Smart and the Bad Joke of the SUV

After the two-seater micro city car, the fleeting roadster and its convertible variant, and the four-door compact cars, Smart is jumping on the SUV bandwagon with the #3.

The Smart #3 was officially unveiled at the Munich IAA, before its scheduled launch in Germany at the end of the year and in other European markets early 2024. While the Fortwo, despite a challenging development process, was a stroke of genius that managed to find its audience generation after generation, in recent years the Smart brand has struggled to find a clear direction.

A Brand Identity to Find

Measuring 4.4 meters long, with a width of 1.844 meters and a height of 1.556 meters, the Smart #3 sports a rounded, smooth appearance. Upon closer inspection, one can find some stylistic markers reminiscent of the Smart #1, but frankly, no real family resemblance stands out. Perhaps a slight animated cartoon vibe with its grumpy face and rounded shape. Still, its identity will need further development in future models.

Inside, the design is more successful with a sporty and original cabin. However, forget about the conviviality between the driver and front passenger, who are separated by a massive central tunnel. Both will likely feel like they are seated in a cocoon, but this comfort is very selfish. The dashboard features a slim, understated console with the option of a head-up display starting from the Premium trim level. A prominent 12.8-inch central screen completes a satisfying equipment package.

The panoramic glass roof, sporty seats with integrated headrests, and a Beats 13 HP sound system complete the basic equipment.

Brabus Trim, High Prices, Still a Smart

The Smart #3 will be available in new exclusive colors, including a Metallic Photon Orange and a Matte Electric Blue. A Vibrant Brown interior finish will also be offered. We’ll see on-site how vibrant brown can really be. There are four trim levels: Pro+, Premium, 25th Anniversary, and Brabus. For the latter, Smart stays true to its sporty heritage with 20-inch wheels that are quite large and firm, an additional weight of 100 kg, and the lowest possible range, at 415 km WLTP compared to 435 for the Pro+ trim and 455 km for the others. Unfortunately, you won’t get the small chrome exhaust that gives a sporty sound to a car that will never truly be sporty. It’s still pretty ridiculous, but as long as it sells…

In Germany, at launch, prices are announced as 43,490 euros for Pro+, 46,490 euros for Premium, 46,990 euros for the 25th Anniversary edition, and as the cherry on top, 50,990 euros for Brabus. Let’s hope potential buyers won’t look into Tesla, MG, or even Renault catalogs, because it would be a shame if the new shareholder Geely gets tired and the Smart brand disappears from the automotive landscape…