smart smart #3

Model Overview

Following the smart brand's comprehensive transition to electrification, the smart #3 represents its second global strategic model, positioned as a "new premium sports aesthetics" compact all-electric coupe SUV. The EV officially made its domestic debut in June 2023. On 11 July 2025, the 2026 smart #3 was officially rolled out, retaining its signature design language while receiving extensive equipment upgrades and refinements. The 2026 lineup comprises four variants, including three standard grades (Dynamic Standard Edition at RM164,900, Dynamic Long Range Edition at RM184,900, and Dynamic 4WD Edition at RM209,900), alongside the range-topping BRABUS Performance Edition (RM259,900). In terms of dimensions, the vehicle measures 4400×1844×1556mm (L × W × H) with a wheelbase of 2785mm. As a 5-door, 5-seater compact electric coupe SUV, primary rivals to the smart #3 include the ZEEKR X (RM149,000–RM199,000) and the Audi Q4 e-tron (RM289,900–RM367,100).

Design Language

Penned by the Mercedes-Benz global design team, the smart #3 sports a lower-slung, wider coupe SUV stance with sleeker, tauter body lines compared to the earlier smart #1. The front fascia features a distinctive "shark nose" profile flanked by cyber light and shadow full-width LED matrix headlights, delivering sharp visual recognition. In profile, it exhibits a fluid fastback silhouette, complemented by an aerodynamic bow-shaped roofline integrated with aero-wing elements that minimise rear turbulence while heightening its sporty character. The vehicle achieves an ultra-low drag coefficient of just Cd 0.27. For 2026, two limited-edition exterior shades—Moon Porcelain White and Stardust Blue—have been added, bringing the total offering to 9 bespoke exterior colours matched with 4 interior themes, enabling up to 28 personalised interior and exterior combinations. At the rear, slim full-width LED taillight clusters combine with a sporty rear diffuser-style bumper accented by contrasting trim pieces for a commanding presence.

Inside, the cabin continues the "T-shaped dynamic smart cockpit" architecture. It is equipped with a 9.2-inch slim full-LCD digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch floating central infotainment touchscreen. Distinctive circular air-conditioning vents are neatly arrayed below the centre console. The BRABUS Performance Edition gains a bespoke black-and-red cabin theme, featuring Microfiber ultra-fine suede one-piece sports bucket seats, an Alcantara and leather combination steering wheel, signature red seatbelts, and embossed "B" logos on the headrests.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2026 smart #3 is available with two electric powertrain configurations: single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD):

• Dynamic Standard Edition / Dynamic Long Range Edition (Single-Motor RWD) : Powered by a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering a maximum output of 200kW (272 hp) and a peak torque of 343N·m. The 0-100km/h sprint is completed in 6.7 seconds.

• Dynamic 4WD Edition (Dual-Motor AWD) : Powered by a dual-motor setup (115kW front + 200kW rear) generating a combined output of 315kW (428 hp) and a combined torque of 543N·m. The 0-100km/h sprint takes just 4.3 seconds.

• BRABUS Performance Edition (Dual-Motor AWD) : Sharing the identical dual-motor powertrain (315kW / 543N·m), the 0-100km/h acceleration time is cut down to a blistering 3.6 seconds, delivering supercar-grade performance. It clears the 0-400m sprint in only 11.97 seconds, with a trap speed of up to 180km/h.

For battery options, the lineup offers a 49kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a 66kWh ternary lithium battery. Under CLTC testing standards, the driving range is rated at 415km, 520km, 555km, and 580km respectively. The entire range supports 150kW DC fast charging, taking just 0.5 hours to charge from 10% to 80% state of charge. Top speed is capped at 180km/h across all variants.

Chassis and Handling

The chassis features a setup combining front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear five-link independent suspension. The sports-tuned chassis was co-developed and calibrated by engineering specialists from smart and Mercedes-Benz. The BRABUS Performance Edition boasts an ideal 50:50 axle weight distribution, paired with 245mm wide performance tyres and an agile 5.5-metre turning radius, creating a precise cornering setup with a 100-0km/h braking distance of under 35 metres. Multiple drive modes are available, with the BRABUS model featuring a one-touch BRABUS Mode.

In terms of drivetrain layout, single-motor models feature a rear-mounted rear-wheel drive system, while dual-motor variants employ an electric all-wheel drive system. Steering weighting can be tailored via Automatic, Gentle, Comfort, and Firm modes. The overall damping setup is taut, delivering robust lateral support through corners and excellent body roll suppression.

Cockpit and Features

The cockpit is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 automotive-grade chipset. The infotainment operates on the "Inspiration Planet" smart OS full-scenario digital ecosystem, featuring the "Hi smart" intelligent virtual avatar assistant that supports conversational voice recognition, including continuous dialogue, see-and-say, semantic interruption, and delayed exit. The system also supports wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, remote mobile app controls, and full-vehicle Over-The-Air (OTA) updates.

On the comfort and convenience front, the 2026 range comes standard with a 13-speaker Beats premium audio system (co-engineered with Beats master acoustic engineers), 64-colour dual-zone ambient lighting, illuminated fender logos, illuminated metal door sill scuff plates, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, a panoramic glass roof, a powered tailgate, 3.3kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) reverse charging capability, and an integrated driving video recorder (DVR). Higher-grade variants add a 10-inch full-colour Head-Up Display (HUD). The seats feature an integrated sports headrest design. Furthermore, the 2026 model adopts German-imported INS decorative film trim on the air-con vents and turbine-style rivet seat accents, alongside 28 practical storage compartments throughout the cabin.

Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance

In terms of structural safety, the smart #3 was engineered from the outset to satisfy strict China-Europe Dual Five-Star crash safety standards. Hot-formed high-strength steel is extensively deployed in the A-pillars, B-pillars, and central tunnel, accounting for 19% of the body structure, while high-strength steel overall reaches 74%. The model has earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, exceeding five-star requirements across all four test categories: Adult Occupant (90%), Child Occupant (86%), Vulnerable Road Users (84%), and Safety Assist (85%), ranking top in the small car segment for overall score and adult occupant protection. Furthermore, the smart #3 Pro+ variant secured the top five-star rating from European Green NCAP with an overall score of 95%.

For active safety, the 2026 model comes equipped with the smart Pilot Assist system, with higher-spec variants utilizing up to 23 high-precision sensing hardware units. The system supports up to 23 intelligent driver assistance functions, led by key features such as Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Centering Control (LCC), Automated Parking Assist (APA), Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Traffic Sign Recognition. Passive safety provisions include standard dual front airbags, front side thorax airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags.

Market Performance and Outlook

Since its introduction in 2023, the smart #3 has established a distinctive foothold in the compact all-electric coupe SUV market segment. In 2025, cumulative sales of the smart #3 in China reached approximately 8,564 units, with 644 units delivered in July 2025 alone following the launch of the updated model. Delivery data over the past six months indicates 2,167 units handed over to customers.

Within its class, key rivals to the smart #3 include the ZEEKR X (RM149,000–RM199,000) and the Audi Q4 e-tron (RM289,900–RM367,100). The 2026 iteration significantly sharpens its competitive edge via comprehensive equipment upgrades across the board (including standard 13-speaker Beats audio, 64-colour ambient lighting, and steering wheel heating) and a major price repositioning for the BRABUS Performance Edition (RM259,900). In addition, smart partnered with renowned pop artist Keith Haring to present the Keith Haring Art Special Edition, strictly limited to 1,000 units globally. As the brand's second strategic EV following the #1, the #3 solidifies its unique "new premium sports" market positioning, combining dynamic coupe SUV styling, blistering BRABUS performance, and an all-encompassing suite of smart tech and safety features.