Smart 3 EV: Comprehensive Review of Specs, Features, and Value

Introduction to the Smart 3 Electric Vehicle

The automotive industry is rapidly evolving, with electric vehicles (EVs) becoming increasingly prevalent. Among the newest entrants in this competitive market is the Smart 3, a compact electric car that aims to blend German engineering with Chinese manufacturing prowess. This article provides a comprehensive review of the Smart 3, delving into its specifications, features, pricing, and how it stacks up against its rivals in the EV sector.

The Smart Brand: A Brief Overview

Before we dive into the specifics of the Smart 3, it's worth understanding the brand's background. Smart, once known for its diminutive city cars, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. The brand is now a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, two automotive giants with very different backgrounds.

This partnership, formed in 2019, saw Geely invest approximately 830 million into the venture, essentially reviving a brand that was on the brink of obsolescence. The joint venture, officially named Smart Automobile Company Limited, was established in January 2020. While the vehicles are manufactured in China, Mercedes-Benz claims to handle the design aspect.

In July 2020, Smart Europe GmbH was set up to manage sales, marketing, and after-sales activities for the brand in Europe. This move signaled Smart's intention to expand beyond its traditional markets and compete in the broader EV landscape.

Smart's Current Lineup

Smart's current lineup consists of three models:

1. Smart 1
2. Smart 3
3. Smart 5 (upcoming)

The Smart 3, which is the focus of this article, is positioned as a compact EV, similar in size to vehicles like the Zeekr X or BYD Atto 3. It's important to note that Smart positions itself as a premium brand, aiming to compete with established luxury automakers rather than mass-market EV producers.

Smart 3: Dimensions and Exterior

Let's start by examining the physical attributes of the Smart 3:

• Length: 4.4 meters
• Wheelbase: 2,785 mm
• Weight: 1,780 kg
• Tire width: 235 mm (eco-friendly tires)
• Boot space: 370 liters

In terms of size, the Smart 3 is comparable to the BYD Atto 3 or the Zeekr X. It's a compact vehicle, but not as small as the original Smart cars that the brand was known for. The boot space, at 370 liters, is relatively modest for its class.

Performance and Powertrain

The Smart 3 comes with different powertrain options depending on the trim level:

Pro Plus (Base Model)

• Single motor configuration
• Power output not specified in the provided information

Premium

• Single motor configuration
• Slightly more powerful than the Pro Plus model

Brabus

• Dual motor, all-wheel-drive configuration
• 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.7 seconds

It's worth noting that the Brabus version uses similar motors to those found in the Zeekr X all-wheel-drive variant, suggesting a level of parts sharing within the Geely group.

Battery and Range

The Smart 3 is equipped with a 66 kWh battery pack, with a usable capacity of 63 kWh. The battery chemistry is described as lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC), which is different from the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries used in some competing models.

Range figures for the Smart 3 are as follows:

• Single motor versions: 440 km (WLTP)
• All-wheel-drive Brabus version: 400 km (WLTP)

These range figures are competitive but not class-leading. For comparison, they are similar to what the Zeekr X offers with a comparable battery size.

Charging Capabilities

The charging capabilities of the Smart 3 are not fully detailed in the provided information. However, we know that the Premium version offers improved AC charging compared to the base model. The exact DC fast charging speeds are not mentioned, which is a crucial piece of information for potential EV buyers.

It's worth noting that the Smart 3 does not utilize Geely's more advanced battery technologies, such as the "blade battery" or "short blade battery" (also known as the "golden brick battery"). These advanced batteries offer higher energy density (up to 192 Wh/kg) and faster charging capabilities (up to 600 kW). The absence of these technologies in the Smart 3 is somewhat disappointing, especially given its premium positioning.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The Smart 3 is offered in three trim levels in Australia, with prices as follows:

1. Pro Plus (base model): AUD 58,000 (approximately USD 37,000)
2. Premium: AUD 62,000 (approximately USD 39,500)
3. Brabus (all-wheel-drive): AUD 71,000 (approximately USD 45,200)

These prices position the Smart 3 in the premium segment of the compact EV market. It's priced similarly to the Tesla Model Y Standard Range and the Xpeng G6 Long Range, which are both larger vehicles with potentially more advanced features.

Standard Features and Equipment

Let's break down the features and equipment offered in each trim level:

Pro Plus (Base Model)

• 12.8-inch center touchscreen
• 9.2-inch driver instrument cluster
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• 6-way adjustable driver and front passenger seats
• Panoramic roof
• Advanced intelligent drive modes
• Ambient lighting
• PU (polyurethane) steering wheel
• 5-speaker sound system
• LED headlights
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Power tailgate

Premium (in addition to Pro Plus features)

• 10-inch heads-up display
• Beats sound system
• Improved AC charging
• Matrix LED headlights
• Leather upholstery

Brabus (in addition to Premium features)

• Dual motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain
• Sports exterior body styling
• Brabus drive mode
• Red brake calipers
• Microfiber suede upholstery
• Alcantara steering wheel

Safety Features

The Smart 3 comes equipped with a range of safety features, including:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Automatic park assist
• 360-degree camera
• Door open warning
• Traffic jam assist
• Emergency lane keep assist
• Blind spot detection
• Adaptive high beam
• Driver and passenger front airbags

While these safety features are commendable, it's worth noting that some competitors in this price range offer more advanced driver assistance systems.

Comparative Analysis

To better understand the Smart 3's position in the market, let's compare it to some of its key competitors:

Smart 3 vs. Tesla Model Y Standard Range

• Price: Similar
• Size: Model Y is larger
• Range: Model Y offers slightly more range
• Technology: Tesla generally offers more advanced software and autonomous driving features
• Brand recognition: Tesla has stronger EV brand recognition

Smart 3 vs. Xpeng G6

• Price: Similar for comparable versions
• Size: G6 is larger
• Range: G6 offers more range in long-range versions
• Technology: G6 may offer more advanced features, especially in driver assistance

Smart 3 vs. BYD Atto 3

• Price: Smart 3 is more expensive
• Size: Similar
• Range: Similar
• Technology: BYD offers its own advanced battery technology
• Positioning: BYD is positioned more as a mass-market brand

Smart 3 vs. Zeekr X

• Price: Smart 3 is likely more expensive (Zeekr X pricing not provided)
• Size: Similar
• Range: Similar
• Technology: Zeekr may offer more advanced features from the Geely group
• Design: Subjective, but the Zeekr X is described as having a more cohesive design

Strengths of the Smart 3

1. Brand Heritage: The Smart brand, with its connection to Mercedes-Benz, may appeal to buyers looking for a European premium brand.

2. Compact Size: The Smart 3's dimensions make it suitable for urban environments while still offering reasonable interior space.

3. Performance (Brabus version): The all-wheel-drive Brabus model offers impressive acceleration for its class.

4. Premium Interior: The use of materials like leather and Alcantara in higher trims suggests a focus on interior quality.

5. Panoramic Roof: Standard across all trims, adding to the premium feel.

Weaknesses of the Smart 3

1. Price: The Smart 3 is priced at a premium compared to some competitors that offer similar or better specifications.

2. Battery Technology: The use of NMC batteries rather than more advanced technologies like Geely's blade battery is disappointing at this price point.

3. Charging Speed: The lack of information about DC fast charging speeds is concerning, especially when competitors are offering increasingly faster charging rates.

4. Brand Recognition: While Smart has a history in the automotive industry, it's not well-known as an EV brand, which could impact consumer confidence.

5. Limited Model Range: With only two models currently available (Smart 1 and Smart 3), the brand has limited options compared to more established EV manufacturers.

6. Design: The exterior design is described as somewhat odd or strange, which may not appeal to all buyers in this segment.

Future Prospects: The Smart 5

It's worth mentioning that Smart is planning to release a larger model called the Smart 5, which is expected to be similar in size to the Tesla Model Y. This upcoming model is rumored to incorporate more advanced technologies, including:

• 800-volt architecture
• Extremely fast charging (10-80% in 15 minutes, suggesting 500 kW charging capability)
• 25.6-inch heads-up display

The inclusion of these features in the Smart 5 raises questions about why they weren't incorporated into the Smart 3, especially given its premium pricing.

Conclusion: Is the Smart 3 Worth Considering?

The Smart 3 enters a highly competitive EV market with a mix of strengths and weaknesses. Its premium positioning and pricing strategy place it in direct competition with well-established EV brands and models that often offer more advanced features or better value propositions.

Potential buyers might be attracted to the Smart 3 for the following reasons:

1. Brand affinity: Those who appreciate the Smart brand or its connection to Mercedes-Benz might find the Smart 3 appealing.
2. Design preference: If the unique styling of the Smart 3 resonates with a buyer's tastes, it could be a deciding factor.
3. Compact size with premium feel: For those seeking a smaller EV with upscale interior materials, the Smart 3 could fit the bill.
4. Performance (Brabus model): Enthusiasts looking for quick acceleration in a compact package might be drawn to the Brabus version.

However, there are several factors that might make potential buyers hesitate:

1. Price: The Smart 3 is priced at a premium compared to some competitors offering similar or better specifications.
2. Limited technological advancements: The absence of cutting-edge battery technology or charging speeds is noticeable at this price point.
3. Unproven track record: As a relatively new entrant in the EV market, Smart doesn't have the same level of experience or customer feedback as some competitors.
4. Range: While competitive, the range offered by the Smart 3 isn't class-leading, which might be expected given its premium positioning.

Ultimately, the appeal of the Smart 3 will likely come down to individual preferences and priorities. For those who value the brand's heritage, appreciate its design language, and are willing to pay a premium for these attributes, the Smart 3 could be a compelling option. However, for buyers primarily focused on value, technological advancement, or proven EV performance, there may be more suitable alternatives in the market.

As the EV market continues to evolve rapidly, it will be interesting to see how Smart adapts its offerings and whether future updates to the Smart 3 or the introduction of the Smart 5 will address some of the current model's limitations. Potential buyers would be well-advised to test drive the Smart 3 alongside its competitors and carefully consider their specific needs and preferences before making a decision.

In the fast-paced world of electric vehicles, staying informed about the latest developments and comparing options thoroughly is key to making the best choice for your mobility needs. The Smart 3 represents an interesting addition to the compact EV landscape, and its success will ultimately be determined by how well it meets the evolving expectations of electric vehicle consumers.

Article created from: https://youtu.be/cQ0rqR5f3Ro?feature=shared