Driven: smart #3 Brabus – Sportier, Sleeker And Better!

#1? #3? Where’s The #2?

Oh, hush! Historically, if you’re familiar with the smart Automobile marque, then you’d know that it’s perhaps too soon for us to see the return of a ‘2’- or ‘two’-badged offering from it. For now, though, it’s not like the marque has nothing to show or offer – far from it.

It’s no secret that we at CariCarz.com hold the smart #1 in high regard, so it was perhaps natural for us to hold equally high expectations when its slightly larger yet sleeker and arguably more capable #3 follow-up arrived.

Sure enough, it didn’t take long before this Sino-German offering proved us right, especially in range-topping Brabus guise featured, which comes with all the bell and whistles you’d typically expect. Certainly, if you liked the #1, then you’re in for a treat with the #3 as well.

'Photon Orange' hue donned by our tester is an exclusive Brabus variant offering.

Blacked-out emblems and subtle yet tasty aerokit are yet more hallmarks of the Brabus variant.

So What’s Different Here?

We’ve covered the basics at great lengths from both its pre-launch previews (here and here) and its eventual launch, so we’ll be brief on the ‘differences’ the #3 possesses over the #1. Simply put, the #3 is presented as a sleeker, slightly larger and sportier redux of the #1.

There are lots of similarities between both in terms of tech and kit, all stemming from the fact that both share the same Geely SEA platform bones, which isn’t bad news entirely. Ultimately, what sets both apart are the key aesthetic differences inside and out.

What remains unchanged though is the upmarket look and feel of things, the former bolstered by smart proudly touting that co-parents Mercedes-Benz had a hand in styling it, and the later borne from high quality build plus the choice of fit and finishes applied.

Note the coupe-like and steep, lower-height roofline the #3 dons instead of the upright, squared pillars in the #1. 

It Certainly Looks Good…

Right you are, especially in range-topping Brabus form because only through this guise will you be able to dress the #3 in the gleaming Photon Orange hue featured. Brabus treatment also adds stylish 20-inch ‘Synchro’ wheels, blacked-out emblems, plus a tasty aerokit all around.

The same applies on board as the cabin sports plush combination of suede-like microfibre and leather seat upholstery matched with an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. All are presented with sporty red pipe-stitching, stitched Brabus headrest emblems, and red seatbelts.

On board, the smart #3 looks and feels equally handsome and sporty thanks to suede-like microfibre and leather combination upholstery, red pipe-stitching, stitched Brabus emblems in the front headrests, plus red seatbelts.

Compared to the #1, the only stark difference here is the #3’s adoption of circular A/C vents in in its centre console, along with the addition of a new Cheetah ‘digital companion’ avatar present in the massive 12.8-inch central infotainment touchscreen module above which.

Overall, it’s fair to say that the Brabus treatment looks – and feels! – more appealing than the #1’s, and that’s just half the story. The other half, of course, lies in the drive…

Dashing from standstill to 100 KM/H in just 3.7 secs under Rocket Mode (launch control), the smart #3 is certain a quick EV!

Go On, Tell Us How It Drives!

If you thought the #1 Brabus was a hoot, then this #3 Brabus takes things up a few notches. Again, only in Brabus form will you get the #3 endowed with the coveted dual-motor setup, offering the same 428 HP and 543 NM outputs as it does in the more upright-looking #1 Brabus.

However, thanks to its more aerodynamic coupe-like design, the #3 Brabus stands as little bit quicker. In fact, when set into its Rocket Launch mode – a launch control mode, basically – the #3 Brabus does the century sprint in a sportscar-matching 3.7 seconds!

Yes, this is predictable given this performance flagship’s all-wheel-drive (AWD) nature enabled by its adoption of dual-motors, but we’re also glad to report that it’s not just a straight-line star. In fact, the #3 Brabus really comes alive when you start carving corners with it.

Not just blistering quick in the straights, the #3 Brabus is a joy to carve corners with thanks to its 50:50 chassis weight distribution, sports suspension tuning, as well as its trick and rapid AWD front-rear torque split management.

In Brabus mode especially, the thrill of tackling the twisties is heightened by its re-tuned steering weight and speeds plus ultra-fast front-rear torque split adjustments. These, however, are mere complements of the #3’s perfect 50:50 chassis weight distribution and trick suspension setup.

What reassuring here too are the beefy brakes that offer plenty of bite to halt the #3 Brabus on a dime when demanded. The bonus here is the fact that said anchors also boast stylish red-painted calipers that further boosts its kerbside appeal.

Overall, we dare say that the #3 in Brabus form as tested drives as good as it looks, and we dare say it has enough sporty chops here to make a certain pricier Bavarian segment rival sweat a little. Thankfully, the #3 Brabus’ magic doesn’t just end there…  

Whilst the ability to draw in 150 kW DC charging is great, the smart #3 Brabus' class-leading ability to draw in 22 kW AC charging inputs grants a lot more flexibility.

What Other 'Magic'?

For starters, there’s the respectably good range and charging abilities borne out of its 800-volt architecture and sizeable 66 kWh NMC-type battery. With a full charge, and perhaps spots of light-footed, single-pedal driving, there’s a rather decent WLTP-rated range of 415 KM.

As for charging, 150 kW DC inputs sees sub-30-minute 10-80% re-charges, which is great. What’s more impressive though is the class-leading ability to draw up to 22 kW AC charging inputs, which sees full charges attained under four hours.

Then comes the ease of charging, by which we mean the convenience of locating, navigating, activating and paying for charges away from home using just the Hello smart app – the first in the market to integrate no less than six charging point operators (CPOs) into one ecosystem.

Data-driven native navigation app in the smart #3 Brabus intelligently plots charging points and charging times along your set route, and this can be toggled using the Hello smart app as well.

By the way, massive 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen also offer both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Whilst on charging still, praise-worthy here too is the data-driven native navigation app primed in the massive 12.8-inch infotainment unit, which factors in charging location and times along your set routes. By the way, this is also accessible via the Hello smart app mentioned too.

Effectively, what we’re trying to convey here is that the smart #3 Brabus, as well as its #1 Brabus twin, aren’t just sensationally sporty EVs, they’re surprisingly convenient to live with on the daily too thanks to the smart (all puns intended, rightfully) charging solutions we detailed.

Massive Halo panoramic glass roof is a neat addition, though it lacks an electric blind as primed in the #1. smart does offer a foldable blind at least, nifty should the cabin get a tad warm.

Is It Comfy And Practical?

Certainly, though we reckon the softer and more rounded Premium variant might just stand a little more comfy than the Brabus as testes – a slightly stiffer ride is the usual price one pays for sharp-handling sports suspension.

Nevertheless, the #3 Brabus is far from uncomfortable for passengers to ride along in should you keep speeds sane and respectable. Adding to this is the more spacious rear passenger space all #3 variants offer thanks to its slightly wider and longer stance.

Our only gripe here is perhaps the absence of a electric-operated blind for the massive panoramic halo glass roof feature, though this isn’t a huge turn off given than smart does offer a foldable blind that you can clip on should things get a tad warm.

Thanks to its wider and longer body, the #3 improves over the #1 in terms of rear passenger space. Just mind the slightly reduced headroom stemming from its sleek coupe-like roofline.

#3 also improves over the #1 in terms of boot space by offering 370 litres from the get go. Access in made niftier too thanks to a powered tailgate that's activated by a hidden button, via the keyfob, and via kick-sensor.

As for boot space, you’ll be glad to know that the #3 offers an arguably better 370-litre standard boot space – 47-litres more than the #1’s, and you need not slide the rear seats forwards or back to gain more space for which.

Drop the rear bench and the #3 obliges with an expanded 1,160-litre space that ought to make those annual IKEA trips a breeze too. Just don’t mind the relatively tiny 15-litre frunk which, at the very least, can store some key emergency essentials still.

A slew of radar and optical sensors cleverly placed around the #3 enables no less than 21 ADAS features. Included here too is a 360-degree surround-view parking camera.

Is It Safe?

The short answers to this are ‘yes’ and ‘very’ once again, and it all stems from the simple fact that the #3, like the #1, is laden with no less than 21 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features, all enabling high degree of semi-autonomous driving as a result.

Having tested it all, we’ll be brief and note that this is yet another car that feels as if it can drive itself at times. What we reckon will be a huge plus for many – ladies especially – is the #3’s ability to self-park, and that ability extends to both getting in and out parking spots.

In short, with the #3 Brabus, you’re not just getting a sporty and quick car, you’re getting one that’s equally high on safety. So as long as you don’t mind meeting its premium price tag, it’s safe to say that this smart certainly ticks all the right boxes as far as desirable premium EVs go.

Much of the cabin mirrors the #1, apart from the round central A/C vents of course.

Premium? Gulp… What’s The Cost?

As tested, the smart #3 Brabus is certainly not a cheap ask at RM255,000 sans insurance and registration. However, given the premium styling, build quality, and execution of it all including its ultra-convenient tech primed on board, said figure is arguably a bargain.

That argument becomes evident when you consider that the next ‘posh’ alternative with similar size and tech will set you back at least RM40,000 more. If anything, there’s still the #1 Brabus alternative you can consider too at RM6,000 less, but it will mean foregoing the #3’s sleek looks.

Nevertheless, the #3 Brabus’ price tag truly seems like a bargain once you consider the after-sales that comes with it. Included in said figure is both an 8-year or 200,000 KM unlimited mileage EV battery warranty matched with an 8-year or 150,000 KM EV component warranty.

By the way, both comes on top of core basics such as a 4-year unlimited mileage base vehicle warranty, 2-year unlimited mileage spare parts warranty, and 24/7 roadside assistance. Needless to say, smart has smartly covered all the angles to make the #3 Brabus all the more desirable indeed.

So, what say you then, folks? Keen on this bold, brash and Brabus take of the premium EV crossover SUV genre? We certainly are…

SPECIFICATIONS

smart #3 Brabus