There’s a new small SUV on the road, and it’s turning heads for all the right reasons. The smart #1 Premium isn’t just smart by name, it’s a blend of contemporary design, clever tech, and real-world practicality that makes it one of the most well-rounded EVs on offer in 2025.
Reborn from its quirky microcar roots, smart is now a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, and it shows. The #1 Premium, tested on Australian roads, feels like a thoughtfully modern EV: fun, functional, and fully electric.
smart #1 Premium Design: Sleek, Functional, and Refined
This isn’t the tiny two-door smart you might remember. The smart #1 Premium brings coupe-like curves, frameless doors, a panoramic glass sunroof, and a clean-lined cabin that blends simplicity with a bit of flair. Power-retracting door handles greet you as you approach, and 19-inch alloys, LED headlights, and a floating centre console complete the look.
Inside, you get a full-sized five-seater with a light and airy cabin that balances tech-forward design with comfort , including plush leather seats, ambient lighting, and a 13-speaker Beats audio system that doesn’t miss a note.
Model Line-Up: Versatility Across the Range
The smart #1 is a refined all-rounder in the compact EV space, combining everyday versatility with a strong sense of character. Across the range, you’ll find an impressive WLTP driving range, rapid charging from 10–80% in around 30 minutes, and thoughtful tech that makes daily driving a pleasure.
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- Up to 420 km WLTP range
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
- Cybersparks LED headlights
- 360° camera syste
- Up to 420 km WLTP range
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- Up to 440 km WLTP range
- RWD with efficiency-boosting heat pump
- Ambient Lighting+
- Cybersparks+ Matrix LED headlights
- 13-speaker Beats® sound system
- Up to 440 km WLTP range
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- 400 km WLTP range
- All-wheel drive (AWD)
- 0–100 km/h in 3.9 seconds
- Exclusive BRABUS styling
- Beats® sound system
- 400 km WLTP range
Whether you choose the value-packed Pro+, the feature-rich Premium, or the performance-driven BRABUS, the smart #1 brings personality, comfort, and capability to both weekday commutes and weekend getaways.
smart #1 Premium Technology That’s Smart, Not Just Flashy
A 12.8-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, backed by a responsive Snapdragon chip and a modern UI that’s more video game than traditional car. The system controls nearly everything from navigation and audio to cabin air quality via an intelligent PM2.5 sensor.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are built in, and there’s also a slim, high-resolution digital driver display and a bright head-up display for added clarity on the move. While some may wish for more physical buttons, once familiar with the layout, it’s intuitive and fast.
Overseas model/models shown
Practical EV Range With Premium Touches
The smart #1 Premium offers a WLTP range of around 420 km from its 66 kWh battery, more than enough for workweeks, weekends, and the occasional road trip. DC fast charging at up to 150 kW means you can hit 80% in around 30 minutes, and AC home charging is quicker too thanks to its upgraded onboard charger.
With an efficiency-focused heat pump added in, the #1 manages to squeeze more distance per charge, ideal for drivers who want range reassurance without going full luxury brand.
Overseas model/models shown
5-Star Safety with a Side of Smarts
Safety is no afterthought here. The smart #1 Premium earned a full five-star Euro NCAP rating, backed by seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, fatigue monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. You’ll also get cross-traffic alerts and blind-spot monitoring.
So, Why Lease It?
The smart #1 range offers flexibility depending on what you’re looking for. The entry-level Pro+ starts from around $161.87* per week on a Fingo novated lease, giving buyers an affordable way into the smart line-up with solid range and tech.
The Premium model, which we tested, strikes a balance between advanced features, everyday practicality, and refined design. And for those chasing ultimate performance, the BRABUS variant delivers a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 3.9 seconds, putting it in rare company for compact EVs.
No matter which model you choose, novated leasing with Fingo makes driving a smart #1 far more accessible. By rolling the car, rego, insurance, servicing, and even charging into one pre-tax payment, you could reduce your taxable income and enjoy a smoother ownership experience.
Conclusion: The Right Kind of Smart
The smart #1 Premium, our review model, proves that small EVs can be stylish, tech-rich, and genuinely practical. It is refined without being boring, advanced without being overwhelming, and fun without sacrificing everyday comfort.
But the appeal does not stop at the Premium. The Pro+ offers a value-driven entry point, while the BRABUS caters to those who want extra punch. Together, they make the smart #1 line-up versatile enough for different lifestyles and budgets.
And when paired with a novated lease through Fingo, any smart #1 model becomes more than just a clever car. It becomes a financially savvy step into the EV future.
*Disclaimer
These comparison figures are estimates ONLY, not a quote, designed to compare the total life costs of purchasing a vehicle using cash funds, a car loan, and a novated lease, illustrating the most cost-effective method over the term. The analysis is grounded in a scenario involving a novated lease arrangement for an individual living in VIC postcode 3000. It’s critical to note that stamp duty for this study is calculated following Victoria’s green passenger car stamp duty rate of $8.40 per $200 or part thereof. The scenario assumes a 60-month term with a 28.13% residual value and an estimated annual travel of 15,000 km.
The comparison is tailored for someone with an annual gross income of $100,000, applying a hypothetical 8.29% interest rate (rates may differ based on your credit rating) to both car loan and novated lease options. Included in the running costs are management fees, registration, servicing and maintenance, fuel/charging costs, and tyres.
For the purpose of this comparison, the calculations utilise both the statutory formula method and the employee contribution method. It’s imperative to understand that individual circumstances can significantly vary, and this specific example might not be universally applicable. Therefore, consulting with a financial professional and novated lease specialist is strongly recommended to ascertain how a novated lease or other purchase options might suit your personal financial landscape. This comparison is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be taken as financial advice or the sole basis for making financial decisions.
Please ensure that you seek professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any financial decisions.