Review: smart #1 Brabus – As bold as it gets

The electric vehicle (EV) market in Malaysia is growing rapidly, and among the earliest entries was the smart #1 Brabus, a sporty crossover that combines style, power, and innovation.

Priced at RM249,000, this top-tier variant brings the legacy of Brabus performance tuning into the all-electric era. But does it deliver enough to outshine its rivals such as the Volvo XC40 Recharge and Tesla Model Y? Let’s explore.

At the heart of the smart #1 Brabus is a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, producing an impressive 428 PS and 543 Nm of torque. This configuration allows the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds—making it one of the quickest EVs in its price range in Malaysia.

Power is stored in a 66 kWh NMC battery, which offers a claimed WLTP range of 400 km. Charging is also quick and convenient, with 22 kW AC charging capable of replenishing 10–80% in about 3 hours, while DC fast charging at up to 150 kW slashes that time down to 29 minutes.

That said, while the acceleration is thrilling, the regenerative braking system might take some getting used to. Even on its lightest setting, it can feel overly aggressive, especially in urban stop-and-go traffic. Additionally, the sporty suspension—while tuned for responsiveness—can come across as stiff when tackling Malaysia’s less-than-perfect road surfaces.

Step inside, and the smart #1 Brabus greets you with a clean, futuristic cabin. A large 12.8-inch touchscreen serves as the command center, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Complementing this are a digital instrument cluster and a head-up display, providing vital information without clutter.

Brabus touches are evident throughout the cabin, with suede-like materials, red accents, and an overall premium finish. The 13-speaker Beats audio system offers rich, immersive sound.

However, functionality is somewhat hindered by the car’s overdependence on the touchscreen. Basic adjustments—like mirror controls or temperature changes—require navigating the interface, which may frustrate drivers who prefer physical buttons.

In terms of safety, the Smart #1 Brabus does not disappoint. It comes equipped with a full suite of advanced driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system.

These features significantly enhance the driving experience, although diving through infotainment menus to access certain safety settings might be tedious for some.

The Smart #1 Brabus finds itself in a competitive segment that includes heavyweights like the Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin and Tesla Model Y Performance.

The Volvo, priced at around RM278,888, delivers slightly less punch with a 0–100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds and a similar range of 418 km.

The Tesla Model Y Performance, on the other hand, costs about RM280,000 and is the fastest in this trio, achieving the 0–100 km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds with a range exceeding 500 km. Tesla’s edge lies in its ecosystem—particularly its Supercharger network and advanced Autopilot technology.

Where the Smart #1 Brabus stands out is in its unique personality. The Brabus branding, stylish design elements, and competitive pricing make it an attractive proposition for those seeking exclusivity without venturing into higher price tiers.

One of the biggest strengths of the Smart #1 Brabus is its exhilarating performance. With rapid acceleration and responsive handling, it provides an engaging driving experience rarely found in this segment.

The Brabus-specific design elements add a distinctive, premium touch that sets it apart visually from its competitors. Inside, the car is packed with technology, from wireless smartphone connectivity to a robust Beats audio system, creating an upscale and immersive environment.

On top of that, the inclusion of a full suite of advanced safety features makes it a compelling choice for drivers who want both excitement and peace of mind. The charging capabilities are another strong point, offering flexibility with fast AC and DC options that suit various lifestyles.

Despite its many strengths, the Smart #1 Brabus does have a few drawbacks. The regenerative braking, while effective in energy recovery, may feel too aggressive for some, especially during stop-and-go driving.

This could make the car feel less refined in daily traffic. The ride quality also leans toward the firmer side, a result of its sporty suspension tuning, which might not suit drivers looking for maximum comfort on Malaysia’s bumpier roads.

Another area of concern is usability—many of the vehicle’s essential controls are buried within the infotainment system, requiring more attention and time to operate compared to traditional buttons or switches. These quirks may not be dealbreakers, but they do take away some of the daily ease of use.

That being said, the smart #1 Brabus brings a fresh and exciting option to Malaysia’s EV scene. It merges high performance, tech-forward features, and premium styling in a compact crossover body.

While not without its quirks—such as a firm ride and touchscreen-heavy controls—it offers tremendous value and appeal, especially for those wanting a standout EV with both personality and power. For performance enthusiasts and tech lovers alike, the smart #1 Brabus is still well worth considering if budget is not an issue.