Smart has announced another variant of its Smart #1 electric model. The #1 Pulse is planned to hit German roads still in 2023. This will be the second all-wheel-drive variant next to the Brabus offshoot and top model.

Orders can be placed now in the ‘Bundesrepublik’ at prices starting at €46 490. Other European markets will follow soon.

Two motors

In the Smart #1 Pulse, the 200 kW rear-wheel drive is supplemented by another motor. As with the Brabus offshoot, the total output is 315 kW. Smart specifies a WLTP range of 400 kilometers.

According to Smart, this puts the #1 Pulse between the ‘Premium’ RWD model with 200 kW and the Brabus model, which is equipped to a slightly higher standard. There is no change to the 66 kWh battery, which is the same for all variants of the #1.

Regarding technology, the new variant is equipped with a heat pump and a 22 kW onboard charger. In addition, a 360-degree camera, a halo roof, a 10-inch head-up display, and a tailgate with gesture control are standard features.

There are also several assistance systems. According to the blog ‘ MB Passion’, what is missing compared to the #1 Premium are the Matrix LED headlights and the Beats sound system.

Less sporty and ‘loud’

With the second engine on the front axle, standard acceleration from a standstill to 100 kph takes 4,5 seconds, says Smart. In Brabus #1, it is 3,9 seconds, so Smart uses a slightly different drive characteristic. Like the rear-wheel-drive variants, the 315 kW all-wheel-drive model can also tow trailers weighing up to 1 600 kilograms.

“We are especially excited for the #1 Pulse as it offers European customers a further all-wheel drivetrain option. Our development and production setup enables us to stay on top of changing demand situations and incorporate solutions for our customers quickly,” says Dirk Adelmann, CEO of Smart Europe.

Nevertheless, it seems odd that Smart is bringing a second model so close to the Brabus top variant, which, in Belgium, for example, costs barely 1500 euros more than the announced price in Germany. According to the CEO, potential customers don’t want the sporty Brabus image but prefer a slightly more secretive variant.