smart #3 Driven – 6 Things We Learned About smart’s Second EV Crossover

What was once an obscure and nearly forgotten sub-brand has transformed into something far larger that what it was once thanks to Chinese co-parent Geely.

It’s no secret that we at CariCarz.com absolutely dig how Geely rebooted the smart Automobile brand. There’s much to say about how said Chinese powerhouse – now smart’s ‘co-parent’ – did miles better than its original German parent, but that’s all evidently clear in our in-depth takes of the smart #1 Premium and smart #1 Brabus.

Yes, even with just ONE offering, the brand set new standards as far as what ‘premium’ EV crossovers should be. And soon, the #1 will finally see a follow up in the form of its new stablemate called the #3. Local distributors PRO-NET had invited local press recently – us included! – to have a first exclusive look and feel of which.

Indeed, there’s much we wished we could divulge, but an on-going embargo means we’re only limited to just sharing you our driving impressions of this upcoming new EV crossover that will launch soon. Nevertheless, we were still able to pick up SIX interesting takeaways about the #1’s new stablemate, and here’s what you ought to know…

Unlike the #1, the smart #3 is sit slightly wider, noticeably longer, and definitely lower. And despite the camouflage, it's easy to see how it shares the same front facade as the #1.

1. It’s slightly wider and fair bit longer than the #1

We’re only allowed at this point to show you images of the camouflaged prototype, but said covers don’t hide the fact that the #3 is a noticeably longer and slightly wider than the #1. The other obvious difference is the lower roof height, and how its sleekly swoops down the rear a la a coupe roofline.

Call this the sportier ‘fastback’ twin of the #1 if you will, these slight differences in stance and dimensions – and design – do translate into big changes and gains in other areas. If you must know though, the smart #3 sits 4,400 MM long with a 2,785 MM wheelbase, 1,844 MM long, and 1,556 MM tall.

Altogether, it sees the #3 sit some 130 MM longer with a 35 MM stretched wheelbase, 22 MM wider, and 80 MM shorter in height, compared to the #1. Given the fact that both cars share the same Geely SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform, these mild differences are unsurprising.

As discovered and experience in our brief blast on Proton's Shah Alam test track, the slight widening and substantial lengthening of the #3 over its #1 twin brought enhanced drive dynamics. 

2. It’s noticeably more stable and planted than the #1

Evidently, the slight widening and stretching makes a huge difference in the way the #3 drives – it is noticeably different over the #1. Said difference were properly amplified as we caned two different variants of the #3 back-to-back through Proton’s Shah Alam test track, which features NASCAR-style banked ovals.

For a few seconds, we got a glimpse of what said American speedway racers actually see and do when tackling said banked turns. That aside, what was surprising here was how good the smart #3 felt when subjected to the high speeds and G-forces needed to keep it running on the bank’s top-most lanes.

From which, the widened and stretched stance provided the #3 with enhanced high-speed cornering abilities and stability compared to the #1. Adding to which was also the noticeably improved stability and tracking when blasting down each of the test-track’s straightaways. Clearly, the lower, sleeker roof’s aero plays a key part to this too - and perhaps slightly in range too.

Overall though, our short two-laps around the speedway, plus a quick stint through both a figure-eight and road course prepared on the speedways in-field were telling enough. Simply put, the #3 is evidently a better driving and handling twin to the #1.. And that’s just half the story of this new offering's core benefits, the other half being enhanced passenger experience…

While it may not be clearly visible here, the extra length and stretched wheelbase has also done wonders in terms of passenger experience.

3. There’s more room for rear passengers!

With most coupe-shaped crossover SUVs, the switch to a lower and swoopier roof design does mean trading off passenger comforts a little, most notable in the headroom department. Thankfully, for most of us Asians at least, said compromise isn’t a deal-breaker in this new EV crossover.

Yes, even a tall, lanky, sub-six-footer such as yours truly didn’t find the slight headroom reduction a bother – not even in the rear seats where most coupe-roofed SUVs tend to be most compromised by this design. It’s still a very comfy space to say the least, especially considering the extended legroom granted by the stretched length and wheelbase mentioned.

The latter is perhaps one very welcoming difference from the smart #1, which already had respectable cabin real estate to begin with. Crucially, you’ll get to bask in this newfound roominess in respectably high luxe too because much of what’s seen in the #1 in terms of cabin amenities, tech, as well as their materials, fit and finishes, are replicated here - good news indeed! 

Like the #1, the smart #3 will launch with both single- and dual-motor setups available, the latter reserved for a certain B-badged sporty flagship.

4. Speed and pep are more or less the same as the #1

Back into the hot seat and, unsurprisingly, the shared platform base also translates into shared powertrains. We cannot reveal much here either other than what’s available in the smart #1 range on the powertrain and drivetrain front will be mirrored once more in this new smart #3 twin.

We’ll be brief here in noting that both single- and dual-motor setups will be at the ready, the latter reserved for a certain B-badged performance flagship, and all will be easily distinguished thanks to their respective trimline’s aesthetic treatments. Speaking of which…

It's not hard to look past the camouflage here and see that the smart #3 will share an identical front facade as the smart #1.

5. There will be slight differences in style over the #1

If you’ve read our past overseas reports of the smart #3, you’ll know what to expect besides the shared front fascia and arguably sportier – read: sexier – derriere. Much of these tweaks are mild, like the repositioned lit-up smart badge from the C-pillar to the front quarter panels, different and more distinct wheels designs, and possibly a more striking hero colour for the sporty range-topper.

It’s pretty much the same case with the #3’s innards whereby much of the #1’s design is retained. We were informed by the folks at PRO-NET that the #3’s cabin is primed with different seats that promises enhanced comfort, as well as more up-market looks thanks to posh new covers. But overall, if you already fancied the #1’s innards, then you certainly won’t loathe with the #3’s...

Sorry, this the best we can do as far as showing you the actual car fully uncovered. However, see details below on how you can see it in the flesh very soon...

6. You can see it for yourselves VERY SOON…

As in right-around-the-corner kind of soon because we were hinted by PRO-NET that the smart #3 will debut publicly at the upcoming Malaysia Auto Show 2024. At which point, our embargo will be lifted, and we can share more details of this sleeker and sportier twin to the #1, apart from price…

Until then, given our brief but hopefully insightful description of its drive dynamics, would you hold off on placing a booking on the smart #1 and wait a little longer for the #3? As always, share your thoughts in the comments below, as well as our social media pages…