New Smart #3 coupe-SUV makes its European debut

• Sits above the Smart #1 in the lineup
• Special ‘25th Anniversary’ model confirmed with extra kit
• Arriving in UK showrooms in early 2024

The Smart #3 is slated for a UK release at the start of 2024, and it has just been given its European debut at the Munich Motor Show. The Smart #3 will rival other mid-size SUVs such as the Skoda Enyaq Coupe, Volkswagen ID.5 and the upcoming BMW iX2. 

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In terms of styling, the Smart #3 has a lot in common with its smaller #1 sibling, with similar smooth, seamless lines, a long light bar up joining the headlights, and the same scowling expression as the smaller SUV. The rear lights are also similar, but instead of the #1’s more upright stance, the #3’s rear end tapers off in a coupe style.

Another notable feature is the car’s two-tone roof intended to give the mid-size electric SUV a sportier silhouette. The continuous, curved line that shapes the side windows is reminiscent of other electric cars from parent company Mercedes, such as the EQE and EQS, which were also developed under chief designer for Daimler, Gorden Wagener. However, the Smart is described as “an even sportier interpretation” of this design philosophy.

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There will also be a Brabus model of the Smart #3 – with sportier performance credentials, the Brabus gets more aggressive styling cues, such as a bonnet scoop and 20-inch alloy wheels. The most recent images show the #3 in limited 25th Anniversary guise, celebrating the launch of its first model, the ForTwo, in 1998. This version gets a panoramic ‘galaxy’ roof, which incorporates LED elements within the glass for a unique look, plus elegant leather seats and ‘25th Anniversary’ motifs dotted around the cabin.

2024 Smart #3 interior design

Inside, the cabin is said to have a “sporty energy with circular shapes evocative of turbine intakes”. Unlike most of its rivals with a low dashboard and a screen perched on top, the Smart’s designers have taken a different approach. The sculpted dashboard instead flows upwards and the high centre console houses a 12.8-inch infotainment screen.

Trim levels will kick off with Pro+, which includes the aforementioned infotainment display, highway and traffic jam assistant and wireless phone charging as standard. Premium is a step up from this, with more advanced LED headlights, ambient interior lighting, and a Beats-branded sound system.

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The Brabus gets sportier interior design touches to reinforce its position as the car’s halo performance model – these include sporty pedals and an augmented engine noise to give it a racier feel.

The limited 25th Anniversary cars are said to get tech from the Premium line and styling elements from the Brabus model, and include additions such as a 9.2-inch HD instrument cluster, 10-inch head-up display, a Beats sound system with 13 speakers, plus a red body colour with red detailing, black and white leather seats, a panoramic ‘galaxy’ roof and sportier touches on the exterior. 

Smart #3 motors and performance

The Smart #3 will be offered in two versions: The standard trims get 268bhp, while the Brabus version gets a higher figure of 422bhp. While the regular rear-wheel drive #3 gets a still-brisk 0-62mph sprint time of 5.8 seconds, the four-wheel drive Brabus cuts this down to just 3.7 seconds. Both powertrains have an electronically limited top speed of 112mph.

All #3 models get a 66kWh battery, with the entry-level Pro+ getting a range of up to 270 miles to a charge. Premium and 25th Anniversary cars get the longest range at 283 miles, while this takes a slight hit at 256 miles in the Brabus in exchange for its increased performance and all-wheel drive.

Although UK pricing has not been confirmed, the Smart #3 goes on sale in Germany later this year from €43,490 for Pro+ – that equates to just over £37,000, so we’d expect a price tag a little over this once it reaches the UK. Premium models and the 25th Anniversary will cost a few thousand pounds extra, while the Brabus model is the most expensive, starting from €50,990, which equates to just under £44,000.

Check out our review for the Smart #3's smaller sibling, the Smart #1...