Mercedes-Benz’s city vehicle off-shoot Smart has revealed new Electric Drive versions of the Fortwo, Fortwo cabriolet and Forfour, claiming improved range and performance as well as significantly faster recharging times than predecessor models owing to the adoption of a new driveline largely shared with the Renault Zoe and developments to its charging system. By limiting acceleration and top speed, Smart has managed to eke a range of 160 km (99 mi) out of the 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack in the ForTwo, and 155 km (94 mi) from the Cabrio and ForFour. Smart claims to be the only manufacturer to offer its entire range with either internal combustion engines or electric motors, and the only manufacturer to offer a cabriolet electric vehicle. The new Smart Electric Drive, with up to 160 km range and torquey motors, could be the ideal runabout for inner city commuters with one eye on the environment. To reverse, the motor’s direction of rotation changes. Flat out in all three models, you’ll be doing an (electronically governed) 130 km/h (81 mph), while the 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint takes 11.5 seconds in the ForTwo, pushing out to 12.7 seconds in the heavier ForFour. The traffic situation is monitored with a radar sensor and a recuperation level that suits the current situation is selected.
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The Smart also has a… smart app for the smartphone that delivers charge information, as well as the ability to control various settings such as interior pre-conditioning and intelligent charging. The standard system is claimed to half the recharging time of the battery at 2.5 hours. “Together with lots of Smart fans and enthusiastic drivers of the predecessor generations, we are looking forward to the unique driving fun offered by the new Smart electric drive at very attractive prices, especially in countries where there is a buyer’s premium”. A more powerful 22kW system, which will feature on all models in the United Kingdom, is claimed to recharge the battery in just 45 minutes.
From 2017 a particularly powerful 22 kW fast charger will be available as an option. And yes, the fourth-generation smart electric driver is head and shoulders above.
Set to make their public debut at next week’s Paris motor show, the new trio of electric powered Smart models are planned to go on sale across Europe in 2017. There’s also a Brabus tailor made individualisation programme, shown here on the cabrio.
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Smart has unveiled a electric range of its compact city cars. Hard to disagree, really.
