Watch Smart Brabus #1 Fail The Moose Test Spectacularly

Name: Watch Smart Brabus #1 Fail The Moose Test Spectacularly
Uploaded: 2023-03-06T12:29:27Z
Description: In the first attempt around the cones with a speed of 48 miles per hour (77 kilometers per hour), the Smart #1 Brabubs was completely uncontrollable.

Driving it looks like a lot of fun but it's probably not that safe.

Smart #1 Brabus moose test

Angel Sergeev

By: Angel Sergeev

Mar 6, 2023 at 7:29am ET

Add Motor1.com as a preferred source in Google

Comment

Smart – the small car brand that was once founded by Daimler – is now a joint venture project between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, focused on producing small and compact battery-powered vehicles. The first product to arrive from the cooperation was the Smart #1, which debuted last April and was later joined by a Brabus version. It has a dual-motor electric powertrain and visual enhancements, though it lacks upgrades of the suspension and handling. How does that affect its road behavior? It’s time to find out.

The folks over at km77.com recently evaluated the Smart #1 Brabus on the moose test and the results were, well, way below our expectations to say the least. Being an attempt for a performance model, the electric crossover has up to 434 horsepower (324 kilowatts), which is a healthy boost over the standard model’s 268 hp (200 kW). The lack of any tweaks to the chassis and steering, however, means the vehicle is prone to heavy oversteer. In the first attempt around the cones with a speed of 48 miles per hour (77 kilometers per hour), the Smart #1 Brabubs was completely uncontrollable.

Gallery: Smart #1 Brabus

Smart #1 Brabus

What do you think?

View

Comments

After a few more attempts, the test drivers finally managed to find a velocity at which the model didn’t hit any cones. That speed was only around 40 mph (65 kph), which is a very modest figure for an electric vehicle. Larger and less sporty models such as the Hyundai Tucson PHEV and Kia Niro were both significantly faster and safer in the maneuver. The Smart #1 Brabus, in turn, continued showing oversteer, though less severe than at higher speed.

Electric Vehicles On The Moose Test:

Mercedes EQE Performs Better Than EQS In Moose Test

Nissan Ariya EV SUV Doesn't Disappoint In The Moose Test

What’s the reason for what we would describe as a complete failure of the moose test? For starters, the mentioned lack of upgrades to the suspension surely has a negative effect on the powerful electric crossover. More importantly, however, the test drivers point out the electronic stability system was way too permissive and there was also a significant body roll. The tires with low rolling resistance are a factor, too.

Source: km77.com on YouTube

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Motor1.com?

Take our 3 minute survey.

- The Motor1.com Team

Share this Story

GO TO COMMENTS

(

)

Got a tip for us? Email: tips@motor1.com

View all comments ( )

Popular

12 Cars With Names That Make Absolutely No Sense

BMW Kept This Hatchback A Secret For Decades

Bugatti Restores One-Off Veyron With A Mirror-Like Aluminum Body

The Gas BMW M3 Isn't Dead: Next-Gen Prototype Roars