All-new smart #1 launches with 800V platform, 6C fast charging

What's new

On Aug. 6, the all-new smart #1 went on sale in China in two trims—535 Max and 535 Ultra—with a limited-time benefit price starting at 149,900 RMB (approx. $20,819). A limited-time 3,000 RMB cash tail-end discount is available through Oct. 7, 2026, with five purchase benefits totaling over 25,000 RMB in value.

Charging and battery

The most prominent upgrade is the standard 800V SiC high-voltage platform across the range. The vehicle is equipped with a 6C ultra-fast-charging system that takes battery charge from 10% to 80% in just 12 minutes, while a 10-minute top-up delivers over 300 km of range.

The 16-in-1 high-efficiency electric drive and the Shen'gun "Gold Brick" battery meet Chinese national battery safety standards and carry a self-described "military-grade" safety qualification. Official figures cite a 535 km CLTC range for both trims.

ADAS and cockpit

Intelligent driving is powered by the full-spec Qianli Haohan H5 ADAS system using an NVIDIA Orin Y chip and a G-ASD 4.0 solution built around a 100-billion-parameter world behavior model. A lidar and 31 sensing hardware units enable city and highway navigation-assist driving, with coverage extending to complex scenarios such as roundabouts, unprotected left turns and narrow alleys. Pilot-to-pilot features and remote/fingertip parking are scheduled for future OTA updates.

The cockpit runs smart OS paired with a deeply customized Flyme Auto, delivered on a 15.4-inch 2.5K display driven by a 4 nm "Longying 6P" chip. Smart's AI voice assistant supports multi-stop routing and the cabin HVAC automatically adjusts based on inside and outside temperature and air quality.

Design and chassis

The new #1 retains the Mercedes-Benz design DNA, with a four-wheel-corner proportions, a return of the platinum edition's corona-gold roof and a signature illuminated D-pillar logo. Interior appointments include 12-layer comfort front seats with 24 massage programs, heated/ventilated functions, over 5 sq m of soft-touch surfaces and a Harman Kardon audio system with 256-color ambient lighting.

Wheelbase is 2,750 mm with a claimed 84% interior space utilization rate. Ride height is 154 mm. Chassis tuning is jointly performed by smart and Mercedes-Benz, and the vehicle adds 19 active safety features including AEB, rear cross-traffic braking, tire blowout stability control and driver incapacitation assist.

Market context

The first-generation smart #1 launched four years ago and has been sold in 41 markets with more than 100,000 units delivered. The second generation aims to raise the value bar in an increasingly crowded subcompact EV segment.