Smart #3: new details confirmed ahead of Shanghai debut
Leaked images show the Smart #3 sports a similar front light bar and rear design to the smaller #1
Electric coupé-SUV upscales the renewed Smart line-up into Volkswagen ID 4 territory
The next step in Smart’s electric evolution will take the form of the firm’s first SUV.
Confirmed by the Mercedes-Benz-owned brand to be badged the Smart #3, the rakish model will be officially unveiled at the Shanghai motor show in April.
It has been designed to bring new customers to the car maker as well as giving the renewed Smart brand a foothold in the increasingly popular rugged crossover market, with likely rivals such as the inbound Jeep Avenger, Mini Aceman and Ford Explorer.
The SUV offers a muscular yet sporty look, with a striking “shark nose” front end design that mirrors the smaller Smart #1, itself arriving in the UK this summer. Thin LED lights front and rear, also seen on the #1, clearly take inspiration from its Mercedes EQ siblings.
Smart Europe CEO Dirk Adelmann called the car “a vital element of our product portfolio that enables us to further shape urban mobility”.
Smart is holding further information of its new car back until the unveiling on 18 April, but information leaked out of China reveals the #3 measures around 4400mm long, 1800mm wide and 1600mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2785mm. That makes it similar in size to the Volkswagen ID 4
The #3 is expected to be fitted with a choice of two motor set-ups that deliver similar power outputs to the smaller #1.
Basic models will feature a single motor with 268bhp and 252lb ft of torque. The line-up is likely to be topped by a Brabus-badged performance variant, with two electric motors providing a hefty power boost over the standard variant.
It’s also rumoured the #3 will weigh between 1870kg and 1890kg, depending on the powertrain.
The #1 currently offers a 66kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery with up to 273 miles of range and 150kW charging. The larger #3 is likely to follow suit.
Sketches show the inside of the #3 will look to resemble that of the #1, albeit with bolstered levels of practicality and a larger boot. The cabin will feature a 9.2in digital instrument cluster and a 12.8in central infotainment display.
In addition, the model will gain four unique wheel designs, bespoke grille colours and the option to add a coloured roof, spoiler and wing mirrors. Privacy glass is also an option.
*Additional reporting by Jack Warrick*