The new Smart #3 has been unveiled, with the new coupé-SUV becoming the brand’s second bespoke electric car after the #1.
Set to arrive in the UK early next year, the new #3 – pronounced ‘hashtag 3’ – was unveiled at the Shanghai motor show, and is the latest model to come out of the reinvented Smart brand. And before you ask; we’re not sure what happened to the #2 either.
The rakish SUV is similar in design to the smaller #1, with a pair of slim LED headlights forming part of the car’s ‘shark nose’ front end design.
New Smart #1 to arrive in UK in 2023 with special Launch Edition
Like the #1 the new Smart SUV majors on aerodynamic efficiency, features concealed door handles and smooth body lines. At the rear, the boot lid mirrors the front end, with an LED light bar sitting in the middle of the tailgate.
Smart is co-owned by Chinese giant Geely and Mercedes-Benz. As with the #1, the new EV is built on Geely’s bespoke electric SEA platform, but has been styled by the Mercedes-Benz design team. Smart says it hopes to bring new customers to the brand, while fending off rivals in the form of the Ford Explorer, Jeep Avenger and Mini Aceman.
Commenting on the launch, Smart’s European boss, Dirk Adelmann said: ““We are proud to finally present our first-ever sports utility coupé, the all-new smart #3 to the world. As an all-electric pioneer smart is committed to uncompromising quality of experience and interactions.
“Our goal has always been to address the multifaceted and changing needs for mobility. Therefore, smart will keep on expanding its product family to offer a variety of cars that optimally suit different customer groups and lifestyles.”
While Smart has yet to give official details about the #3, plenty of information has come out about it due to the publication of patent information in China. That shows the model will be around 4400mm long, 1800mm wide and 1600mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2785mm.
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The Smart #3 will also offer a choice of single- and twin-motor powertrains, with outputs similar to those offered on the Smart #1. That means entry-level models will offer 200kW, rising to a potent 315kW for the range-topping twin-motor version, which will carry Smart’s Brabus performance badge.
As with the #1, the new #3 is expected to use a 66kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery that will offer around 270 miles of range, and allow for 150kW charging speeds.
Inside the #3 is very similar in its layout to the #1, with the centre console flowing into the dashboard which houses the 12.8in central infotainment screen. It also gets a 13-speaker sound system from Beats and a panoramic roof.
The Smart #3 will arrive next year, with the #1 set to launch in the UK this summer. While Smart has not yet revealed the cost of the #3, a starting price of around £45,000 is likely, bringing it close to rivals like the Volkswagen ID 5 and Skoda Enyaq.
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