2024 Smart #3 emerges as BMW iX1 rival

The 2024 Smart #3 has been unveiled ahead of the compact coupe-style SUV’s official launch at the Shanghai motor show later today.

Created to be a more rakish take on the Smart #1, the all-new Mercedes-Benz-designed Smart #3 is the second car to be introduced under the Benz/Geely partnership.

Leaked ahead of its reveal, we already know that the Smart #3 features an aerodynamic body that uses grille shutters, tweaked air curtains, wind-cheating wheel rims and a revised diffuser and front spoiler to slash the drag coefficient from 0.29Cd to just 0.27Cd.

Measuring 4400mm long, 1800mm wide and 1600mm tall, with a 2785mm wheelbase, the Smart #3 sizes up closely to the BMW iX1.

Both range and performance have yet to be revealed but the Smart #3, thanks to its tweaked aero, is said to be quieter and more refined at speed than the Smart #1.

While Mercedes-Benz took responsibility for the design, the Smart #3 sits on the advanced new Geely-developed SEA architecture.

Inside, the Smart #3 should look almost identical to the Smart #1, featuring a large 12.8-inch infotainment screen that is both customisable and includes a 3D avatar that acts as an on-board assistant.

Ahead of the driver will be a smaller 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a generous 10.0-inch head-up display.

Set to weigh in at 1740-1890kg, the entry-level Smart #3 is primed to use a 200kW single-motor powertrain driving the rear wheels, while the most powerful version will get two electric motors that pump out 315kW/543Nm combined.

The punchy dual-motor set-up will drive the Smart #3 Brabus that should return a 0-100km/h sprint of just 3.7 seconds.

Battery specs are still to be confirmed, but it’s a safe bet that the 66kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery from the Smart #1 will be employed. If so, expect the bigger Smart #3 to have a driving range of 420-440km.

Right-hand drive variants of the Smart #1 are set to go on sale by mid-2023 in markets like the UK, followed by the bigger Smart #3 just months later.

However, it’s still not known if there are plans set in motion to launch both EVs in Australia.

In markets like the UK, Smart sells its cars via the Mercedes-Benz dealer network – a business model that could be replicated here for the micro-car brand, which left our market in 2015.

Another avenue for the revived Smart brand in Australia could be to leverage Geely’s relaunch here.

According to sources speaking to carsales, the Chinese auto-maker is hunting for a local distribution partner for a full-scale launch in our market.

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