Smart has made a return to the Australian market, via LSH Auto, launching its #1 and #3 models with deliveries to set commence from September.
The brand that sold quirky two-seaters like the ForTwo in Australia from 2003 to 2015 is back in a big way, with the two all-electric compact SUV models that merge German styling with Chinese tech.
More broadly, the Smart brand was reinvigorated when Mercedes-Benz AG partnered with Geely Holding Group back in 2019, later launching the #1 and #3 in 2022 for Chinese and European markets.
Since then, Smart has gone on to sell more than 100,000 of the new models in 30 markets around the world, leveraging off the Mercedes-Benz affiliation and legacy the eco-focused brand clearly carries.
Both the #1 and #3 are built on Geely’s SEA platform and are offered in three trim grades, which include a performance-focused Brabus model. The #1 is a compact city SUV, while the #3 is a more dynamic sportback-style SUV.
The #1 rides on a 2750mm wheelbase and measures up at 4270mm long, but the focus is on interior space with a high roof, loads of legroom and up to 986 litres of storage despite its modest dimensions.
Base-spec Pro+ and mid-range Premium variants of the #1 feature a 200kW/343Nm motor, fed by a 66kWh battery, and both are real-wheel drive. Smart claims a WLTP range of 420km for the Pro+ and 440km for the Premium, and they can be DC fast-charged from 10 to 80 percent in under half-an-hour.
The dual-motor Brabus model scores visual and handling upgrades, with increased outputs of 315kW/543Nm and a rapid 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.9 seconds. While the Brabus variant uses the same 66kWh battery, Smarts claims an impressive 400km range despite its drastically increased performance.
For those wanting a sleeker silhouette and a little more performance – both in a straight line and through bends – the #3 steps it up. The sportier model is physically bigger, with a wheelbase of 2785mm and 4400mm length, which Smart says allows for a similar amount of interior space despite its steep roofline.
The Pro+ and Premium #3 models use the same 200kW/343Nm rear-wheel drive setup, but offer improved range of 435km and 455km respectively. The Brabus model also shares the same powertrain as its #1 twin, but it can travel up to 415km and will get to triple digits in an even more brisk 3.7 seconds.
All models are a high-tech affair inside, with a 12.8-inch infotainment display powered by a seriously quick Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset combined with ECARX’s software stack. An AI assistant, displayed as a fox in the #1 and cheetah in the #3, helps with any on-the-road queries.
Ambient lighting is standard across models and Premium and Brabus models also get a 13-speaker Beats sound system capable of blasting out 640 watts.
Smart has equipped all models with its full ADAS package, consisting of adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, traffic sign recognition, lane change assist, highway assist with lane change assist and traffic jam assist, and automatic parking assist.
While the range does have a five-star NCAP rating, LSH has confirmed it will put the models through the ANCAP process shortly.
Exterior features like Matrix LED headlights, fluid indication and Y-shaped front and rear light bands add to the modern tech features, while styling themes are shared across all models. The Brabus versions get the most extensive styling treatment though, including air vents on the bonnet that add a menacing flair to the front-end.
All models are covered with a five-year/150,000 kilometre warranty, while the battery is covered for eight years or 150,000km. While seven and even ten-year warranties are starting to become commonplace, Smart is confident its offering will be competitive.
LSH has confirmed that the order books are officially open, with ample stock available across its Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne dealerships. For special orders, the shipping time from the factory is around eight weeks.
The distributor told Fleet EV News that at this time it has no plans to expand its dealer network beyond the three sites, but said it will monitor demand and can assist customers in other cities.
Smart #1 pricing (excluding on-road costs):
- Pro+ – $54,900
- Premium – $58,900
- Brabus – $67,900
Smart #3 pricing (excluding on-road costs):
- Pro+ – $57,900
- Premium – $61,990
- Brabus – $70,900
