Review of the Smart #3

The new Smart #3 presents an intriguing blend of style, performance, and advanced technology, making it a noteworthy contender in the electric vehicle market. This compact electric SUV stands out with its sleek design and impressive features, offering a robust 268bhp and 283 miles of range from its single-motor rear-wheel-drive setup.

Rivals to the Smart #3 include the Volvo EX30, Skoda Enyaq, Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV.

Our Smart #3 review covers:

• Boasts a sleek, modern appearance and athletic stance
• Well-designed interior featuring high-quality materials and comfortable seats
• 255-litre boot, expanding to 1,010 litres with rear seats down
• Smooth driving experience with precise steering and a quiet cabin
• Five trim levels are available: Pro, Pro +, Premium, Brabus and 25th Anniversary Edition

Pros:

• Roomy interior
• Sporty appearance
• Efficient electric powertrain

Cons:

• Boot Space
• Ride and handling
• Infotainment Complexity

The Smart #3 boasts a contemporary and sporty design, characterised by its sharp lines and aerodynamic profile. Its athletic stance is complemented by a distinctive front grille and sleek LED headlights, giving it a modern, urban appeal. The range also includes a Brabus variant with unique exterior touches and larger wheels, enhancing its aggressive look.

Inside, the Smart #3 offers a well-thought-out and user-friendly layout. The dashboard features high-quality materials and a large, responsive central touchscreen, providing easy access to infotainment and navigation systems. The seats are designed for comfort, offering ample support for long journeys. Despite its compact size, the Smart #3 provides generous front storage and a practical cabin layout, making it a convenient choice for urban drivers.

The boot space in the Smart #3 is modest, with a capacity of 255 litres, which can be expanded to 1,010 litres with the rear seats folded down. While it may not be the largest in its class, the boot is well-shaped and practical for everyday use. This makes it suitable for carrying shopping, luggage, or other everyday items without sacrificing too much passenger space.

The interior of the Smart #3 is a harmonious blend of luxury, technology, and practicality. The cabin is adorned with high-quality materials, providing a premium feel that enhances the overall driving experience. The ergonomic seats are designed for optimal comfort, offering excellent support for both short and long journeys.

Central to the dashboard is a large, responsive touchscreen that simplifies access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings, making every drive more enjoyable. Ambient lighting adds a touch of sophistication, creating a pleasant atmosphere that can be adjusted to suit your mood.

Despite its compact exterior, the Smart #3 boasts a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom, ensuring that all passengers can travel in comfort. The standard panoramic roof further enhances the sense of space, providing an open and airy environment.

Five trim levels are available: Pro, Pro +, Premium, Brabus and 25th Anniversary Edition.

Pro: Panoramic roof, air conditioning, touchscreen infotainment system, lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking. Basic safety features and essential comforts.

Pro +: Upgraded upholstery, enhanced audio system, adaptive cruise control. Additional driver assistance features and improved interior quality.

Premium: Larger touchscreen, premium sound system, heated front seats, ambient lighting. Luxury materials and advanced technology for a premium experience.

Brabus: More powerful motor, unique exterior styling, larger wheels, sport-tuned suspension. Sporty design elements and enhanced performance features.

25th Anniversary Edition: Exclusive design elements, commemorative badging, features from Premium and Brabus trims. Celebratory touches and a fully-loaded specification.

The new Smart #3 range offers a compelling blend of power, performance, and driving experience, making it an attractive option for UK buyers seeking an electric crossover.

The Smart #3 range includes several trims, each with distinct powertrains. The entry-level Pro model features a 49kWh battery and a rear-mounted 200kW electric motor, producing 268bhp. This setup enables a 0-62mph sprint in 5.8 seconds and offers a range of up to 202 miles. For those seeking more range, the Pro+ and Premium models come with a 66kWh battery, extending the range to between 258 and 283 miles while maintaining the same power output.

For performance enthusiasts, the Brabus variant is particularly noteworthy. It boasts a dual-motor setup delivering a combined 422bhp and four-wheel drive, allowing it to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds. This model's powerful performance does come with a trade-off in range, offering around 220 miles on a full charge.

The driving experience of the Smart #3 is designed to be both engaging and comfortable. In eco-focused drive modes, it provides a smooth and efficient ride, ideal for motorway driving and urban commutes. The car's handling is responsive, and its compact size makes it easy to navigate through city streets. The Brabus model, with its larger 20-inch wheels, offers a firmer ride, which may be less forgiving on uneven British roads, but still manages to absorb most road imperfections effectively.

Inside, the Smart #3 features a modern, spacious cabin with a large panoramic glass roof that enhances the feeling of space. The front seats are sporty and supportive, adding to the overall comfort during long drives. However, the boot space is somewhat limited, holding just 370 litres, which might be a consideration for those needing more cargo room.

The Smart #3 is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £32,260.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £383.34.

If you're considering leasing a Smart #3, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).

Leasing a Smart #3 can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.

It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.