SMART HASHTAG 3 ESTATE SPECIAL EDITIONS 200kW 25th Anniversary Edition 66kWh 5dr Auto

The smart brand widens its EV portfolio with this #3 Coupe-SUV. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

The smart #3 is the more affordable trendy all-electric Coupe-SUV you didn't know existed. Think small Mercedes EV crossover with a bit of extra youthful flair and you're somewhere close to what this car is trying to be. It turns heads, feels quite sporty and has a younger outlook on life. There's lots to like.

Background

We're all having to readjust our perceptions of what the smart brand stands for. Once a maker of tiny microcars, it's now realigning itself as a purveyor of much bigger, pricier and more profitable lifestyle-orientated compact electric models. A shift confirmed by this contender, the smart #3. In essence, this is a Coupe-SUV version of the smart #1 hatch that began the brand's new era of joint ownership between Mercedes and the Chinese Geely conglomerate. But a lot more's been done here than just adding a slinkier shape. This #3 model's stretched wheelbase allows it to be an even larger interpretation of what a smart car can be. Plus lowered suspension aims to make it sportier to drive too. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

The days of feebly-performing smart models that struggled outside the city limits are long behind us. The mid-range 'Premium' version of this smart #3 that most will choose develops a useful 268bhp and 343Nm of torque from its single rear-mounted e-motor. Which propels the car with satisfying urgency, 62mph from rest dispatched in just 5.8s en route to 112mph. The 62kWh battery gives 283 miles of range - 10 miles more than the equivalent smart #1 thanks to sleeker aerodynamics. If you don't need quite that much, there's an entry-level 'Pro' model with a smaller 49kWh battery, but that's limited to 202 miles of range. As with the #1, there's an AWD BRABUS version at the top of the range, which gains an extra motor at the front axle, boosting power output to 422bhp. With the provided 'Rocket Start' launch control system engaged, 62mph here flashes by in just 3.7s and the range figure is 258 miles. Whatever #3 variant you choose, it'll immediately feel sportier than the equivalent #1 thanks to the lower, more focused driving position, stiffer springs and dampers and marginally wider tyres. The car also gets its own steering configuration and stability control tuning. There are the same drive modes though - 'Eco', 'Comfort' and 'Sport', plus an extra 'BRABUS' mode on the top version. The prodigious kerb weight is familiar from the #1 too - the 'Premium' version tips the scales at 1,810kg, which makes it about 60kg heavier than a #1. There are two brake regeneration settings which you alter via the centre touchscreen - 'standard' and 'strong'. The latter isn't quite fierce enough to facilitate 'one pedal' driving.

Design and Build

If you happen to be familiar with the smart #1, you'd recognise this #3 model because quite a bit of the design language is shared. Especially at the front with its rounded nose section, A-shaped lower grille and slimline LED headlights. But the #3 sits on a much longer version of the SEA Geely platform that smart currently builds its cars upon (shared with the Volvo EX30). That means a 4.4m body length that's around 130mm longer than the #1 and a sleek silhouette that's lower and wider too. Whether it's any kind of 'coupe' is debatable (it sits no lower than a boxy VW ID.3 hatch), but there's certainly nothing that looks quite like it in its crowded segment. The interior isn't much different to that of the #1, though you'll find yourself sitting much lower in the car than you do in one of those. There are sportier-looking seats with integrated headrests too. As with this model's hatch stablemate, physical switchgear is scarce, with almost everything controlled through the freestanding 12.8-inch central touchscreen. Also common is the narrow letterbox-shaped digital instrument display you view through the three- spoke wheel. All variants get a panoramic glass roof as standard and there's a decent amount of cabin storage space, with nice touches like an air conditioned cubby under the central armrest keep your chocolate cool. The back seat feels more spacious than the swept-back roofline suggests it might be - for heads and legs. But the bench doesn't slide like it does in a #1 and you wouldn't want to have to cram in a centre-seated adult. Boot space is on the small side, rated at 370-litres, though that's actually 47-litres more than you get in a #1.

Market and Model

Expect to pay a premium of around £1,000 over a smart #1, which will see the mid-level 'Premium' version of this #3 - the variant most will choose - pitched at around £40,000. You'll need around £45,000 for the high performance BRABUS version. If you'd rather set your budget in the £36,000-£38,000 bracket, the range kicks off with a 'Pro' model with a smaller 49kWh battery, then the 62kWh 'Pro+' version. Smart doesn't have any solus UK dealerships. There are currently around 35 Mercedes-Benz franchises in the UK that also sell smart models, where the brand occupies its own separate space in the showroom with a dedicated smart sales person on hand. As standard, there's lots of media connectivity, courtesy of a central 12.8-inch touchscreen which is fully customisable and provides an interface for an avatar that responds to speech commands - from launch a fox, but other characters will be added. There's also a 9.2-inch full HD digital instrument binnacle. Top models get a Head-up display; and all versions get an innovative glass 'Halo roof' which makes the interior feel airy and spacious. Safety provision include seven airbags. And you can also specify an 'Advanced Driver Assistance' system package, which gives Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go, Lane keep assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Highway and Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive High Beam headlights and automatic parking.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you some of the battery mileage figures in our 'Driving' section - 202 miles for the entry-level 49kWh 'Pro' version, then 270 miles for the 'Pro+', 283 miles for the 'Premium' and 258 miles for the BRABUS. Thanks to the 62kWh (usable capacity) #3 model's 150kW rapid charge capability, the battery can be topped up from 10 to 80% in under 30 minutes. Connect up to a 22kW AC charger and a 10-80% charge takes around three hours. The base 49kWh 'Pro' model can only charge at up to 130kW. Range is maximised by the car's slippery shape and aided by features like an active grille shutter and concealed door handles. The other things you need to know are exactly the same as is the case with any other smart model. There's a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, plus you get 'smart move assist', an included twelve-month international roadside assistance package that can be renewed annually following a smart dealer service.

Summary

This doesn't feel like a car from a brand that's been around for three decades. The pretty styling is fresh; so is the cabin design. Which is more what you'd expect from a company new to the market. But then so also is the need for a bit more fine-tuning with regard to the usability of the multimedia software and the driver assistance tech. If you can look past that, there's lots to like with this #3. It's excellent value and the appealing shape doesn't compromise cabin practicality or boot space too much. Build quality from the Chinese factory seems good and both performance and driving range are well up to scratch. In short, the #3 is a decent step forward from the #1, a mark of smart's upward trajectory. Don't saddle the marque with preconceptions based on its past. This is really a new Chinese brand and if it continues making cars like this, there's definitely a place for it.

Body Glass

Rain sensing wipers

Rear wiper

Side and rear window privacy glass

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Autohold

Cornering brake control

Downhill Assist Control (DAC)

Electric parking brake

Electronic brake distribution

Electronic Stability Programme

Electronic traction control

Emergency brake assist

Front collision mitigation

Hill assist control

Parking emergency brake

Power assisted brakes

Rear collision mitigation

Regenerative braking system

Ventilated disc brakes

Chassis/Suspension

Comfort suspension

s-Pedal

Communication

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Bluetooth

Wireless device charging

Driver Aids

Gesture tailgate

Driver Convenience

12 front and rear parking sensors

360 camera

Adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go

Automatic parking assist

Bcall

Blind spot detection

Drive modes: ECO, Comfort, Sport

Driver monitoring system

Electric power assisted steering (EPAS)

Emergency lane keep assist+

Evasive manoeuvre support

Front Cross Traffic Alert

Intelligent speed assist

Lane change assist

Lane departure system

Lane departure warning

Rear cross traffic alert

Smart pilot assist

Traffic sign recognition

Driver Information

10" head-up display

12.8" central display screen

9.2" HD instrument cluster

e-Call (emergency call)

Intelligent voice assistant

Traffic jam assist

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Automatic dimming door mirrors

Electrically adjustable, heated door mirrors with memory and reverse auto-dipping

Embellishment Trims

Man made leather wrapped instrument panel

Entertainment

13 speakers

4 USB ports

Beats audio system

DAB Digital radio

Exterior Body Features

Active grille shutters

Concealed door handles

Frameless Doors

Frunk (15L)

Galaxy panoramic sunroof

Halo panoramic sunroof

Heat protected sunroof

Illuminated door handles

Metallic paint

Rear side wing doors

Roof - one tone colour

Roof carrier fixing points

Sporty bodystyle

Exterior Lights

Adaptive high beam assist

Auto headlights

Courtesy lights with logo projection

CyberSparks LED+ Matrix headlights

Dynamic indicators

LED 3rd brake light

LED DRL

LED tail lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

2 zone automatic air conditioning

Air filter+

Air quality system

Heat pump

PM2.5 sensor

Interior Features

25th anniversary badge

Center console with air vent cooling

Centre console cupholders

Duo leather upholstery

Front 12V port

Illuminated stainless steel tread plates

Manually adjustable steering column

Overhead console with sunglasses stowage

Perforated leather steering wheel

Rear centre armrest with cupholders

Rear seat load-through access

Retractable load area cover

Trunk 12V port

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting+

Reading lights

Safety

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Anti-Roll system

Child locks

Door open warning

Far-side airbag

First aid kit

Front airbags

Front side airbags

Safety vest

Seatbelt height adjustment for front seats

Side curtain airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

Warning triangle

Seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

6-way powered adjustable driver and passenger seat with lumbar support

Driver seat memory function

Easy entry and exit seat adjustment

Front headrests

Front passenger isofix child seat attachment

Heated front seats

Rear headrests

Rear ISOFIX

Rear seat 40/60 split

Rear seat angle adjustment

Single front passenger seat

Security

2 keyfobs

Anti theft alarm

Anti theft immobiliser

Anti theft internal monitor

Anti theft steering wheel lock

Keyless entry

Towing

Trailer stability assist

Vehicle Charging

22kW onboard charger

Bluetooth plug and charge

Charging port cover

Intelligent power management

Smart charge at street

Wheels

Summer tyres

Wheels - Alloy

19'' Magneto alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Battery Capacity in kWh: 66

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 180

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 22

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 30

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 150

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 150

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 125000

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Usable Battery Capacity: 62

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 26.2

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 2.4

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 382

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 455

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 237

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 283

Emissions - ICE

CO: N

CO2 (g/km): 0

HC: N

HC+NOx: N

NOx: N

Particles: N

Standard Emissions: N

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: N

Catalytic Convertor: 0

CC: 1

Compression Ratio: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Cylinders: N

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

Engine Code: N

Engine Layout: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Gears: 1 SPEED

Number of Valves: N

Transmission: AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Combined (mpg): N

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Urban (mpg): N

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Badge Power: 200

Based On ID: 104411

Coin Description: N

Coin Series: 25th Anniversary Ed

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Generation Mark: 1

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 36E

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 90

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 86

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 84

NCAP Safety Assist %: 85

Special Edition: No

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.8

Engine Power - BHP: 272

Engine Power - KW: 200

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 253

Engine Torque - MKG: 35

Engine Torque - NM: 343

Engine Torque - RPM: 300

Top Speed: 112

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 235/45 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 235/45 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: Magneto

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1556

Height (including roof rails): N

Length: 4400

Wheelbase: 2785

Width: 1844

Width (including mirrors): 2045

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2260

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1160

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 370

Max. Loading Weight: 450

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1600

Minimum Kerbweight: 1810

No. of Seats: 5

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Digital white

Trim - Leather

Duo leather - Nebula white