In the impression of many people, smart models are synonymous with refinement, compactness and flexibility. However, on Smart's latest model, Genie #1, many people believe that it has lost this brand characteristic, and the model has no longer the agility of the past. Is this really the case? We might as well look for answers from the listing of Smart Genie #1.
On April 25, smart genie #1 officially opened pre-sale in China, with a pre-price of 190,000-230,000 yuan after the new car subsidy, and a total of 2 models were launched, positioned in pure electric small SUVs.
The first "genie" based on the Geely platform
Indeed, Genie #1 is different from previous smart models, the most obvious difference is the change in the core of the model. Genie #1 is based on the Geely SEA vast architecture, also from the platform is also from the extreme krypton 001, and the platform will also launch Geely, Lynk & Co, Pole Star, Volvo, Lotus and other brands of different levels of models in the future, and Genie #1 is the first pure electric SUV launched by the platform. At the same time, the development of the vehicle engineering of Genie #1 is also responsible for Geely, while the exterior styling is dominated by Mercedes-Benz. In other words, Genie #1 is a "Geely core, Mercedes-Benz-shaped" model.
Because of the design led by Mercedes-Benz, Genie #1 can reflect the brand heritage of smart and the unique sense of light luxury and refinement in terms of styling. In appearance, Genie #1 has a rounded silhouette shape, and this roundness incorporates a slightly angular design. For example, the two side headlight groups adopt a triangular shape, and the middle is connected by a through-type light strip, which is particularly spiritual. The lower bracket is arranged with a trapezoidal intake grille, and the air intake holes on both sides can create a slight performance range.
The side of the new car is shaped like a smaller Mercedes-Benz EQB, but the two-color body painting and the smart LOGO printed on the suspended C-pillar show its unique personality. In order to highlight the identity of the model, the genie #1 body is wrapped in black matte plastic pieces on the lower part and surrounding areas, reducing the maintenance cost of the vehicle. The addition of three-frame modeling wheels with low wind resistance makes the new car more interesting. It is worth mentioning that the Genie #1 is equipped with hidden door handles as well as bezel-less doors, the latter of which are rare in its class.
The new car has a body length, width and height dimensions of 4270/1822/1636mm, and a wheelbase of 2750mm. The rear of the car continues the overall simple design style, the through-type taillight group and the headlight group play a role in the shape, and the silver decorative panel is added to the lower guard plate, which adds a touch of sports to this wildness.
The interior is full of Mercedes-Benz flavor, and the "Bosu Edition" is coming?
A large part of the reason why genie #1 has a "Mercedes-Benz shape" is because of the interior design. Genie #1 adopts a symmetrical center console design, a suspension of the central control screen and a saddle shape, which can make people feel the taste of Mercedes-Benz at a glance, and have a good sense of light luxury.
The central control screen measures 12.8 inches and is equipped with the "smart universe" intelligent human-computer interaction system. The three-frame steering wheel continues the style of the concept car, and the 9.2-inch long strip of full LCD instrument is integrated with the center console, improving integrity while reducing visual obstruction to the driver.
In terms of power, Genie #1 adopts a rear single motor layout, with a maximum power of 272 horsepower, a peak torque of 343 Nm, equipped with a ternary lithium battery pack of 66 kWh, and a maximum cruising range of 560 km under CLTC conditions. In terms of charging technology, Genie #1 can charge from 10% to 80% in 7.2kW AC slow charging in only 7.5 hours, while it takes less than 30 minutes to use 150kW DC fast charging.
Judging from the smart's previous models, it is likely to introduce a more powerful performance version of the Genie #1. According to the previous information, there is indeed a more fierce version, which is expected to be the "Bosu version" model, which is expected to be equipped with a front and rear dual motor version with a maximum power of 400 horsepower, but it has not yet been confirmed.
MINI pure electric has not arrived, elf #1 invincible hand?
Genie #1 is located in the pure electric small SUV market, most of which are currently self-owned brand models with relatively affordable prices, as well as some "oil to electricity" joint venture brand models, which will not constitute a direct competitive relationship for Genie #1. If you have to find a model in the same class that is benchmarked with Genie #1, it must be an imported DS3 pure electric, but the latter is very low in both brand awareness and the presence of the model, so it will not pose a competitive threat to Genie #1.
But this does not mean that Genie #1 is "unbeatable" in the market segment, and its main competitor is the pure electric version of MINI. Petty bourgeois models that also have the aura of luxury brands shine, and are all created in conjunction with independent brands. Therefore, in addition to the difference in level, the strength of the two models in all aspects can be described as equal, and the final winner is whether the "one step ahead" Genie #1, or the new MINI pure electric that may be "late-starter first", it is not easy to draw conclusions at present.
Because the smart brand positioning is relatively niche, Genie #1 wants to get the attention of mass consumers, must reshape the brand positioning, after all, there are many models to choose from at this price point, if it is not a special love for smart brands, Genie #1 may not be the first choice for consumers at this level.
Back to the question at the beginning of the article, has smart genie #1 changed? Changed, but not completely. Changes have been made in terms of manufacturing architecture, power form, and model level, and what has not changed is the dexterity and refinement of smart, and the design essence of the brand has been continued on Genie #1, which is not only eye-catching, but also makes people see at a glance that this is a smart model. Genie #1 is a wonderful answer sheet handed over by Smart under the wave of electrification, and it is also the first work of Geely's marriage with Smart, are you satisfied with it?