The Smart #3 is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) introduced in December 2023, representing a significant expansion of the Smart model lineup. Positioned as a compact SUV-coupe, the #3 aims to blend sporty aesthetics with the practicality of a five-seater, five-door vehicle. Developed under the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, the #3 marks a departure from Smart’s earlier focus on city cars, targeting a broader audience seeking a stylish and efficient electric vehicle. While Smart vehicles have historically been primarily sold in Europe, the #3 represents an effort to increase global appeal, though its US availability remains limited.
Smart #3: Overview and Market Positioning
The Smart #3 occupies a unique niche within the rapidly growing electric vehicle market. It’s designed to appeal to buyers who desire a vehicle that is both visually striking and environmentally conscious. The coupe-SUV body style differentiates it from more conventional SUV offerings, emphasizing a dynamic and modern design. The vehicle’s all-wheel-drive configuration, coupled with its powerful dual-motor setup, delivers impressive performance characteristics. The #3 is intended to compete with other compact electric crossovers, such as the MINI Cooper SE and select models from Hyundai and Kia.
Engine & Performance
The Smart #3 is powered by a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrain. A synchronous electric motor drives the front axle, producing 156 horsepower and 200 Nm (147.51 lb.-ft.) of torque. A second synchronous electric motor powers the rear axle, generating 272 horsepower and 343 Nm (252.98 lb.-ft.) of torque. Combined, the system delivers a total output of 428 horsepower and 543 Nm (400.5 lb.-ft.) of torque. This potent powertrain enables the #3 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.5 seconds, and 0-62 mph or 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 111.85 mph (180 km/h). The 66 kWh lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides (Li-NMC) battery pack is located under the floor, providing a gross capacity of 66 kWh and a WLTP-rated all-electric range of 415 km (257.87 miles).
Design & Features
The Smart #3 boasts a modern and aerodynamic design, characterized by its coupe-like roofline and sculpted body panels. The vehicle features a sleek front fascia with integrated LED headlights and a distinctive grille design. The interior is minimalist and tech-focused, with a large central touchscreen display controlling most vehicle functions. The #3 offers seating for five passengers and provides a comfortable and spacious cabin. Trunk space is configurable, offering a minimum of 370 liters (13.07 cu. ft.) and expanding to 1160 liters (40.97 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Standard safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and electric power steering. The vehicle rides on 20-inch wheel rims with 245/40 R20 tires. The #3 also offers a permitted trailer load of up to 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs) with brakes and 750 kg (1653.47 lbs) without brakes.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Smart |
| Model | #3 |
| Generation | #3 |
| Type (Engine) | 66 kWh (428 Hp) AWD BEV |
| Start of production | December, 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | BEV (Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Coupe, SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 3.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 3.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 3.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.5 kg/Hp, 224.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.5 kg/Nm, 284.3 Nm/tonne |
| Gross battery capacity | 66 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides (Li-NMC) |
| Battery location | Below the floor |
| All-electric range (WLTP) | 415 km (257.87 mi) |
| Electric motor 1 Power | 156 Hp |
| Electric motor 1 Torque | 200 Nm (147.51 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor 1 Location | Front axle, Transverse |
| Electric motor 1 Type | Synchronous |
| Electric motor 2 Power | 272 Hp |
| Electric motor 2 Torque | 343 Nm (252.98 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor 2 Location | Rear axle, Transverse |
| Electric motor 2 Type | Synchronous |
| System power | 428 Hp |
| System torque | 543 Nm (400.5 lb.-ft.) |
| Kerb Weight | 1910 kg (4210.83 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2360 kg (5202.91 lbs.) |
| Max load | 450 kg (992.08 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 370 l (13.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1160 l (40.97 cu. ft.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4400 mm (173.23 in.) |
| Width | 1844 mm (72.6 in.) |
| Height | 1556 mm (61.26 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2785 mm (109.65 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | One electric motor drives the front wheels, one electric motor drives the rear wheels. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 1 gears, automatic transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 245/40 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 20 |
