Pros and cons
Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1 pros and cons — the honest buyer's verdict (2023)
3 min read·Last updated: 2023-01-01·By ev.care editorial team
TL;DR
4 pros, 3 cons. The Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1 is best for european urban premium buyers wanting compact electric suv with mercedes design — within that envelope it is one of the strongest picks in its segment.
If you are deciding between the Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1 and one of its rivals, this is the page that should change your mind one way or the other. We list 4 pros and 3 cons, in plain language, tied to actual usage rather than spec-sheet feelings. Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV)'s 440 km range claim sits in the middle — what surrounds it is the real story.
Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1 — the pros
On the plus side, the Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1 delivers on these in a way the spec sheet under-sells. Strength 1 — Volvo EX30 platform engineering. On the Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1 specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. Strength 2 — Mercedes design execution. On the Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1 specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. Strength 3 — Brabus 422 hp variant is a hot hatch. On the Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1 specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. Strength 4 — 150 kW charging is decent. On the Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1 specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. Anchoring all of this: a 66 kWh battery, 440 km range, and a EUR 37,490 - 48,990 (Europe) / CNY 189,000+ (China) starting price that defines the Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1's value envelope.
Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1 — the cons
These trade-offs aren't dealbreakers for most buyers, but they're real. Weakness 1 — Not sold globally. On the Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1 specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. Weakness 2 — EUR 37k pricing premium for size. On the Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1 specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. Weakness 3 — Smart dealer network limited. On the Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1 specifically, this matters more than the brochure suggests, and it shows up clearly in daily use. For a premium compact electric suv weighing 1820 kg with 180 km/h top speed, these trade-offs are within segment norms but worth pricing in.
Who the Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1 is for
Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) pitches the Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1 at "European urban premium buyers wanting compact electric SUV with Mercedes design", and that framing holds up. If your driving fits that shape, the pros above land hardest and the cons fade fastest. 440 km of range is enough for most weekly profiles, and 10-80% in 30 min (150kW DC) of fast charging keep occasional long trips practical.
Practical next steps
Book a virtual inspection on the specific Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1 unit you're considering. The general pros and cons stop mattering when one specific car has condition issues that override both.
Related Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) EVs
If the cons above are dealbreakers, look at volvo ex30, mini cooper electric, byd atto 3 — each makes a different set of trade-offs. The Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1 wins more often than not in its tier, but cross-shopping protects you from buying the wrong shape.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1 worth buying overall?
- For european urban premium buyers wanting compact electric suv with mercedes design, yes. The Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1's pros pay back week after week for that use case. For substantially different needs, you'll find better fits in other models.
- Does Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) address the cons in newer models?
- Some, not all. Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) has improved the Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1 platform with each refresh — software updates close a few cons, hardware refresh cycles close more. But fundamental layout decisions (boot space, seating, charge port placement) are baked in for the life of the model.
- Can the cons be fixed with aftermarket changes?
- A few — wheels, tyres, interior comforts, dashcam, charging cables. Most cons in the list above are structural and not modifiable after purchase, so buy with eyes open.
- What's the biggest reason to choose the Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1?
- Pick the pro in the list above that most matches your weekly use. If it's range, value, charging speed, or feature set — whichever sits at the top for you — that's the buy signal.
The Smart (Geely-Mercedes JV) #1 is best for european urban premium buyers wanting compact electric suv with mercedes design. Within that envelope, it is hard to beat for the money; outside it, you would be better served by a different shape of EV.