A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.2
Comfort & Interior
4.7
Running Costs
3.8
Practicality
4.1
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Thinking about making the leap to autonomous driving technology? The Smart California might be exactly what you’re looking for. This revolutionary self-driving vehicle represents the cutting edge of automotive innovation, offering a glimpse into the future of transportation. It’s the car for people who want to experience tomorrow’s technology today, without the complexity of traditional vehicle ownership.
From the moment you experience it, the Smart California stands out from conventional vehicles. Its sleek, purpose-built design and advanced sensor array give it a distinctive presence that rivals like the Citroen Ami or traditional city cars simply can’t match. But the real magic happens when you step inside. The interior feels like it’s been lifted from a luxury tech company, with minimalist design and cutting-edge displays. You get the sense that everything has been thoughtfully engineered for the passenger experience rather than driver control.
Experiencing the Smart California is unlike anything else on the road. The autonomous systems are smooth and confident, making your daily journey feel effortless and stress-free. It handles urban environments with precision, giving you confidence in busy traffic while remaining comfortable enough for longer trips. It’s a vehicle that aims to transform every journey into a productive or relaxing experience. While it comes with a premium price tag and limited availability, you’re investing in revolutionary technology that represents the future of personal transportation.
How Does the smart california Drive?
The Smart California is designed to be smooth and intelligent, not a traditional performance vehicle. The advanced electric powertrain delivers around 150 horsepower, perfectly calibrated for urban efficiency and autonomous operation. It feels responsive when needed and has enough power for confident merging and overtaking. The real performance story lies in its sophisticated autonomous driving capabilities, which handle complex traffic scenarios with remarkable composure.
Where the Smart California truly excels is in its autonomous driving experience. The steering is precise and predictable, while the advanced sensor suite provides seamless navigation through city streets. The suspension strikes an excellent balance between comfort and stability. It absorbs road imperfections to keep passengers comfortable while maintaining the stability needed for precise autonomous control. This makes it a confidence-inspiring and relaxing compact electric vehicle that’s built to redefine urban mobility.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
Electric motor
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Power Output
150 bhp
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0-60 mph
8.5 seconds
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MPG Combined
- Boot Space
- Safety Rating
- (Advanced autonomous systems)
- 200+ miles range, Fast DC charging
How Comfortable Is the smart california?
Open the door and the difference between the Smart California and traditional vehicles is immediately obvious. This is one of the most advanced interiors in automotive history. The cabin is clean and minimalist, dominated by high-resolution displays and premium materials. The focus is entirely on passenger comfort rather than driver controls. You’ll find supportive seating with excellent adjustment, and everything from the climate control to entertainment operates through intuitive touchscreen interfaces.
The passenger experience is exceptionally refined. The seats are comfortable for extended journeys, with excellent support and premium upholstery. A key benefit is how quiet and serene the cabin feels during autonomous operation. Smart has done an outstanding job of creating a space that feels more like a luxury lounge than a traditional car interior. Standard equipment includes advanced connectivity, premium audio systems, and seamless smartphone integration that transforms travel time into productive or leisure time.
The Smart California is a compelling choice if you’re ready to embrace the future of transportation. It successfully delivers an autonomous driving experience that makes every journey feel revolutionary and stress-free. The interior is a masterclass in passenger-focused design, putting traditional driver-centric layouts to shame. On the road, it’s smooth, intelligent, and remarkably capable in complex urban environments. The trade-offs include limited availability, high costs, and the learning curve of autonomous technology. It’s not a traditional car in any sense, but that’s not its purpose. Its purpose is to be a sophisticated, autonomous transport solution that redefines personal mobility. It achieves this with remarkable success. If you’re an early adopter who appreciates cutting-edge technology and urban convenience, the Smart California represents the future of transportation available today.
smart california Running Costs
As an advanced autonomous vehicle, the Smart California has unique running costs that differ significantly from traditional cars. The electric powertrain is highly efficient, offering excellent range and low charging costs compared to petrol vehicles. You can expect minimal maintenance requirements due to the advanced engineering and fewer moving parts. Insurance considerations are complex, as autonomous vehicle coverage is still evolving in the UK market.
The main consideration is the initial investment and access model. The Smart California typically operates through ride-sharing or subscription services rather than traditional ownership. This means you pay for usage rather than purchase and maintenance costs. When available for private use, expect premium pricing that reflects the advanced technology. Overall, the running costs depend heavily on your usage pattern, but the car finance options available can make this cutting-edge technology more accessible than expected.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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smart california
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Citroen Ami
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Nissan Ariya
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £45,000+ | £6,000 | £35,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | Autonomous EV | City EV | SUV EV |
| Power | 150 bhp | 8 bhp | 238 bhp |
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Running Costs
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Practicality
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Autonomous driving, Premium interior, Advanced tech | Ultra-compact, Affordable, City-focused | Spacious cabin, Long range, Premium feel |
Is the smart california Practical for Everyday Use?
For an innovative autonomous vehicle, the Smart California offers surprising practicality for urban use. The interior space is cleverly optimised for passengers rather than traditional storage needs. The boot space is adequate for daily essentials, shopping, or small luggage. Inside the cabin, you’ll find thoughtful storage solutions designed around the passenger experience rather than driver needs.
Where the Smart California shows its advantages is in its autonomous capabilities. While passenger space is comfortable for adults on most journeys, the real practicality comes from being able to use travel time productively. If you regularly need maximum cargo space, you might want to consider traditional vehicles. However, for urban professionals or anyone who values time efficiency, the Smart California offers a completely different approach to used smart cars, transforming travel from a chore into valuable time.
“An absolutely mind-blowing experience that completely changes how you think about getting around the city. The autonomous technology works flawlessly and the interior is incredibly comfortable. It’s like having a personal chauffeur but even better.” by Marcus Thompson
The Smart California stands out in the automotive landscape by offering genuine autonomous driving technology wrapped in a premium, passenger-focused package. It delivers advanced engineering, revolutionary technology, and a completely reimagined approach to personal transportation. While it may not be the most traditional or affordable option, it excels in areas that matter for the future of urban mobility.
You choose the Smart California because you want to experience the future of transportation today. Its autonomous capabilities, premium interior, and innovative approach make every journey feel special and productive. It’s perfectly suited for urban professionals who value time and technology. If you’re looking for a vehicle that represents a fundamental shift in how we think about transportation, the Smart California should be at the top of your list, especially with how to find the cheapest car finance deals in the uk helping make this technology accessible.