Hello friends, Exciting news is rolling in from the world of electric vehicles! The smart car brand, once famous for its tiny, quirky city cars, is making a grand comeback. And this time, it’s fully electrified. Thanks to a powerful collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, the smart brand has been reinvented for the modern era. It’s now poised to shake up the EV market in Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.
Smart Moves: Bringing Luxury to Affordable EVs
For those who love Mercedes-Benz but find their electric lineup a bit pricey, smart cars offer a fantastic alternative. While the cheapest Mercedes EV, the EQA 250+, starts at $92,500, smart vehicles are significantly more affordable without sacrificing premium quality. LSH Auto will distribute them in Australia, while Armstrong’s will handle New Zealand sales through select Mercedes-Benz dealerships.
But don’t be fooled by the “smart” name—it no longer just means tiny. The new smart cars are bigger, bolder, and designed for everyday life. Unlike the original smart fortwo, which was only 2.7 meters long, the latest models stretch up to 4.5 meters and can seat five passengers comfortably. Manufactured in China using Geely’s cutting-edge Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), these vehicles combine European luxury with top-tier Chinese EV technology.
Meet the New Smart Lineup: Fully Electric, With More to Come
Currently, the smart range includes two all-electric models: the smart #1 and smart #3. Each model comes in three trims: Pro+ (entry-level), Premium (mid-range), and the high-performance Brabus version. If you’re a speed enthusiast, the Brabus models will get your heart racing—they come with dual-motor AWD powertrains for exhilarating performance.
Brabus, the legendary tuning house known for souping up Mercedes, Maybach, and smart cars, has worked its magic once again. The #3 Brabus, for instance, boasts 315kW of power and 543Nm of torque, blasting from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds. That’s some serious speed for an urban EV!
But smart isn’t stopping at just electric vehicles. Later this year, the #5 SUV will join the lineup, bringing a larger 4700mm body, a 100kWh battery, and a range of around 550km. It will also introduce an 800V platform for ultra-fast charging—70% in just 15 minutes. And, given the slower-than-expected adoption of EVs, smart is even planning a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the #5 for the second half of the year.
Driving the Future: A Peek Behind the Wheel
We had the chance to test-drive the smart #3 Premium and the #1 Brabus, and they did not disappoint. The #3 Premium, priced at $74,990, comes with a 66kWh battery, a range of 450km, and a smooth 200kW rear-wheel drive motor. It’s an effortless city cruiser that can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
For those craving a bit more thrill, the #1 Brabus ($79,990) delivers an electrifying experience. The instant torque, combined with its signature Brabus tuning, makes it an absolute rocket. We tested it out, and let’s just say it takes off like a beast when you switch it to Brabus mode! Plus, the handling, braking, and regenerative systems are all finely tuned to give you a seamless and exciting ride.
Smart Features: More Than Just a Pretty Face
The new smart models aren’t just about performance—they come loaded with modern tech and safety features. Each car has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, with advanced driver assistance systems. While some of the safety alerts can be a bit much, you can customize settings to mute those pesky overspeed warnings and lane departure beeps.
Inside, the cabin feels premium and futuristic. The smart badge (a stylized ‘C’ with an arrow) symbolizes “compact and forward-thinking,” and that ethos carries over to the interior. Metallic finishes, a panoramic sunroof, Qi wireless charging, and a Beats audio system create a high-end feel. Premium trims even add leather seats and a head-up display. And yes, there’s a power-operated tailgate across the range.
Each model rides on stylish wheels, with Brabus variants getting 20-inch rims. Warranty-wise, smart offers a reassuring five-year/150,000km coverage, with the battery warrantied for eight years/160,000km.
The Verdict: Should You Go Smart?
Absolutely! Whether you’re looking for an affordable luxury EV or a high-performance electric hatch, the smart range has something to offer. If you’re after sleek styling and extra boot space, the smart #3 is a great choice. It has 260L of storage compared to the #1’s 203L, making it the more practical pick. However, if compact agility is what you need, the smart #1 is perfect for city driving.
Smart’s biggest competitors include the Cupra Born, MG4 XPower, and upcoming premium EVs like the Zeekr X. But with its mix of German precision, European luxury, and Chinese EV innovation, smart is setting itself apart. As General Manager Arek Zywot puts it, “Smart is here to shake things up and disrupt the status quo.”
So, are you ready to go smart? The new generation of smart cars is here, and it’s looking better than ever. Let’s embrace the electric future—one smart drive at a time!