers who do want the thrill and enjoyment which they experienced with their petrol and diesel.

EVs are not a compromise or secondary addition, they can genuinely offer a robust driving experience. Public opinion and the automotive media are so crucial to the electric car transition. And the momentum is building with “plug-in” automotive reaching their millionth registration in the UK  .

And in September 2022 nearly 40,000 pure electric cars were registered. This was a 16.5% increase from last year and if we were not experiencing the parts and vehicle delays, this would probably have been much higher. To put this into context there were only 10,000 diesel cars registered and 12,000 PHEVs registered in the same month - EVs now have a 15% market share.

And the growth of electric cars across personal, business and salary sacrifice schemes is not going unnoticed; we are beyond the early stages of due diligence and consideration. The UK populous is very much buying and leasing with considerable enthusiasm. Indeed, employers are now utilising beneficial salary sacrifice schemes to enhance their proposition and improve loyalty, while promoting all electric transportation.

As per the e-car lease salary scheme - this is a cost neutral way in which an employer, of any size, can increase staff retention and satisfaction. While an employer leases the EV in their name, thus absorbing legal responsibility, the gross payments for the car, maintenance, insurance and charge point are deducted from the employee’s salary.

This is a pre-tax deduction, so the employee benefits from the relevant 20/40/45% income tax saving. For a like for like personal contract purchase or contract hire product on an EV, this is a considerable saving. And for the employer there is an ability to reduce National Insurance exposure under the agreement as well as helping to build a more eco-friendly grey fleet.

But not every PCH, BCH or Sal Sac customer will want an ordinary car. Some genuinely do want the VW Golf R, Audi RS3 or BMW M135i equivalents in pure electric format. The good news is that it looks like the Mercedes-owned Smart brand have recognised this, as they move to enhance a “longstanding history” between them and Brabus into electric motoring and fleet.

As per their website, the “new dawn for urban sports car experience” begins with the Brabus Smart #1 which will be a high performance e-mobility solution for UK customers. A small SUV, the Brabus inspiration will influence both the external and driving aspects of the car - new colour schemes, 19“ Dynamo alloys, 1-second-wow, sport suspension and a newly developed steering wheel. And with the interior reminiscent of an A-Class, the Smart group are well and truly entering a genuine sports car to the EV segment.

And how does the Brabus Smart perform?

The usable 64 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 3.9 seconds, 112 mph top speeds and 315kW (or 422 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 145 miles in highway / motorway driving, with city conditions improving this to 210 miles.

Expect a combined warmer weather range of 185 miles in highway / motorway driving, with city conditions improving this to 310 miles. On charging, the 22 kW AC max will allow 3 hour and 30 minutes 0 – 100% charging times with the 150 kW DC maximum allowing 28 minute 10 – 80% times. The Smart #1 is one of the quickest charging cars in the category BUT remember to compare this to your / the business charging infrastructure.

While the Smart could charge at 22 kW AC, you need to ensure that your charge point is capable of delivering this. With a Vehicle Fuel Equivalent of 133 mpg, this is anything other than inefficient. And this car can still tow, with an expected towing weight (braked) of over 1000kg!

While e-car lease are waiting for pricing so we can offer the best leasing deals on the Brabus Smart car, you can reserve your vehicle in the meantime via the Smart website