MG S6 EV vs smart #1
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Track the MG S6 EV & smart #1
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Price Breakdown
The MG S6 EV starts from $49,990 before on-road costs, while the smart #1 opens at $49,900. That makes the smart #1 the more affordable entry point by $90.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $54,989 and $54,890 respectively.
Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases.
Safety Rundown
Both the MG S6 EV and smart #1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the MG S6 EV and 96% for the smart #1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the smart #1, against 7 on the MG S6 EV.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the MG S6 EV and 7 in the smart #1.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
77kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 144kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 144kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
62kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 150kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The MG S6 EV features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the smart #1 gets a 12.8-inch display and 9.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG S6 EV stands out with head-up display, ventilated seats and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the smart #1. The smart #1 counters with Beats audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the MG S6 EV gets vegan leather upholstery while the smart #1 offers leather.
Drivetrain
The MG S6 EV uses a Electric Motor producing 180kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.
The smart #1 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The smart #1 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 180kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the smart #1 is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 77kWh (MG S6 EV) vs 66kWh (smart #1), giving WLTP ranges of 530km and 420km. DC fast charging peaks at 144kW (MG S6 EV) vs 150kW (smart #1).
Space & Comfort
The MG S6 EV measures 4,708mm long on a 2,835mm wheelbase, 438mm longer than the smart #1 at 4,270mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG S6 EV generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 581L in the MG S6 EV and 323L in the smart #1, giving the MG S6 EV a 258L advantage.
For towing, the smart #1 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m diameter
Average
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.8 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.8 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 10 years / 250,000km (MG S6 EV) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1). The MG S6 EV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG S6 EV if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #1 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The smart #1 takes 6 of 11 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the MG S6 EV has a clear edge. The MG S6 EV adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, MG S6 EV and smart #1?
The smart #1 is the cheapest at $49,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MG S6 EV by $90.
Which has the longest driving range?
The MG S6 EV has the most range at 530km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The smart #1 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: MG S6 EV and smart #1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG S6 EV has the largest boot at 581L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG S6 EV has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #1 makes the most power at 200kW. The smart #1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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