THE new all-electric smart #1 will arrive on UK shores later this summer signalling the start of a new era for the smart brand.

Initially available in three production variants - Pro+, Premium and BRABUS - as well as a highly exclusive Launch Edition, the #1 is priced from £35,950.

Over two decades since it first entered the UK market with the revolutionary fortwo, the brand has long been at the forefront of electric vehicle development, launching its first EV test programme over 15 years ago, and becoming the first established automotive marque to complete the transition from internal combustion to fully electric power in 2019.

With the #1, smart combines electrification with the design of Mercedes-Benz and the engineering power of Geely's BEV-dedicated SEA platform.

The proportions of the #1 take a different design direction to that of the diminutive city cars for which the brand is known.

"We are very proud of what we achieved with the smart #1," said David Browne, chief executive, smart UK. "From the exceptional standard specification of the entry level Pro+, which offers features usually associated with luxury cars, to the incredible performance of BRABUS, which leaves purpose-built sports cars trailing in its wake. We look forward to the media and public alike getting to experience the entire #1 line-up as we build toward our full market launch later this summer."

Thesmart #1 Pro+offers a remarkably well-equipped standard specification with an extensive range of driving assistance systems, panoramic sunroof, ACC (adaptive cruise control), heated seats, a 360-degree surround camera, intelligent voice assistance, LED lights and a powered tailgate.

The Pro+ has a range of 260 miles and a 0-62mph performance of 6.7 seconds.

In addition to the features already available on the Pro+, thesmart #1 Premiumoffers a sound system by Beats, a head-up display (HUD), CyberSparks+ Matrix LED headlights and APA (automatic parking assist).

Priced from £38,950, the Premium offers a greater range of 273 miles with a silicon carbide invertor and heat pump for improved response and efficiency, as well as a 22kW three-phase on board charger for 10-80 per cent AC charging in less than three hours.

The exclusivesmart #1 Launch Editionis limited to 100 UK examples and will be available from £39,450.

Thesmart #1 BRABUS, opens a completely new chapter for smart and BRABUS, continuing a story that the two brands began in 2003.

Priced from £43,450, the #1 BRABUS has more aggressive styling, bonnet vents, contrast paint and 19-inch wheels, while inside it has an Alcantara steering wheel, microfibre suede seats and headrests with BRABUS design stitching add to the sporty feel of the car alongside red seatbelts and metal pedals.

With power increased from 200kW to 315 kW and torque up from 343 Nm to 584 Nm it has all-wheel drive to ensure traction and aid acceleration, as well as a specifically calibrated BRABUS driving mode giving the BRABUS a 0-62mph performance of 3.9 seconds - almost twice as quick as the standard model.

The #1 has a wheelbase of 2.75 metres, is a full five-seater and has a boot of 421 litres expanding to 986 litres with the rear seats folded.

It has achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety score and standard driver assistance features include blind spot monitoring, emergency autonomous braking, highway assist) evasive manoeuvre assist, emergency lane keep assist, traffic jam assist as well as adaptive cruise control with stop and go.