Smart EV Coming soon in Nepal : Fusion of German Engineering and Chinese Craftsmanship

The concept originated in the late 1990s as a partnership between Swatch and Mercedes-Benz, which later evolved into the "Smart" brand identity. This manufacturer of compact and city-friendly vehicles keeps impressing the globe with its innovative engineering in the field of urban mobility. With the automotive industry gradually shifting toward more sustainable transportation solutions, Smart transitioned from a tiny combustion-engine car manufacturer to a 100% EV-only brand. It has been directed even further as a result of a strategic partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Chinese automaker Geely, which combines German engineering accuracy and Chinese manufacture. Today, Smart is leading the urban mobility revolution with a new generation of electric vehicles that are as much fun to drive as they are eco-friendly and up-to-date with the latest connectivity and autonomous driving technology.

Smart is preparing to introduce its vehicles in Nepal. The official distributor of Smart in Nepal is CG Motors, and they will launch two distinct models. The two distinct models are the #1 and the #3, both of which were created by Mercedes and were produced in China. Taking things into account, certain design elements, such as the back of both models, remind one of Mercedes automobiles. Both cars are made on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform made by Geely. It is regarded as the first open-source platform in the world that can accommodate a large variety of vehicle kinds.

Smart #1

The Smart #1 symbolizes important evolution for the Smart brand, now under the joint ownership of Mercedes-Benz and Geely. It combines the best of German engineering with cutting-edge technology and the might of Chinese manufacturing.

Clean lines and an aerodynamic profile to the exterior have been carefully integrated into the aerodynamics, with LED headlamps joined by a slim DRL strip all the way across the vehicle. Aside from the side mirrors, there are no extensions that could produce drag, allowing for greater aero performance. These stylish 19-inch alloy wheels contribute to its modern, urban charm. The rear of Smart #1 appears slimmer at the front, with a full-width light bar that combines the taillights for consistency and a bright, futuristic appearance.

Inside, it provides a luxurious experience with high-quality fabrics and outstanding stitching. A 12.8-inch central display screen serves as the highlight of the cabin, managing the majority of the car's operations while reducing the presence of physical buttons for an uncluttered, clean finish. In addition, the Premium model includes a 10-inch head-up display, with the 9.2-inch digital cockpit visible behind the three-spoke steering wheel. Inside, panoramic sunroofs provide natural light, while a 13-speaker sound system in the Premium variant handles audio; the Pro and Pro+ variants have a 6-speaker system.

The Smart #1 features a single 200 kW PMSM motor on all three trim levels: Pro, Pro+, and Premium. That makes for a very beefy engine to have, with its peak output at 272 PS, and a torque of 343 Nm. Its rear wheels are electrically driven, to give it a maximum speed of 180 km/h, with an acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. While the base variant comes with a 49 KWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery offering a 325-km range, the Pro+ Premium gives a more substantial 66 KWh LFP that allows an extra range of 435 km. Further, its charging times are more or less effective since the 7.2 kW AC charger takes about 7 hours for a full charge, and the Pro+, Premium agrees to take up to 10 hours to accept what is needed for a full charge. In addition to these, it accepts a charge that allows recharging in 30 minutes using a 150kW DC fast charger, attaining an ideal 10% to 80% charge.

First, Smart #1 is a car designed with maximum safety: rated at 5 stars by Euro NCAP, having 7 airbags and all other safety features, including electronic stability control, a 360-degree camera, and front and rear sensors. There are also advanced driver-assistive systems like Active Lane Keeping, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Change Assist, and Traffic Sign Information. This variant has slim strip DRLs along with headlamps done in LED, a Panoramic Glass Roof, Wireless Phone Charging, Dual-Zone Fully Automatic Temperature Control, and Android Auto and CarPlay.

Smart #3

The Smart #3 will be Mercedes-Benz's halo product, truly embodying the fusion between German engineering excellence and modern design. This sleek, coupe-inspired SUV is due to be introduced in the Nepalese market by 2024 and has already won some of the highest accolades in design, including the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Award.

The front profile of the Smart #3 has a balanced look, with LED headlamps united by an LED DRL strip, giving that clean and aerodynamic outline. This is further enhanced by the twin-tone roof accompanied by a longer wheelbase, which gives the car a sporty look. Its 19-inch alloys have been purposefully developed for aerodynamics and to benefit the modern look. The rear end features a full-width light bar that incorporates the taillights and a large rear window that tapers down and accentuates the car's coupe-like lines.

The interior looks sumptuous, befitting a high-tech cockpit that comes with a 12.8-inch central touch screen screen, high-backed bucket seats, and a 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The new three-spoke steering wheel features physical buttons to make things easier to use, while a 10-inch Head-Up Display allows vital driving information to be right in the center of the driver's field of vision. The panoramic roof lets in light into the cabin—natural light that washes over—while the Beats Sound System, which packs 13 speakers, plays great music. Pro and Pro+ models get a 6-speaker system. Performance-wise, it equips a 200 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), which across all variants—the Pro, Pro+, and Premium—strikingly churns out 272 PS of power and 343 Nm of torque.

On the performance front, the Smart #3 features a 200 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) that is the same across all variants—the Pro, Pro+, and Premium-producing 272 PS of power and 343 Nm of torque. While the Pro model has a 49 kWh LFP battery that gives 325 km of coverage on a single charge, the Pro+ and Premium trim levels have a 66 kWh LFP battery, extending the covered distance to 435 km according to WLTP. The Pro model charges at full capacity in roughly 7 hours using a 7.2 kW AC charger, while the Pro+ and Premium editions take approximately 10 hours. All of them can charge from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes with a 150 kW DC fast charger, thus making Smart #3 ideal for city and extra-urban driving. On top of all this, the performance numbers offered up will let the vehicle hit a top speed of 180 km/h and sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds.

The primary area of concern, however, would be safety. Smart #3 receives a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating and is outfitted with a slew of innovative safety systems, including 7 airbags and a 360-degree video system, to mention a few, as well as parking sensors, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and Driver Monitoring System, among many more. The Smart #3 is intended for comfort and stability, with dimensions of 4400 mm in length, 1844 mm in width, and 1566 mm in height; a wheelbase of 2785 mm; and a ground clearance of 160 mm. Practical storage solutions are given, with a 370-liter cargo capacity that can be extended to 1160 liters for further versatility in driving demands.

Price and Availability

For the pricing and other variants details, we'll have to wait until it's officially launched. At NADA 2024, neither Smart #1 nor the Smart #3 will be highlighted. Company officials say, the Smart vehicles will be launched after the NADA Auto Show; however, they have promised us that both #1 and #3 will enter the market soon. We'll update as we get more details on this.