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Smart Has Already Delivered Its First 100 #1 EVs In Malaysia

This first 100 units of the smart #1 e-crossover has been delivered within the first month of its launch. 

Deliveries of the smart #1 EVs are currently almost as fast locally as this e-crossover (in BRABUS trim at least) could get to 100 km/h from a standstill, as the Sino-German EV manufacturer has recently announced that it has delivered 100 units of this newly-launched crossover within ‘an unprecedented one-month timeframe’ since it was first officially launched.

To further commemorate this remarkable accomplishment too, the EV manufacturer has created a special video to celebrate the vehicle delivery as linked here.

According to smart themselves, this rather amazing feat of having the majority of its customers received their cars within just one month could apparently be attributed to the seamless collaboration of its 10 outlets nationwide. And perhaps as a thinly veiled dig at its rival EV manufacturer Tesla (who has incidentally been facing a raft of delivery problems), smart has also highlighted in particular for this milestone to be made possible by having a team of dedicated sales specialist, an integrated end-to-end digital app, and adequate stocks of its product well in advance of its official launch to best streamline the overall ownership experience for its customers.  

“Since the launch, smart Malaysia has aimed to highlight the significance of the smart #1 in each consumer’s life, and the initiative is highly applauded for maintaining a strong brand presence in an ever-challenging market situation, thanks to our customers,” stated Mr. Zhang Qiang, CEO of smart Malaysia. 

He added: “As we deliver 100 smart #1 EVs in record time, we are thrilled to see our cars resonating with a segment of buyers who prioritise style and individuality. They aren’t merely seeking mobility; they appreciate the fusion of technology, safety, and connectivity that our smart #1 offers. We are delighted that our customers find these qualities in our car.”

This 100 deliveries currently marks the fulfilment of only roughly 10% of total orders to date for this compact e-crossover, with smart having just a fortnight ago announced that over 1,000 bookings have since been placed locally for the #1. And while smart Malaysia has still not officially announced which variant has been piquing the most interest of Malaysians, the prior whispers on the grapevine was for the hot BRABUS and plush Premium trims to account for nearly all of its orders.

There are currently 3 variants of the smart #1 being offered locally, with the base Pro trim level priced directly to compete with the Tesla Model 3 at RM 189,000. The higher-tier Premium variant on the other hand comes in at a slightly higher RM 219,000, while the full-fat dual-motor BRABUS is a sub-4.0 second pocket rocket BRABUS that could be yours for just RM 249,000. 

The lowest-tier Pro variant only features a 49 kWh LFP battery pack that is capable of a WLTP-claimed range of 315 km, while jumping up to the higher-end Premium trim instead nets a larger range on a single charge of 440 km, courtesy of a larger 66 kWh NMC battery pack. Both variants nevertheless feature the same rear-wheel drive layout, with the sole rear mounted motor developing 220 kW and 343 Nm of torque. 

As for the BRABUS spec, its dual motor powertrain churns out a total of 315 kW and 543 Nm of torque. This pocket rocket also has a maximum range of 400 km from its 66 kWh battery pack, which can then be topped up either by way of 22kW AC charging (0 – 80% in 3 hours) or 150kW DC fast charging (0 – 80% in 30 minutes).

In terms of kit now, the Pro trim features a set of low-drag 19-inch alloys and a panoramic sunroof with power blind on its outside, while a 12.8-inch floating central infotainment touchscreen, 9.2-inch digital driver’s cluster, a 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat and dual-zone auto air-conditioning with rear vents being among the highlights in its cabin. The Premium trim then adds to it CyberSparksLED+ matrix headlights and an illuminated front grille, in addition to leather upholstery and ventilated front seats, a 13-speaker 640 W Beats sound system, illuminated door sills and a 10-inch colour head-up display. 

Differentiating the BRABUS trim from the rest of the lineup meanwhile are red exterior accent pieces, which accompany the decorative letter-box vents on its bonnet and rear tailgate spoiler to emphasise its performance pedigree. Stiffer dampers and wide 19-inch dual tone alloy wheels also make an appearance on this sporty variant, as do a similarly crimson-accented cabin. 

Joshua Chin

Automotive journalist. Professional work on dsf.my and automacha.com. Personal writing found at driveeveryday.me. Instagram: @driveeveryday

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