In This Review
The Smart #1 has quietly become one of the most interesting compact EVs you can buy in Malaysia. If you are reading this Smart #1 review for Malaysia in 2026, you are probably wondering whether this Mercedes-designed, Geely-built electric crossover is worth your money — especially with strong competitors like the BYD Atto 3 and Chery Omoda E5 fighting for the same buyers.
After spending time with the Smart #1, here is our verdict: it is a genuinely premium compact EV that punches well above its price tag — but it is not perfect. Let us break down everything you need to know.
Quick Verdict
The Smart #1 is for you if: You want a premium-feeling compact EV with sharp design, strong range, and a tech-forward interior — and you value styling over raw space.
Look elsewhere if: You need maximum boot space, the cheapest entry price, or a wider dealer network.
ALSO READ: Cheapest EVs in Malaysia 2026 — Full List
Smart #1 Malaysia 2026: Pricing & Variants
The Smart #1 is available in Malaysia in two variants, both priced competitively for what you get:
| Variant | Price (RM) | Motor | Battery | Range (WLTP) | 0-100 km/h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro+ | RM149,900 | Single rear, 200 kW (272 PS) | 66 kWh | 440 km | 6.7s |
| Premium | RM159,900 | Single rear, 200 kW (272 PS) | 66 kWh | 440 km | 6.7s |
Both variants share the same 200 kW (272 PS) rear motor and 66 kWh battery. The difference is purely in equipment — the Premium adds features like a Beats premium sound system, ambient lighting, electric tailgate, and head-up display (HUD).
At RM149,900, the Pro+ undercuts the BYD Atto 3 and matches the Chery Omoda E5 on price while offering a more premium feel.
Design & Build Quality
The Smart #1 was designed by Mercedes-Benz and it shows. The exterior has a clean, futuristic look that stands out from the crowd without being polarising. The floating roof, flush door handles, and wraparound light bar give it a premium presence that belies its compact dimensions.
Exterior highlights:
- Length: 4,270 mm — compact crossover segment
- Wheelbase: 2,750 mm — surprisingly long for interior space
- Kerb weight: ~1,820 kg
- Flush door handles with soft-touch release
- 19-inch alloy wheels (Premium)
- LED matrix headlights
Build quality is excellent. Panel gaps are tight, paint finish is premium, and the overall fit-and-finish rivals European brands costing significantly more. This is where the Geely SEA platform and Mercedes design collaboration really pays off.
ALSO READ: BYD Atto 3 vs Chery Omoda E5 Malaysia 2026
Interior & Technology
Step inside the Smart #1 and the first thing you notice is the 12.8-inch central touchscreen — it is bright, responsive, and runs a clean infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Interior features (Pro+):
- 12.8-inch central touchscreen
- 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Wireless phone charging
- 360-degree camera with 3D view
- Leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Premium adds:
- Beats premium audio (13 speakers)
- Head-up display (HUD)
- Electric tailgate with kick sensor
- 64-colour ambient lighting
- Heated front seats
- Advanced ADAS with Highway Assist
The interior quality is where the Smart #1 genuinely impresses. Soft-touch materials dominate the dashboard and door cards, stitching is precise, and the overall ambience feels a tier above its price point. It does not feel like a sub-RM160k car inside.
Boot space is one area where the Smart #1 falls short of rivals — 313 litres with the rear seats up (expandable to about 986 litres with seats folded). The BYD Atto 3 offers 440 litres and the Chery Omoda E5 offers 380 litres, both more practical for families.
Driving Experience
The Smart #1 is powered by a 200 kW (272 PS) rear-mounted motor producing 343 Nm of torque. That is a lot of power for a compact crossover, and it shows — the Smart #1 is genuinely fun to drive.
Performance specs:
- Power: 200 kW / 272 PS
- Torque: 343 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 6.7 seconds
- Top speed: 180 km/h
- Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Acceleration is brisk and linear. 6.7 seconds to 100 km/h is quick enough to feel exciting in daily driving, and the rear-wheel-drive layout gives the Smart #1 a playful character that front-driven rivals like the BYD Atto 3 lack.
The suspension is firm but composed — tuned more for agility than outright comfort. Over Malaysian speed bumps and uneven roads, it can feel a little stiff, but on flowing B-roads and highways it is genuinely rewarding. The steering is accurate with good weighting — another area where the Mercedes DNA comes through.
ALSO READ: EV vs Petrol Running Cost Malaysia — Full Comparison
Range & Battery
| Spec | Smart #1 |
|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 66 kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 440 km |
| Real-world range (est.) | 350–380 km |
| Battery chemistry | NMC |
| Battery warranty | 8 years / 160,000 km |
The Smart #1’s 440 km WLTP range from its 66 kWh battery is solid for this segment. In real-world Malaysian driving (mixed city/highway, with air-conditioning), expect around 350–380 km — enough for daily commuting with a weekly charge, and adequate for KL-to-Penang trips with one charging stop.
Charging
| Spec | Smart #1 |
|---|---|
| Max DC charging | 150 kW |
| 10–80% DC time | ~30 min |
| AC charging | 22 kW (3-phase) / 7.4 kW (single-phase) |
| Charging port | CCS2 |
The Smart #1 supports 150 kW DC fast charging, which is competitive in this segment. A 10–80% top-up takes around 30 minutes at a compatible fast charger. For home charging, it supports up to 22 kW on three-phase power — faster than most rivals.
ALSO READ: Complete Home EV Charging Guide Malaysia
Safety & ADAS
The Smart #1 scored a 5-star Euro NCAP rating — among the highest in the compact EV segment. Standard safety kit is comprehensive:
Standard on all variants:
- 7 airbags
- AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane keeping assist
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- 360-degree camera
Premium adds:
- Highway Assist (Level 2 semi-autonomous driving)
- Head-up display
- Traffic sign recognition
- Enhanced automatic parking
Ownership: Warranty, Service & Running Costs
| Factor | Smart #1 |
|---|---|
| Vehicle warranty | 5 years / unlimited km |
| Battery warranty | 8 years / 160,000 km |
| Service interval | Every 20,000 km or 12 months |
| Est. annual service | ~RM500–RM800 |
| Road tax (2026) | ~RM235/year (200 kW, kW-based structure) |
| Insurance (est.) | RM3,000–RM3,800 |
| Dealer network | Proton Edar (nationwide) |
The 5-year unlimited-km warranty is generous and gives peace of mind. A major advantage of the Smart #1 in Malaysia is that it is sold through Proton Edar — giving it access to one of the largest dealer and service networks in the country.
Under the new kW-based road tax structure (effective January 2026), the Smart #1’s 200 kW motor means road tax is approximately ~RM235/year — still a meaningful saving compared to petrol equivalents in the same performance class.
ALSO READ: EV Road Tax Malaysia 2026 — Rates and Guide
Smart #1 vs BYD Atto 3 vs Chery Omoda E5: Comparison Table
| Category | Smart #1 (Pro+) | BYD Atto 3 (Standard) | Chery Omoda E5 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | RM149,900 | RM149,800 | RM149,800 | Tie |
| Range (WLTP) | 440 km | 410 km | 430 km | Smart #1 |
| Battery | 66 kWh NMC | 60.5 kWh LFP | 61 kWh NMC | Smart #1 |
| Power | 200 kW / 272 PS | 150 kW / 204 PS | 150 kW / 204 PS | Smart #1 |
| 0-100 km/h | 6.7s | 7.3s | 7.5s | Smart #1 |
| Max DC Charging | 150 kW | 80 kW | 120 kW | Smart #1 |
| Boot Space | 313L | 440L | 380L | BYD Atto 3 |
| Warranty | 5yr / unlimited | 6yr / 150k km | 5yr / 150k km | BYD Atto 3 |
| Safety | 5-star NCAP | 5-star NCAP | 5-star NCAP | Tie |
| Dealer Network | Proton Edar | Sime Darby | Chery Malaysia | Smart #1 |
| Interior Quality | Premium feel | Good | Good | Smart #1 |
| V2L | No | Yes | Yes | Atto 3 / Omoda E5 |
How Does the Smart #1 Stack Up?
The Smart #1 wins on power, range, charging speed, and interior quality. It has the most powerful motor in the segment (272 PS vs 204 PS) and the fastest DC charging (150 kW vs 80–120 kW). The Mercedes-designed interior is a class above.
Where it loses is boot space (313L vs 440L) and the lack of V2L (vehicle-to-load) capability. If you regularly haul luggage, groceries, or baby gear, the BYD Atto 3’s larger boot may be the deciding factor.
The Chery Omoda E5 sits in between — decent range, competitive price, and V2L, but without the driving polish or interior premium of the Smart #1.
ALSO READ: BYD Atto 3 vs Tesla Model Y Malaysia — Full Comparison
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Premium interior quality (Mercedes design) | Smallest boot space (313L) |
| Most powerful motor in segment (272 PS) | No V2L capability |
| Best driving dynamics | Firm ride over rough roads |
| 150 kW fast charging | Brand less established in Malaysia |
| 440 km WLTP range | Only 2 variants available |
| Proton Edar dealer network | |
| 5-star Euro NCAP safety | |
| 22 kW AC charging (3-phase) |
Should You Buy the Smart #1 in Malaysia?
Yes, if:
- You prioritise driving experience and interior quality over cargo space
- You want the most powerful compact EV under RM160k
- You value fast DC charging (150 kW) for road trips
- Access to the Proton Edar service network matters to you
- You appreciate Mercedes-level design at a non-Mercedes price
No, if:
- You need maximum boot space for family use — the BYD Atto 3 is better
- V2L (powering devices from your car) is important — BYD or Chery offers this
- You prefer the softest possible ride — the Smart #1 is tuned sportier
- You want the longest warranty — BYD offers 6 years vs Smart’s 5 years
ALSO READ: Best Home EV Chargers Malaysia 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the price of the Smart #1 in Malaysia 2026?
The Smart #1 starts at RM149,900 for the Pro+ variant and RM159,900 for the Premium variant. Both prices are on-the-road without insurance.
What is the range of the Smart #1?
The Smart #1 has a WLTP range of 440 km from its 66 kWh battery. Real-world range in Malaysian driving conditions is approximately 350–380 km with air-conditioning.
Is the Smart #1 better than the BYD Atto 3?
The Smart #1 is more powerful (272 PS vs 204 PS), has faster DC charging (150 kW vs 80 kW), better range, and a more premium interior. The BYD Atto 3 offers more boot space (440L vs 313L), V2L capability, and a longer 6-year warranty. Choose the Smart #1 for driving experience; choose the Atto 3 for practicality.
Who makes the Smart #1?
The Smart #1 is a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz (design) and Geely (engineering and manufacturing). It is built on Geely’s SEA platform and sold in Malaysia through Proton Edar dealerships.
How fast does the Smart #1 charge?
The Smart #1 supports up to 150 kW DC fast charging, reaching 10–80% in approximately 30 minutes. For home AC charging, it supports up to 22 kW on three-phase or 7.4 kW on single-phase power.
Is the Smart #1 safe?
Yes. The Smart #1 achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating with 7 airbags, AEB, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and 360-degree camera as standard on all variants.
What is the warranty on the Smart #1 in Malaysia?
The Smart #1 comes with a 5-year unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an 8-year / 160,000 km battery warranty in Malaysia.
Does the Smart #1 have V2L?
No. The Smart #1 does not offer V2L (vehicle-to-load) capability. If this feature is important to you, consider the BYD Atto 3 or Chery Omoda E5, both of which support V2L.
Conclusion
The Smart #1 is a standout in Malaysia’s compact EV segment. It delivers the best driving experience, the most powerful motor, the fastest charging, and the most premium interior in its class — all from under RM150,000. The Mercedes design DNA and Proton Edar service network make it a compelling package.
Its main compromises — smaller boot space and no V2L — are trade-offs that many buyers will happily accept for the driving quality and premium feel. If you value style and substance over sheer practicality, the Smart #1 is the compact EV to buy in Malaysia in 2026.
Written by Sarah Ibrahim | Last updated: April 2026