After the #1 which finally arrives in dealerships, Smart, the now German-Chinese brand, is further expanding its models with the Smart 3, a compact SUV Coupé. A model that we were able to discover at the Lyon auto show.
After its unveiling at the Shanghai Motor Show in spring 2023, the Smart #3 made its French premiere at the Lyon Motor Show. This compact (4.40 meters long, or 13 more than the Smart #1) designed by Mercedes, but hiding underneath the technical solutions of the SEA platform (for Sustainable Experience Architecture) of the Geely group (Volvo, Polestar, Zeekr, Lotus…) is the brand’s first SUV Coupe.
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Power. A lot.
Although it will only arrive on our roads next year and the brand has for the moment kept many details concerning it secret, we already know some of its main characteristics. For engines, we are aiming for powers of 200 and 314 kW, which is also found on the Zeekr X and of which we will soon publish the full test. Along the same lines, the onboard AC charger will accept 22 kW, fast charging should be done up to 150 kW and it can be expected that the battery will not have a capacity less than 66 kWh, for a range of between 400 and 450 km.
Inside, the dashboard is structured around a large 12.8-inch central screen oriented in landscape mode and equipped with the Fox connected assistant (the fox, in English. As we were able to evaluate its clone at Zeekr, it seems able to interpret many commands in natural language (opens the rear right window… ) and act on numerous on-board equipment.
A large glass roof will bring interesting light into the cabin, which should offer plenty of space for passengers since the wheelbase is described as “extended” (compared to the Smart #1). The multimedia system will be completed by an audio set 13 speakers from Beats Audio. A “young” choice which a priori fits rather well with the spicy colors which will make up the color chart of its liveries, in particular the metallic Photon Orange on display here.
It remains to be seen whether, after the delay in the ignition of the Smart #1 – also designed on this SEA platform shared with Volvo (EX30), Polestar or even Zeekr, the brand will manage to meet its marketing objective, set for the moment to “early 2024”. As for the price, it is also not known, but we can imagine it somewhere between the 40,000 euros requested for a #1 and the 45,000 euros for an entry-level Zeekr