Smart #1

The 2025 Smart #1 is an all-electric compact SUV priced from AED 99,900 through AW Rostamani Group. Three battery and powertrain configurations span a 49 kWh rear-wheel-drive entry model through to the 66 kWh Brabus AWD performance variant producing 428 hp and 543 Nm. WLTP range stretches from 310 km on the smaller battery to 440 km on the long-range trims, with DC fast charging at up to 150 kW CCS2 reaching 10–80 % in approximately 30 minutes. Urban professionals, couples, and small families seeking a premium-feeling compact EV with a sub-AED 100,000 entry point and strong safety credentials will find the Smart #1 genuinely compelling. Larger families needing generous rear space or long-distance inter-emirate commuters relying on the base battery should consider alternatives. Urban professionals with short-to-medium commutes Villa residents with a home wall box Couples or small families seeking a premium compact EV Performance enthusiasts drawn to the Brabus AWD Large families requiring seven seats or generous boot space Apartment residents without private charging Long-distance inter-emirate commuters on the 49 kWh battery The Smart #1 marks the reinvention of the Smart brand under the Mercedes-Benz and Geely joint venture — a compact all-electric SUV built on the Geely SEA platform. Positioned against the Mini Cooper SE, Volvo EX30, and BYD Atto 3 in the UAE, it targets urban professionals and young families seeking premium design without the footprint or price tag of a mid-size SUV. AW Rostamani Group distributes the model across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Northern Emirates, offering five trim levels from the entry-level Pro Plus to the dual-motor Brabus performance variant. The Smart #1 delivers a genuinely premium compact EV experience at an accessible price point in the UAE. The 66 kWh variants offer competitive range, fast charging, and a refined cabin that punches above the segment norm. The Brabus AWD adds performance credibility absent from most rivals below AED 150,000. A five-star Euro NCAP rating and AW Rostamani's dealer network strengthen the ownership proposition. Larger families and apartment residents without home charging should look elsewhere. Book a test drive at your nearest AW Rostamani showroom to evaluate real-world fit.

Two NMC battery packs are offered. The entry-level Pro Plus carries a 49 kWh unit delivering a WLTP-rated 310 km. Premium and Brabus trims share a 66 kWh pack — the rear-wheel-drive Premium achieves 420–440 km WLTP, while the dual-motor Brabus AWD returns a claimed 400 km due to higher energy consumption.

In UAE summer conditions with full AC load, expect a 15–25 % reduction from WLTP figures. The 49 kWh variant drops to approximately 235–265 km in practice — sufficient for daily urban commutes but tight for Dubai–Abu Dhabi runs. The 66 kWh RWD trims hold closer to 315–375 km, making them more viable for inter-emirate travel. Highway driving at 120–140 km/h further reduces range by an estimated 10–15 %.

The Pro Plus charges at 7.4 kW AC, completing a full charge in approximately seven hours on a standard villa wall box. Premium and Brabus trims support 22 kW AC three-phase charging, reducing a full 66 kWh charge to roughly three hours where a suitable wall box is installed. At DEWA's residential rate of AED 0.23/kWh, a full 66 kWh charge costs approximately AED 15.18. In Abu Dhabi at the expatriate rate of AED 0.27/kWh, the cost rises to approximately AED 17.82.

DC fast charging peaks at 130 kW for the 49 kWh pack and 150 kW for the 66 kWh, both via CCS2. A 10–80 % session completes in approximately 30 minutes across all variants. Compatible UAE networks include DEWA Green Charger, E2GO (including the E11 Saih Shuaib hub), UAEV in the Northern Emirates, and GreenParking. The Smart #1 is not compatible with Tesla Superchargers. 2025 Smart #1 — Battery & Charging

The Smart #1 cabin is a step above segment expectations, with soft-touch surfaces, ambient lighting, and a flat floor that improves rear-seat foot room. Rear legroom is adequate for two adults on shorter journeys; headroom is generous thanks to the elevated roofline. The low step-in height suits daily urban use. Storage includes door bins, a central console tray, and under-armrest compartments.

The driving position sits higher than a hatchback but lower than a traditional SUV, striking a comfortable middle ground. Electric seat adjustment with memory is standard on Premium and above. The steering column adjusts for rake and reach. The 12.8-inch central touchscreen and 9.2-inch digital cluster are well-positioned and readable in direct UAE sunlight.

Single-zone climate control is fitted on Pro Plus; dual-zone is standard from Premium upward. Cabin cool-down from a midday sun-soak takes approximately five to seven minutes — acceptable but not segment-leading. Remote pre-conditioning via the Smart app allows owners to cool the cabin before departure. No ventilated seats are offered on any variant — a notable omission for the UAE market. The optional panoramic glass roof benefits from a tint film in this climate.

Boot space stands at 421 litres with all seats upright, expanding to 986 litres with the rear bench folded flat. A 15-litre frunk provides space for a charging cable or small items. The 421-litre figure is competitive against the BYD Atto 3 (440 litres) and ahead of the Mini Cooper SE (200 litres), though behind the Volvo EX30 (318 litres under-floor storage excluded).

A 12.8-inch central touchscreen runs a custom interface built on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, delivering responsive navigation and media functions. Arabic language support is available on UAE-specification models distributed through AW Rostamani. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Over-the-air updates are supported, allowing feature and firmware improvements post-purchase.

The Smart #1 holds a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Standard ADAS across all trims includes AEB with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. Seven airbags are fitted as standard. The Geely SEA platform incorporates a reinforced battery cage and thermal runaway protection.

The Smart #1 drives with a polish that belies its compact footprint. The low centre of gravity from the floor-mounted battery provides a planted feel on UAE motorways. Forward visibility is strong; the sloped rear window limits direct rearward sightlines, making the standard reversing camera and 360-degree view essential in tight parking.

The rear-wheel-drive variants reach 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds — brisk for the segment and more than sufficient for highway merges on Sheikh Zayed Road. The Brabus AWD dispatches the same sprint in 3.9 seconds, delivering genuine performance-car urgency. Wind noise at 120 km/h is well-contained for a vehicle of this size. All variants are electronically limited to 180 km/h.

Regenerative braking is adjustable through three intensity levels. One-pedal driving is available and brings the vehicle to a near-complete stop in its strongest setting — well-suited to stop-start Dubai traffic. Brake pedal feel is progressive and predictable under hard braking.

Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go is standard across all trims. Lane centring performs reliably on well-marked UAE motorways. The system does not offer Level 3 autonomous capability. Highway assist combines adaptive cruise and lane centring into a single function, reducing fatigue on longer E11 and E311 journeys.

The short wheelbase and compact dimensions make the Smart #1 agile in urban traffic and multi-storey car parks. It fits comfortably within standard UAE parking bays and clears most mall car park height barriers. High-speed stability on motorway sweepers is assured by the low battery placement and wide track.

The Geely SEA platform delivers a well-damped ride across the smooth tarmac typical of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Over expansion joints and patched surfaces, the suspension absorbs impacts without harshness. The Brabus variant firms up damping slightly but retains daily-driver comfort. Rear passengers report a composed ride with minimal body roll through direction changes.

AW Rostamani Group covers the Smart #1 with a comprehensive vehicle warranty and an eight-year or 160,000 km battery warranty. The first three years or 45,000 km of servicing are included. Roadside assistance extends for eight years or 160,000 km. AW Rostamani's established UAE service infrastructure — built through decades of Nissan, Infiniti, and Renault operations — provides reassurance on parts availability and high-voltage technician access across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

Grey import Smart #1 units typically lack UAE-specification software calibration, Arabic navigation, and region-specific thermal management routines. Insurance loading is 15–25 % higher; some UAE insurers decline grey import BEVs entirely. Government incentives — free Salik tag, green parking, reduced registration fees — apply only to official agency vehicles. The high-voltage battery system requires manufacturer-certified tooling inaccessible to grey import owners through AW Rostamani's network.

At AED 99,900, the entry-level Pro Plus undercuts the Volvo EX30 and matches the BYD Atto 3 on price while delivering a more premium interior feel. For a buyer covering 20,000 km per year on the 66 kWh variant, annual electricity cost at DEWA's AED 0.23/kWh rate is estimated at approximately AED 700–800 — versus AED 7,000–9,000 for a comparable petrol crossover. Combined running cost savings are estimated at AED 5,500–7,500 per year. Insurance estimates through official UAE channels range from AED 5,000 to AED 8,000 annually depending on the variant and driver profile. BEV servicing is minimal — no oil changes, no transmission fluid — with annual service costs estimated at AED 1,000–1,500. Government incentives include a free Salik tag (toll charges of AED 4–6 per gate still apply), green parking bay access with a four-hour session limit, and reduced RTA registration fees. Depreciation risk is moderate-to-elevated. The Smart brand is newly re-established in the UAE, and residual values lack the track record of Toyota or Hyundai EVs. However, AW Rostamani's long-standing dealer presence and the Mercedes-Benz brand association provide some residual support. NMC battery chemistry is well-proven but slightly more sensitive to sustained heat than LFP alternatives — consistent home charging in the 20–80 % range is advisable. Three-year resale is estimated at 50–60 % of purchase price. 2025 Smart #1 — Standard Equipment