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2017 smart electric drive Boasts 160 Km Range, Priced From €21,940

Tiny cars with electric propulsion isn’t an all-new concept in the automotive world. But smart, which is owned by Mercedes-Benz’s mothership Daimler, has perfected it with the advent of the first smart electric drive. Now at its fourth gen, the smart electric drive can be had in fortwo, fortwo cabrio, and forfour flavors.
2017 smart electric drive model lineup 41 photos
Photo: smart
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But first, let’s start with the most obvious of question: how does the new kid on the block compare to the original? Well, the 2007 smart electric drive in fortwo form has a 40 horsepower electric motor and a range of up to 110 kilometers (68 miles) according to the New European Driving Cycle. And yes, the fourth-generation smart electric drive is head and shoulders above.

The 2017 smart electric drive in fortwo configuration is the best performer of the three brothers thanks to an NEDC range of 160 kilometers or 99 miles on a full charge. The fortwo cabrio and forfour make do with an estimated range of 155 kilometers or 96 miles. On the other hand, what’s common for the entire electric drive family is the 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery that is located within the floor, as well as the output: 80 HP (60 kW) and 160 Nm (118 lb-ft).

Surely enough, the 2017 smart electric drive lineup is fit for the urban jungle, not longer distance drives. This also stands true when it comes down to top speed: 130 km/h (80 mph). In terms of charging, the automaker tells that 2.5 hours or thereabout is just about enough time for the battery to get juiced up and ready to go. The optional 22 kW fast charger enables a full charge in 45 minutes, which is not bad at all if you’re not in the mood for waiting around.

Pricing in Europe, including 19 value-added tax, starts from €21,940 for the fortwo, €25,200 for the fortwo cabrio, and €22,600 for the forfour. Provided that you dig the electric green-painted models featured in the adjacent photo gallery, those start from a rather pricey €27,839. Because smart can’t make a case for it, the forfour electric drive won’t make the trip across the big blue pond to the United States. The fortwo and fortwo cabrio, however, will.

"The smart is the perfect city car, and with electric drive it becomes a little bit more perfect," explains Annette Winkler, the head honcho of the smart brand. "This is why we will soon be offering our entire range – smart fortwo, smart cabrio and even our smart forfour – as all-electric versions,” she added.

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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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