New Smart fortwo & forfour

Smart #1 review

WHAT'S THE VERDICT?

“The Geely underpinnings offer decent range and road manners... but it's not distinctive, interesting or different”

It’s yet another competent, inoffensive but slightly limited crossover entering into a very congested market. The styling is rounded and playful (apart from the toupee-like rear roof treatment) and it feels well made and bright

inside. The Geely underpinnings offer decent range and road manners and it comes across as class competitive. But not distinctive, interesting or different. It's a Kia Soul EV wrapped up in a different body. But then look where distinctive and different got Smart last time round…

It's just a shame that the innovation that used to characterise Smart has gone too. This is a generic crossover built on a borrowed platform. If that doesn’t matter to you, if you can see past the pointlessly tiny frunk and small boot, and the often irritating infotainment and driver awareness systems, then the #1 (yes, we’ve spelled it out) is tempting because it drives cleanly, has good visibility and seems robust. It’s also commendably good value – and if you’re a straight line shove addict, the Brabus version delivers plenty of that.

 
Smart #3 debuts in Europe - the little SUV that packs a big punch

Smart, the maker of cute, tiny cars that always seemed like they were built to squeeze into those impossible city parking spaces, has grown up. Smart cars were the darlings of urban commuters until the company decided it had enough of its cute image and instead, it wanted a piece of the SUV pie. But not just any pie - Smart went all electric. After launching its first all-electric Smart #1, the company has been busy cooking up and launching in China another pint-sized puncher: the Smart #3 SUV. And now it has finally arrived in Europe.

While many SUVs are built like tanks, ready to conquer the wild terrains of suburbia, Smart's approach is refreshing. For starters, let's talk power because Smart is not kidding around here. The base model Smart #3 packs a single electric motor that churns out 268 horsepower. Yes, that's right, from a base model of a Smart car. If that's not enough for your highway escapades, there's the Brabus model with a twin-motor setup producing an eye-watering 422 horsepower. With that much power, the Brabus hits 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, while the base model needs 5.8 seconds.

You'd think that kind of power would mean sacrificing range, but that's where you'd be wrong. The single-motor Smart #3 offers 455 km of WLTP-certified range. Opt for the more powerful Brabus model, and you're still looking at a decent 435 km. That's not bad for a day's adventure. But what if you're in a rush? No problem! With DC fast charging at 150 kilowatts, you can get from 10% to 80% of battery charge in just 30 minutes.

Smart has some special treats for the European debut. The 25th Anniversary Edition is based on the Brabus model, this version features a panoramic galaxy roof, upgraded LED headlights, and an interior that screams luxury. The seats are dressed in two-tone black-and-white leather, and for good measure, Smart thrown in some snazzy red highlights.


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Smart #3

With the all-electric #3, smart is adding a stylish new member to its product family. Its European premiere was the highlight of smart's presentation at the 2023 IAA Mobility, following an impressive debut at Auto Shanghai in April 2023.

"To be unconventional has always been part of smart's identity. With the smart #3, we are expanding our offering in the category of all-electric compact SUVs, meeting all driving needs in the city and in suburban environments, while at the same time moving towards a sportier coupé design. We are excited about the impact our first SUV coupé will have on the European market," says Dirk Adelmann, CEO of smart Europe GmbH.

Distinctive body paired with flowing lines Sporty and exquisite - that is the best way to describe the design of the smart #3. The new addition to the product portfolio delights design fans with a sporty coupé body, athletic curves and a powerful "shark nose." The wide A-shaped grill and slim LED headlights skilfully round off the front view. The rear is accentuated by a striking spoiler. The large wheels also blend harmoniously into the sporty look; the BRABUS even sports 20-inch rims. With a length of 4.4 meters and a width of 1.8 meters the car combines a sleek coupé exterior with a comfortable and roomy interior. Another design highlight is the panoramic halo roof, which sets the mood in the smart #3. The 25th Anniversary Edition even features a panoramic galaxy roof, enhanced by LED details within the panoramic glass panel. The interior features elegant duo leather seats with an integrated headrest.


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Smart reveals powertrain details for the #3, Brabus version will do 0-62mph in 3.7s

First there were pics, now there are powertrains

Following full homologation, Smart has now released details on the powertrains for its second new electric vehicle (EV), the Smart #3. The all-electric SUV-coupe will have two powertrain options and four trim levels.

We already knew a fair bit about the Smart #3 in terms of styling, interior comfort and tech. Now, the brand tells us a 200kW motor – supported by a 66kWh battery – will power the three mainstream trim levels, Pro+, Premium and 25th Anniversary Edition.

That’ll shift the Smart #3 from 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds, through a rear-wheel-drive configuration pushing 253 lb ft torque.

The more potent 315kW set-up, with two motors (200 on the rear axle, 115 on the front) is specially reserved for the Brabus performance edition. With the same 66kWh lithium nickel cobalt manganese battery, it covers 0-62mph in an expeditious 3.7 seconds with all-wheel-drive and 400 lb ft torque.

 
Volvo EX30 vs Volvo XC40 vs Zeekr X vs Smart #3 vs Tesla Model 3 vs Kia Niro vs Kia EV6 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs VW ID 3 vs MG 4 - Autogefühl

 
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