It's been a hot minute since I've posted about my antics in the EV world. I'm sorry for that, but if you're not following me on
Twitter, you should be! That's where the up to the minute stuff happens. I recently took an Amtrak to Memphis, by way of New Orleans, as part of a mini-vacation and also family business trip (dad has a car he wants me to sell, one that isn't electric). This trip afforded me a wonderful opportunity: I could stop in at the Smart Center of Buckhead, in Atlanta, and test drive the new 453 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive. The manager for the Smart center is Mr. Emmanuel Lindsey, and he is one of the most knowledgeable Smart ED folks I've ever met. At the time of my visit, they only had a single electric that was available to test drive -- but they had three that had just been unloaded from the truck and were awaiting their pre-delivery inspections. So, what did I think about the EPA lower-rated, higher horsepower second act?
In short, I like it a lot and would recommend it. I can't say I love it, and I'll get into why in a moment. First, let's look at what Smart got right. The 453 has a greatly improved suspension: instead of jarring
you over speed bumps and pot holes like the 451, it almost floats over them. I've been told, by the now defunct Smart center of Cary, that the Smart 453 shares the same front suspension as the current C-Class. It certainly feels like it, as the handling is head and shoulders above the outgoing model. The new car also features height adjustable seats -- helpful since they did not add a tilt or telescoping steering wheel. All Smarts now have cruise control, auto up/down on both windows, and a bluetooth radio as standard features. Much to my dismay, but probably to the delight of many, the ignition switch was put on the steering column instead of being directly in front of the gear shifter. Other notable improvements included better headroom in the coupe (which matters for someone of my 6 foot 3 inch stature), and a tighter turning radius! The new electric motor has a little more horsepower (80HP, up from 74HP). The battery has stayed the same, at 16.7kW. I was really delighted to find out that the go pedal still has the kick-down button (this is a stopper that limits you to 75% engine power output, you had to press harder to engage 100% power to the motor). They also included a charging indicator light, which glows white to illuminate the charging port when you first open the charge port door.
Another notable departure is that the dual-gauge pods are a single gauge pod, showing % Motor Power and % State of Charge (Battery) in easy to read analogue gauges. The center cluster is nicely done, updated with a color display that easily relays all the information you'd expect: charge level, speed, miles, range estimate, and even suggestions on prolonging your driving range. Despite being 300lb heavier (2450lb vs 2150lb on the 451 ED), the new model still zips right along with ease carrying two passengers.
The model I test drove had less than 20 miles on it. The range estimator, with a 100% charge level, said 39 miles. It dropped to 37 miles when Emmanuel turned on the AC. During our test drive -- which included a small freeway stint --
the range estimator continued to clime up to 49 miles of range, at 95% power when we returned back to the dealership. Upon returning, Mr. Lindsey showed me the two Electric Cabriolets that were pending delivery inspection. The new cabriolet has a quieter top motor, and it opens the roof in about 10 seconds -- a 3 second improvement on the older model. Unfortunately, Smart decided to redesign the tailgate. This is why I can't say I love the 453. The new tailgate isn't as deep as it used to be, and the top's rails are stored standing up, as opposed to laying flat, so they protrude into your cargo space when stowed. That's a big problem for such a small storage compartment. While we are talking tailgates, they also eliminated the charger-in-the-tailgate on all models, instead offering a clip-in hard wall bag to store the unit in. The bag could also be used to stored bottles, cans, or loose vegetables.
Overall, I think that the improvements outweigh the caveats. I'm not ready to upgrade, but should something happen to Gopher, I'd certainly consider the new model. I also want to thank
Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead for retaining their Smart Center franchise. I've got a gallery link of all the photos I took
here. Check them out, and if you are in NC and want a Smart 453 ED, Mr. Lindsey said that they would ship the car right to your door from their Atlanta dealership.
In short, I like it a lot and would recommend it. I can't say I love it, and I'll get into why in a moment. First, let's look at what Smart got right. The 453 has a greatly improved suspension: instead of jarring you over speed bumps and pot holes like the 451, it almost floats over them. I've been told, by the now defunct Smart center of Cary, that the Smart 453 shares the same front suspension as the current C-Class. It certainly feels like it, as the handling is head and shoulders above the outgoing model. The new car also features height adjustable seats -- helpful since they did not add a tilt or telescoping steering wheel. All Smarts now have cruise control, auto up/down on both windows, and a bluetooth radio as standard features. Much to my dismay, but probably to the delight of many, the ignition switch was put on the steering column instead of being directly in front of the gear shifter. Other notable improvements included better headroom in the coupe (which matters for someone of my 6 foot 3 inch stature), and a tighter turning radius! The new electric motor has a little more horsepower (80HP, up from 74HP). The battery has stayed the same, at 16.7kW. I was really delighted to find out that the go pedal still has the kick-down button (this is a stopper that limits you to 75% engine power output, you had to press harder to engage 100% power to the motor). They also included a charging indicator light, which glows white to illuminate the charging port when you first open the charge port door.
