smart #3 Launched In China From RM136K, Top Spec Brabus Hits 100KM/H in 3.6 Sec

Following the design launch of the smart #3 at the recent Auto Shanghai 2023, the Geely-Mercedes owned outfit has finally launched the #3 for sale in the Chinese market. The smart #3 was virtually premiered on 1st June.

The smart #3 was announced in four variants: Pro+, Pulse 4WD, Premium, and the range-topping Brabus Performance. The Pro+ will cost RMB 209,900 (RM136,000), the Pulse 4WD RMB 239,900 (RM154,000), the Premium RMB 255,900 (RM165,000), and the Brabus RMB 289,900 (RM188,000). For 2023, the Brabus variant would be limited to 1999 units.

Furthermore, the prices announced does not include paid options that can be unlocked via the “users smart car APP”. Users would be required to deposit RMB 5,000 (RM3,200) into the App wallet to start using it. Initial batch of buyers who have made their bookings would start receiving the #3 starting this month.

According to smart, the #3 is designed to stimulate the fun driving experience of urban travel with its exciting design, performance, technology and safety configuration. The Mercedes-Benz worldwide design team aimed for a streamlined coupe SUV style that was both dynamic and elegant, making the #3 easily identifiable. The design concept extends into the inside, which has a contemporary and opulent cockpit that is class leading.

The smart #3 combines the current design language utilised in the #1, most notably the "shark nose" front facia and bow-shaped roof with flying wing parts. The #3 would also benefit from sports car aerodynamics, with a coefficient of drag as low as 0.27.

Geely-Mercedes is providing buyers a highly personalised vehicle ownership experience with the smart #3. The #3 would be available in nine body colours, fifteen external colour combinations, five interior colour themes, and four wheel configurations.

On the tech front, the smart #3 infotainment systems would be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor. This high speed processor enables the smart #3 to boot up in a mere 0.33 second via voice command. The infotainment display would give its user a choice of 40 images with more to be added from time to time. The smart #3 would also feature a smart Pilot Assist intelligent driving assistance system, which packs 23 (including L2+ level) auxiliary driving functions.

All smart #3 variants would basically be powered by a CALB sourced 66kWh battery unit. However, on the base Pro+ variant it would power a front mounted single motor unit pushing out 268HP with a CLTC range of 555KM. Meanwhile on the Pulse 4WD model, it would power a dual front and rear mounted motor setup pushing out 422HP with a 543 Nm torque with a CLTC range of 520.

In the Premium form, the #3 would only have a single motor arrangement with 268HP but a greater range capability of 580KM CLTC. The fourth variant, the Brabus, is powered similarly to the Pulse, but with a peak output of 422HP and a somewhat shorter range of 520KM CLTC. The Brabus would accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 km/h. The Brabus would also allow drivers to freely switch between four driving modes and three steering settings.