Last updated on April 8th, 2020 at 07:58 pm
Smart was founded in 1994 and is owned by Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz). In 2019, Geely, a privately-held Chinese automaker, purchase a 50% stake in the company with the aim of producing next-gen electric cars. This newly-formed partnership gives the brand a new lease of life – the Chinese market is the largest in the world and is a logical step forward for Western manufacturers.
The Smart rebrand was announced in March 2018, where the company saw itself aligning to the Mercedes EQ brand – now Smart EQ, where the latter two letters signify electrification. As such, the brand is launching three all-electric models with deliveries due from March 2020: the fortwo coupé priced from £16,850; the forfour, which starts from £17,285; the fortwo cabriolet available from £20,420.
If you're baffled about the naming: the fortwo coupé is your ‘standard-sized' Smart car, the cabriolet is a drop-top (convertible), and the forfour is a larger-sized Smart car which features rear seats and is a five-door hatchback.
All three models feature a rear-mounted 82 hp motor. The car is electronically limited to 81 mph, and has a driving range of around 70 miles. This is thanks to its 96-cell lithium-ion battery, which comes equipped with a 22 kW onboard charger. This means the car can go from 10-80% in under 40 minutes using a rapid charger; it'll take around 6 hours to charge via a home wall box.
Read next: Volkswagen e-Golf (2019) review: Your favourite family hatchback goes electric
From the exterior, the new Smart EQ range have a new front bumper and grille that come painted in the car's body colour. The lights have been redesigned, too – these are in the form of halogen headlights and taillights.
There are four model lines available; passion advanced, pulse premium, prime exclusive and the edition 1.
Standard specification on all models includes a multifunction leather steering wheel, rear parking sensors, a smart media system (navigation, 7″ touchscreen, charging station finder, Bluetooth, automatic climate control, DAB, Android Auto and Mirrorlink), acoustic presence indicator and comfort package.
The passion advanced line is available on both the fortwo coupé and forfour. The package includes 15″ four-spoke alloy wheels and upholstery in black fabric with double-stitching in white.
Pulse premium adds larger rims, where the Smart EQ sees 16″ five-twin-spoke wheels, brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs, a storage net on the centre console and a rearview camera.
The coupé and forfour models come with a panoramic roof and sunblind, while the cabriolet comes with a draft stop.
Read next: The best upcoming electric cars, SUVs and pickup trucks
Moving up to the prime exclusive model, there is: 16″ eight-Y-spoke allow wheels; full-LED headlights; ambient lighting; an auto-dimming interior mirror; heated seats; and sees the dashboard and door centre panels finished in black fabric.
As for the Smart EQ edition 1, this comes with a selected colour package in asphalt grey (as pictured in this article); a black radiator trim; black high-gloss decals; a Brabus spoiler and side sills; and 16″ Brabus alloy wheels. The fortwo edition 1 coupé is on sale for £23,790, and the cabriolet is £26,210 (after PiCG).
If you're interested, head over the Smart's website to register your interest.