Our beloved Smart is back, but not as we knew it! The original urban car brand has returned in a new avatar with a brand new model, as the result of a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely. Kicking off an all-new chapter, Smart has come up with an electric SUV crossover model. Named the Smart #1, the new EV has tapped the technology of a future-proof powertrain while retaining the core spirit of Smart.
The Exterior
For the new SUV model, Mercedes has handed over part of the project to Geely, but the DNA of Mercedes is still pretty obvious in the outlook of the car. The rear lights and headlights designs of the model clearly resemble the EQS, EQE, and other EQ models. The 19-inch rims, 2750 mm wheelbase and 4270 mm length are the exterior features that give the model its unique stance. Other design highlights of the SUV include a novel halo roof and concealed handles.
The Interior
The interior of the SUV is a delightful mix of matured Mercedes tech and funky Smart styling. The decent cabin space is dominated by a 12.8-inch touchscreen. It also uses a robust Smart-ID and features an AI-based infotainment system completed with a 3D interface. Behind the wheel, there is a 10-inch HUD prominently installed just above a 9.2-inch full HD instrument cluster. The interior is completed with air-conditioning, ambient lighting, a 13-speaker sonic system, OTA updated peer-to-peer sharing AI techs, and more.
The Specs
Ushering in a new era for the brand, this full-electric crossover baby SUV rides on the new Sustainable Experience Architecture platform of Geely. The car gets 200 kW charging, which is pretty good for up to 80% in 3 hours when using AC, and just under 30 minutes while using DC. The 66 kWh battery gives a range of 260-273 miles, with a maximum speed of 112 mph.
British F1 Star Lando Norris Left ‘Shaken’ After Watch Stolen At Euro 2020 Final
Formula One driver Lando Norris was involved in an unfortunate incident after attending the Euro 2020 final at Wembley Stadium, where his wristwatch was stolen. According to a statement made by his McLaren team, the 21-year-old F1 star was luckily unhurt, but understandably left ‘shaken’ by the episode. The police has now started investigating the entire incident.
The Incident
The Euro 2020 final between Italy and England was already a bit spoiled by some troubling scenes made by the audience crowd. A number of ticketless supporters breached the security cordon around the Wembley Stadium and forced their entry to the venue. Wembley Stadium has a capacity of 90,000 and was permitted to be full only around two-thirds for the game, due to the current pandemic situation. To gain entry access, the supporters were required to show evidence of either full vaccination or a negative test. According to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the disrupting difficulty created by a small number of people, is very shameful, especially when the authority is trying their best to adopt fitting measures for slowing down the virus spreading.
The McLaren Statement
Lando Norris’s McLaren team issued the statement after the British F1 driver posted an Instagram selfie after the final match. The statement also says that the team is fully supporting the Sportster after the incident and also request the racing fans to wish him luck for the upcoming British Grand Prix.
The Investigation
On the day of the Euro final, a total of 53 people were arrested from the venue for the incident, by the Metropolitan Police. According to an official statement made by the deputy assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor, those 53 people were part of the 86 arrests made by the Met Police throughout London, for a number of offenses related to the Euro final, including assaults, drunk and disorderly conducts, public order breaches and criminal damages.