Get smart: New Smart #1 and #3 SUVs to beat BMW iX1 and Volvo EX30 on price
When Smart returns to Australia this September, the brand’s Smart #1 and Smart #3 vehicles will be priced below both the BMW iX1 and Volvo EX30 with which it has much in common.
Smart retreated from Australian shores in 2015, but is back as an EV-only brand, now owned 50-50 by Mercedes-Benz and Geely.
The Chinese-made Smart #1 small SUV will be priced from $54,900 plus on-roads, while the slightly larger and sleeker Smart #3 starts from $57,900 (plus ORCs). Both will arrive in three trims – Pro+, Premium and the sportiest Brabus.
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Undercutting the Volvo EX30 ($59,990 plus on-roads), even the entry Pro+ gets impressive standard kit, including 19-inch wheels, panoramic roof, semi-autonomous cruise control, LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an electric tailgate.
In Australia the entry Smart #1 bags a punchy 200kW/343Nm rear-motor that launches it from 0-100km/h in a brisk 6.7 seconds – more than a second slower than the more rakish Smart #3 that takes just 5.8 seconds.
Upgrade to the Premium (+$4000) and it adds a 640W Beats premium sound system, faster 22kW AC charging, matrix LED headlamps and leather upholstery.
Tree-topping and sportiest Brabus versions cost $13,000 more than the entry Smart #1 or #3, but there’s a huge boost in performance.
Adding a second e-motor over the front axle, the dual-motor Brabus versions push out an impressive 315kW and 543Nm of torque.
That’s enough to launch the #1 from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds and just 3.7 seconds the #3.
Enhancing the sporty feel, Brabus versions get a body kit, large 20-inch alloy wheels and red brake calipers.
Within, the fastest Smarts lose the Premium grade’s armchairs for microfibre suede sport seats, while a racy Brabus drive mode’s added.
While a smaller battery’s available in other markets, ours use a 66kWh lithium-ion unit offering range between 420-455km, depending on trim and powertrain.
Instead of being directly imported via Mercedes-Benz (as Smarts were up until 2015), the new range of EVs will be brought in by importer LSH Auto.
The Smart EVs will be sold through LSH Auto’s existing Mercedes-Benz CBD dealerships in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane before expanding to Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania in 2025.
“The return of the Smart brand with such exciting new premium EV vehicles, highlighting German design and industry leading EV technology, is a very exciting time for our group,” said John Good, managing director of LSH Auto.
“We are certain that the extensive and highly appealing Smart range will build a unique position in the Australian market for those wishing to add electric mobility to their lifestyle.
“We look forward to showcasing the Smart family to Australians in the very near future.”
