smart #1 wins Goldenes Lenkrad 2023
On November 7, the smart #1 was awarded the "Goldenes Lenkrad" (German for: "Golden Steering Wheel") in the category "Best Car under 50,000 euros".
Goldenes Lenkrad is one of the most coveted German car awards, which was presented for the 47th time at the Axel Springer Verlag headquarters in Berlin. Since 1976, "AUTO BILD" and "BILD am Sonntag" have annually honored the best cars in Germany.
The prize is unique because it is awarded by the readers of "AUTO BILD" and a jury of experts: Readers select their favorite vehicles in a category, and these are then tested and evaluated by celebrities, technicians, motor sportsmen and experts such as Robin Hornig, Editor-in-chief of AUTO BILD, or Robert Schneider, Editor-in-chief of BILD. Each expert evaluates different aspects of the vehicles based on their prior knowledge and focus. This ensures an objective evaluation.
What makes the award for the smart #1 so special is that a purely electric vehicle won against hybrid vehicles and vehicles with internal combustion engines to take first place.
The smart #1 offers an astonishing range of up to 440 km WLTP*. It differs significantly from previous smart models as it offers space for a whole family: with a length of 4.27m, it is big enough to take five people on vacation or to carry large shopping loads without losing its suitability for city driving. It is also possible to charge the smart #1's battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 30 minutes with 150kW DC (130kW in the case of the smart #1 Pro, offering the small battery alternative).
smart reinvented itself with the #1 but remains true to its all-electric strategy. In 2019, smart has already ventured into the electric age. This now award-winning model will be followed later this year by the smart #3. With both models, smart is positioning itself in the premium segment of compact SUVs.
There are several lines of each model. The entry-level variants are the smart #1 Pro and the #1 Pro+. The smart #1 Premium impresses with a higher range and full equipment, while the smart #1 Pulse also offers all-wheel drive. This is followed by the smart #1 BRABUS. This is the continuation of the success story of smart and the car tuner BRABUS and is intended to appeal particularly to sporty drivers. All lines impress with features such as keyless opening and assistance systems. A wide range of colors offers customers the opportunity for individualization.
Read for yourself in the next issue of "AUTO BILD" (issue 45, available from 9.11.2023) which criteria convinced the jury of the smart #1.