Smart #3 expands electric vehicle range options for drivers

Smart, formerly known for its compact city cars, has evolved its lineup with the introduction of the Smart #3, which offers a variety of battery options aimed at meeting diverse consumer needs. The #3 features a design that is longer with a sloped rear, contributing to its modern aesthetic and functionality. The vehicle is available in three main variants, Pro, Pro+, and Premium, with varying ranges, including 202 miles for the Pro, 270 miles for the Pro+, and an impressive 283 miles for the Premium version, which utilizes a heat pump for efficiency. A dual-motor BRABUS variant is also available that boasts 428 horsepower and accelerates to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, although it sacrifices some range, narrowing down to 258 miles. Inside the Smart #3, the Premium version stands out with a high-quality finish that includes comfortable front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and an advanced 10-inch Head-Up Display designed to provide crucial driving information with ease. While the car boasts an impressive array of modern features, it has a notable reliance on the infotainment screen for climate control settings due to a scarcity of physical buttons, which may present a learning curve for drivers. The infotainment system is user-friendly and well-designed, ensuring that essential driving information remains accessible. Another feature is the adaptive cruise control which only requires a simple button press to activate. In terms of practical performance, the Smart #3 is regarded as comfortable and reasonably quick, although its real-world driving range has been assessed at 223 miles during testing conditions that included consistently low temperatures, which can affect electric vehicle performance. The Premium variant offers more advanced charging options as well, featuring 22kW AC charging capacity compared with the 7.4kW offered by the other models. The emergence of the Smart #3 signifies Smart's continued evolution in the compact vehicle market. By introducing various models with different battery capacities and performance levels, it aims to appeal to a broader range of consumers in an increasingly competitive electric vehicle market. However, despite its appealing features, the Smart #3's range is slightly lower than some competitors, which may influence buyer decisions as they look for the best value and performance in their electric vehicles.