While Smart has only just officially launched in Ireland with the electric #1, it's already doubling its offering with the arrival of the #3. And like the first car, it's another electric crossover, only this time it features swoopy coupe-like bodywork.
Same, but different
From the outside, the Smart #3 has a similar style to the #1, with the same slender, full-width light bars front and rear, flush-fitting doorhandles and the bare minimum of exterior details. But rather than just slap a sloping roof on the latter to make the former, Smart has stretched the #3 so it's longer, lower, wider and has a longer wheelbase than the #1, while the doors feature frameless windows for a sporty touch.
The #3 is bigger to create its sportier proportions, and it also means there's a bit more space inside. There's a 370-litre boot that increases to 1,160 litres with the back seats folded - the #1 has measurements of 273 and 986 litres, respectively.
Under the skin, both cars are built on the same electric car platform, sourced from Chinese firm Geely, joint partner in Smart with Mercedes-Benz. Both cars are built in China, with 49kWh or 66kWh batteries offered, and two powertrain options are also available, either a 272hp rear-wheel-drive variant, or a 428hp four-wheel-drive system.
Irish presence
The launch of Smart in Ireland is being conducted via selected Mercedes-Benz showrooms across the country, which will have their own dedicated Smart spaces. The five-model #3 range kicks off with the Pro version, which is priced from €38,714 including the SEAI grant (which all versions of the #3 qualify for).
The Pro comes with the 272hp rear-drive layout and the 49kWh battery, which is good for a WLTP-tested range of 325km. Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with auto main beam, powered and heated front seats trimmed in synthetic leather, a 12.8-inch central touchscreen display, a 360-degree camera system for help with parking, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, keyless entry, a panoramic roof, wireless phone connectivity and charging, plus a full suite of safety systems.
The Pro+ starts from €43,821, and the main difference between it and the Pro is the introduction of the bigger 66kWh battery, which gives it a WLTP-tested range of up to 435km. It also gets faster 150kW DC charging (up from 130kW for the Pro), and AC charging accommodates three-phase 22kW tech. Charging times for the smaller battery from a 7.4kWh source are five and a half hours from 10-80 per cent, or less than half an hour from a 130kW source. The same is true of 150kW charging the bigger battery, while a 22kW charge means less than three hours from 10-80 per cent.
The #3 Premium starts from €51,105 and adds adaptive main beam headlights, automatic parking control, a 10-inch head-up display, a Beats audio sound system and 64-colour ambient LED interior lighting. It also comes with the 66kWh battery and 272hp electric motor, which delivers a 0-100km/h time of 5.8 seconds.
Anniversary special
One curiosity of the #3 line-up is the 25th Anniversary edition. While Smart is new as an official brand in Ireland, the company has been in existence for 25 years and this €51,765 model celebrates the company's birthday. It's based on the Premium trim, but features white paint and a white interior, an exclusive 19-inch alloy wheel design, red detailing and what's called a 'Galaxy' roof, which adds clever lighting tech within the panoramic glass.
At the top of the range. the Smart #3 Brabus features the full-power, four-wheel-drive set-up, which gives it an official range of 415km and a 0-100km/h time of 3.7 seconds. This sportier model also gets 20-inch wheels, a racier body kit with red detailing, microfibre upholstery and cabin trim, an Alcantara-finished steering wheel, red brake calipers and a special Brabus drive mode. This version starts from €56,500.
The whole Smart #3 range is available to order now.