Smart is back in a big way with its #1 and #3 compact SUV models, now available around Australia through well-known Mercedes-Benz distributor LSH Auto.
Yes, the same ‘Smart’ that sold the bizarre little ForTwo models in Australia some 20 years ago. This time though, the marque’s offerings have grown in size and they’re all-electric.
Back in 2019 Mercedes-Benz AG partnered with Geely Holding Group to take the Smart brand into the future, launching the #1 and #3 just a few years later. Since 2022 the company says it has sold more than 100,000 of the two models across 30 global markets.
LSH Auto is likely to have chosen a winner then, as it brings the successful model range to the Australian market with a mix of brand heritage and proven sales success on its side.
“The Australian automotive market is more than ready for these innovative, forward-looking and visually stunning vehicles which we know will excite and thrill our customers,” said LSH Auto Australia Managing Director, John Good.
The #1 and #3 are built on Geely’s modular SEA platform and each is offered in three trim grades, including performance-focused Brabus models. For those who want a city-friendly compact SUV with loads of space (up to 986 litres), the #1 is the pick. The #3, on the other hand, is a more dynamic SUV with a coupe-like silhouette and slightly more performance.
Fleet Auto News was invited to test the range of #1 and #3 models, including the punchy Brabus variants, but before we get into how they drive – what do they offer and how much will they cost?
The #1 comes in three variants, starting with the base-spec Pro+ that is priced from $54,900, followed by the mid-spec Premium from $58,900, and then its a sizable jump to the Brabus at $67,900.
The base-spec Pro+ and mid-range Premium variants of the #1 feature a 200kW/343Nm motor driving the rear wheels. Both feature a 66kWh battery and Smart claims a WLTP range of 420km for the Pro+ and 440km for the Premium, while DC fast-charging from 10 to 80 percent will take less than 30 minutes.
Brabus models use a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup, with increased outputs of 315kW/543Nm and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.9 seconds. The Brabus does use the same 66kWh battery, but with a WLTP range of 400km it’ll still go the distance – at least according to Smart.
Our own testing had the Brabus #1 using around 20kW/100km, which is still reasonable given we were driving it relatively hard, against the single-motor base model which achieved 14kWh/100km.
The #3 is a physically longer model overall, with an extended wheelbase, which allows similar levels of interior space despite its sloping coupe styling. Lowering the front seats helps too, with similar levels of interior space across models.
The Pro+ and Premium #3 models use the same 200kW/343Nm rear-wheel drive powertrain as the #1 models, but range is improved at 435km and 455km respectively. The Brabus model also shares the same powertrain as the #1 version, but it’s 0.2 seconds faster to 100km/h and can travel an extra 15km before running out of charge. Not bad for a larger model.
The Smart range features a high-tech interior across models, with a 12.8-inch infotainment display powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset combined with ECARX’s software stack. Perhaps not as cute in the eyes of local buyers but popular in China, Smart has included an AI avatar, displayed as a fox in the #1 and cheetah in the #3, to help keep occupants company.
Outside, a modern German-designed body features concealed door handles, an active grille shutter, fluid indication and Y-shaped front and rear light bands, panoramic sunroof and Matrix LED headlights. The #3 is undoubtedly more exciting visually, which head designer at Smart, Kai Sieber, says was very much the intention, but the two do still look like model siblings.
“The emotionally confident, athletic, aerodynamic exterior design combined with the most futuristically premium and exquisite cabin in the segment make the #3 a truly thrilling masterpiece,” Mr Sieber said.
A full suite of ADAS features is included as standard across the range, which includes adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, traffic sign recognition, lane change assist, highway assist with lane change assist and traffic jam assist, and automatic parking assist.
So far, the Smart range has received a five-star NCAP rating, but LSH Auto confirmed it plans to have the vehicles put through the ANCAP process.
Smart offers all models with a five-year/150,000 kilometre warranty, while the battery is covered for eight years or 150,000km.
How does it drive?
We spent time driving every variant, but our picks would be the base model of both the #1 and #3 and here’s why…
The drive component of the launch started at LSH Auto’s flagship Mercedes-Benz dealership in Brisbane, with the entire first floor now dedicated to the incoming Smart brand.
Navigating congestion on our way to Byron Bay, a couple of hours south, the Smart models performed like any good city EV should. The interior, though, is premium at this price point and comfort is top tier.
Unable to properly test performance, we enjoyed the low-speed experience the Smart models offer. Unfortunately, the vehicle swaps were all too frequent, meaning we couldn’t really get acquainted with a variant before being shuffled into another.
The Brabus models offer wack-in-the-back acceleration, but distinguishing between the two models was difficult. In fact, regardless of whether we were in a #1 or #3, irrespective of the variants, they all felt very similar.
The only real giveaway from the driver’s seat is that the #3 has a lower seating position and sloping roofline visible through the rear-vision mirror. Overall visibility is therefore better in the #1.
Nothing about either model, factoring in even the Brabus top-speccers, jumps out as particularly good or bad. They’re just very well-designed, sturdy, and capable urban SUVs. That might sound like a bad thing, but it’s not.
Most modern vehicles are good, in fact it’s not often we experience a truly bad example. But all have their downsides, or niggles. The Smart #1 and #3 are alarmingly consistent across dynamics, infotainment, safety and overall driving experience. Even the spec sheets are hard to fault, from driving range to onboard tech.
This is perhaps the approach Smart is taking now, at least for its first two new models, opting for ordinary over obscure. They’ve made good, everyday electric SUVs without trying to reinvent the wheel.
The #5, revealed shortly after the drive to Byron Bay, is a different story. It’s genuinely high-tech and has features – like the built in movie projector – that are truly unique. But steady as they go, Smart put a couple of solid do-it-all models forward before stepping out with anything too adventurous.
The #1 and #3 are solid, smart examples of a city EV, combining German design with Chinese EV know-how. For that reason, they’re incredibly good at most things and the brand’s Mercedes-Benz alignment is likely to help with residual values.
Smart #1 pricing (excluding on-road costs):
- Pro+ – $54,900
- Premium – $58,900
- Brabus – $67,900
Smart #3 pricing (excluding on-road costs):
- Pro+ – $57,900
- Premium – $61,990
- Brabus – $70,900
