Smart order books to open in July

Smart Automobile has announced its return to the Australian market today, just as carsales exclusively reported it would last week, confirming it will relaunch here earlier than expected in the third quarter of 2024 with both the Smart #1 and Smart #3 compact electric SUVs – full pricing and specifications for which will be announced in June.

The German-Chinese brand will be distributed in Australia by LSH Auto – the country’s biggest Mercedes-Benz retailer – which has now hinted at an aggressive pricing model on par with “current non-premium EV offerings of similar size” and confirmed the local availability of a pair of high-performance Brabus versions pumping out some 315kW/543Nm.

A quick glance over the local EV catalogue points to a sub-$60,000 starting figure for at least the Smart #1, which would see it undercut the closely-related Volvo EX30 (priced from $59,990 plus on-road costs) and rubbing shoulders with the Hyundai Kona Electric ($54,000 plus ORCs).

So it’s unlikely that established Chinese brands like BYD, MG and GWM will have much to worry about, since their cheapest EVs are priced well below the $50K mark.

Odds are the local Smart range will look similar to Volvo’s current EV line-up, with at least two or three variants of each model likely to be offered, comprising budget-friendly, shorter-range versions of the #1 and #3 through to 455km mile-munchers and dual-motor sports car poachers.

Both models ride on the Geely Group’s widely-employed SEA platform and incorporate the same mechanical hardware – batteries and motors – as the aforementioned EX30.

Their exterior designs, meantime, are provided by Mercedes-Benz.

LSH said it will sell and service Smart vehicles via its established Mercedes-Benz CBD dealerships in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, given Australia’s three biggest cities are where the majority of EVs are sold.

However, it does have plans to expand Smart’s retail presence to Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania in the “near future” – but not this year.

After an absence of about a decade Down Under, Smart cars will become available to order by July, ahead of first customer deliveries by September. Australia will be the first Oceania market in which the rejuvenated EV brand in launched.

“It’s clear that increasing numbers of Australians are drawn to the advantages of EV mobility. Entering a growing market with a premium product, presented by a premium partner, is the best possible outcome,” said Smart Automobile chief marketing officer Mandy Zhang.

“We are confident the new Smart range will connect with Australian EV needs, and that LSH Auto Australia will add a customer experience that will make the overall proposition extremely attractive.”

Sitting atop the range will be the 315kW/543Nm Brabus twins capable of hitting 100km/h in 3.9 seconds – thanks to a unique ‘Brabus’ drive mode and high-performance Continental tyres – making them more than half a second quicker than the other dual-motor versions despite offering no more firepower.

The performance of the flagship Brabus twins is backed up by a reworked suspension set-up, more aggressive exterior design cues and a sports car-like interior packed with black suede, red highlights, metallic trim, sport seats, unique Brabus head restraints and an Alcantara and leather-trimmed steering wheel.

Smart’s looming introduction takes the number of Chinese brands coming Down Under by the end of 2025 from 12 to 13, and no doubt more new auto brands will be confirmed for the booming Australian market soon.

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