Overview
The Smart #3 is a fully electric compact coupe-SUV developed through the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely. Positioning itself as a sportier, sleek-profiled sibling to the taller Smart #1, it targets buyers seeking a distinctive blend of premium design, engaging performance, and everyday usability. Built on Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture, the crossover enters a competitive segment dominated by the Volvo EX30, Cupra Tavascan, and Skoda Elroq. It delivers a refined balance of distinctive style, advanced software, and dynamic handling, marking a mature step forward for the reinvented Smart brand.
Design
The Smart #3 adopts a crossover-coupe shape characterized by swept-back lines, smooth surfaces, and an aerodynamic profile that yields a drag coefficient of 0.27. Up front, a continuous LED light bar connects sharp matrix headlights, sitting above an active shutter grille. The sweeping roofline tapers into a subtle rear spoiler and a full-width taillight element. Flush deployable door handles, frameless windows, and bold alloy wheel designs ranging from 19 to 20 inches enhance the sleek side profile, giving the vehicle an athletic stance compared to traditional boxy crossovers.
Interior
Inside, the cabin pairs Mercedes-Benz design cues with modern digital architecture. The focal point of the dashboard is a high-definition 12.8-inch central touchscreen paired with a slim 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch head-up display on higher trims. High-mounted central air vents mirror the rounded aesthetic of the exterior. Material quality feels solid across the main areas of the dash, featuring ambient lighting with 64 customizable colors. The infotainment software incorporates a stylized 3D avatar assistant and features standard integrated navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Performance & Powertrains
Powertrain options start with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 268 hp and 343 Nm of torque, delivering a 0-62 mph sprint time of 5.8 seconds. Entry Pro models use a 49 kWh LFP battery offering up to 202 miles of range. Pro+, and Premium models feature a larger 66 kWh NCM battery. Range reaches up to 283 miles on single-motor 66 kWh variants. DC rapid charging speeds peak at 130 kW for the smaller battery and 150 kW for the larger pack, enabling a 10% to 80% charge in around 30 minutes.
Practicality
Despite the sloping roofline, headroom remains reasonable for adult passengers in the rear seats, aided by a standard panoramic glass roof. Boot capacity stands at 370 litres with the rear seats raised, expanding to 1,160 litres when the 60/40 split rear seats are folded flat. A tiny 15-litre frunk under the bonnet provides dedicated storage for charging cables. Cabin storage includes a large floating center console with covered compartments, twin cupholders, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and deep door bins to keep everyday items secure.
Buying
Pricing for the Smart #3 starts at £32,950 for the entry Pro trim with the 49 kWh battery. Stepping up to the Pro+ with the 66 kWh battery costs £36,950, while the feature-packed Premium trim is priced from £39,950. Standard equipment across the lineup includes a panoramic roof, 360-degree parking cameras, adaptive cruise control, and a full driver-assistance suite. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the Premium trim, which offers the optimal balance of range, a 22 kW AC onboard charger, a heat pump for cold-weather efficiency, and a 13-speaker Beats audio system.