The camouflage outfit worn in the first tests failed to hide the shapes of the first electric Smart SUV, currently being tested. The prototype of the car was spotted in China, confirming what was shown with the forms of Concept # 1, presented at the IAA in Munich last September.
The similarities are evident: the general shape, the conformation of the rear light signature along the entire rear axle, the dimensions. But there are also gods changes, such as the rear bumper much lower and different in shape than the concept and a different configuration of the front lights, apparently wider and more circular than what was seen in Munich. The upper part of the car also changes, with a roof line at the rear, not entirely identical to the Concept # 1 and more rounded. The car, which will be built as a joint venture between the Mercedes Group and Geely, it also features a brand new central pillar.
The camouflage unfortunately hides some interesting aspects of the car, such as the door handles, the alloy wheels, the definitive curvature of the front hood. The compact SUV should be 4.29 meters long, and 1.69 meters tall. Certainly, from what you can see, the car has kept its promises in terms of wheelbase. Consequently, things being the same, there would be space to continue the Smart tradition of having a livable interior even with very small dimensions.
If from the point of view of design and presentation the Concept # 1 had met the expectations, giving some element of pleasant variation compared to the large mass of compact SUVs on the market, it will be necessary to wait for the official presentation of the vehicle to see this vocation confirmed. Even Smart, getting bigger, will have to find a way to differentiate itself from the crowd, just as it did at the time of its debut in the automotive market; and it won’t be easy.
(images: processing from Carscoops source)
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