Smart #3 all-electric coupé-SUV teased ahead of official unveiling

Smart has issued details and sketches of the new #3 all-electric coupé-SUV ahead of its official premiere next month.

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It’s the second model to launch following the Smart #1 crossover due this summer, and continues the renewal of the Smart brand.

Now co-owned by both Daimler and Volvo parent Geely and repositioned as an all-electric carmaker, the brand divvies up new models by handing styling to the Mercedes-Benz Design network while Geely takes care of engineering and manufacture.

Dirk Adelmann, CEO Smart Europe, said the #3 “will be a vital element of our product portfolio that enables us to further shape urban mobility”.

Larger than the #1, the new model is reported to sit on the same modular SEA platform also used for other Geely models and is expected to include rear- and all-wheel drive variants. As with the #1, the new arrival is also due to deliver a Brabus performance-focused variant. Range is yet to be announced.

Design has been taken care of via the Mercedes-Benz global design team and echoes features from the #1. Elements include the “shark nose” and an A-shaped wide grille plus a two-tone roof.

“This muscular, yet elegantly sensual and perfectly balanced attraction of opposites makes the design an important milestone in the evolution of Smart’s premiumness’ core value,” said Gorden Wagener, chief design officer of Mercedes-Benz AG. “The design of the #3 is emotionally confident, attracting and even thrilling the viewer.”

The Smart #3 will premiere at Auto Shanghai 2023 on 18 April while the #1 is due to start deliveries in the UK from Q3. The smaller Smart has already secured a five-star rating in Euro NCAP tests and will be available in Pro+ and Premium versions with a rear-wheel drive 268hp powertrain, and a range-topping Brabus version with a dual-motor setup that delivers 415hp and a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds.

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.