TESTED 8.8.23, SURREY ON SALE SEPTEMBER
The Smart 'Hashtag One' Brabus felt badly under-tyred when we first drove it (28 September 2022). It rode on eco rubber yet had traditional Brabus levels of performance - an inappropriate if hilarious 422bhp for a 0-62mph time of 3.9sec. We also thought its suspension was insufficiently focused given the poke.
Well, Smart has since put the #1 on Dunlop SportMaxx rubber. And while I can't vouch for any subsequent suspension changes (I didn't drive it last year), if they did go looking for composure, I'm not sure they've found it. The #1 Brabus is still a bad and dangerous cute crossover; a Jelly Baby with a chainsaw.
To recap, the #1 is the first EV from the Mercedes-Benz and Geely joint venture that is the new Smart regime. It's made in China and rides on a platform that will underpin the Volvo EX30 and many other EVs.
It starts at £35,950 in front-wheel-drive, 268bhp form. That's called the Pro+, just like the caffeine pill, although widening your eyes and giving you sleepless nights is more the £43,450 #1 Brabus's speciality.
This story is from the August 16, 2023 edition of Autocar UK.
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This story is from the August 16, 2023 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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