SMART HASHTAG 3 ESTATE 315kW Brabus 66kWh 5dr Auto AWD

The ultimate smart #3 is this one, the BRABUS. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

The fastest BRABUS version of the smart #3 offers 422bhp, striking looks and a bespoke-feeling cabin. Whether all that's enough to justify its price and existence will be a very personal decision.

Background

BRABUS used to mean something rather different when it came to smart. For years, the German tuner's name was used on top versions of the little fortwo citycar that were hardly any more powerful than the standard models. But then came the Geely takeover of the brand and a new EV era that required the top sporting models to be properly differentiated. Which was when we got the 428hp smart #1 BRABUS. And then, in late 2023, the similarly-powered smart #3 BRABUS model we look at here. That's a pretty substantial power output for a car of this size, so you'd hope that more would have been done here than just simply installing the same potent electric motor. Whether a compact EV really needs to be this powerful is another question entirely.

Driving Experience

The BRABUS badge suggests a bespoke tuner's drivetrain but in fact the powerplant here is simply from the Geely parts bin (already used by the Volvo EX30 Twin Motor model that shares this car's same SEA Chinese-designed platform). The 422bhp dual motor system output of this top smart #3 (and the frantic 3.7s 0-62mph sprint time) are much the same as that Volvo, but the 258 mile EV range figure is a substantial 28 miles less. Thanks to the monstrous 543Nm torque figure, overtakes are of the 'see it and do it' instant variety. But while there's much more poise and cornering traction through the bends than the standard #3 (as you'd expect given this BRABUS model's dual motor system), the handling isn't as tactile as the kind of comparably-priced combustion super hot hatch (like say a Golf R) that Luddites might consider as an alternative. A lot of this is down to extra EV weight, but some of it can additionally be blamed on the slightly lifeless steering. It's also because little work has been done to re-tune the steering and reconfigure the tyres for this top version. To distract you from all this, smart provides an extra fiery 'BRABUS' drive mode and a rortier fake drivetrain note.

Design and Build

The look of this BRABUS #3 variant could sell it to you as much as the wild powertrain might. You get the idea that this is how the #3 designers originally intended for the car to look. In contrast to the rather apologetic look at the conventional model, you get a bolder two-tone red and black paint finish, more aggressive front and rear bumpers, a more pronounced rear spoiler, an extra vent in the nose and large 20-inch wheels featuring red brake calipers. Inside, it's just like the #1 BRABUS, so you get lots of red accents, plus red seat belts, perforated suede upholstery and B badging throughout. Even ordinary #3s get quite a low seat positioning and that works really well with the #3 BRABUS, making it much sportier-feeling than the #1 BRABUS model, which sits you up a lot higher. A head-up display is standard-fit. Otherwise, it's much as in any other #3. So physical switchgear is scarce, with almost everything controlled through the freestanding 12.8-inch central touchscreen. Also common with the #1 is the narrow letterbox-shaped digital instrument display you view through the three- spoke wheel. A panoramic glass roof is 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

You're going to need to really want this top BRABUS version of the #3 because the price is pitched right up in premium territory - around £45,000 at the time of this Review. That's around £5,000 more than the top version in the standard #3 range, the 62kWh 'Premium Pro' variant. This BRABUS model goes up against performance small EVs like its cousin the Volvo EX30 Twin Motor, plus the MG4 XPOWER, the CUPRA Born VZ, the Volkswagen ID3 GTX, the Abarth 600e and the Alpine A290. We've covered all the additional BRABUS model features in our 'Driving' and 'Design' sections. These are of course in addition to those items you get on other #3 models. Which include Matrix LED+ headlights with adaptive high beam; and Automatic Parking Assist, which will automatically slot the car into tight spaces. Plus there's a panoramic glass sunroof, illumination for the concealed door handles, scrolling dynamic indicators and gesture control for the powered tailgate. Inside, there's a wireless 'phone charger and a 13-speaker 640-watt Beats sound system. And the cabin has extended 64-colour premium ambient lighting, illuminated door treadplates and a leather steering wheel cover. On to safety provision. There's the usual 'Front & Rear Collision Mitigation' autonomous braking system, plus a whole host of stuff to keep you properly in lane - 'Lane Departure Warning', 'Lane Keep Assist', 'Emergency Lane Keep Assist', 'Lane Departure Prevention' and 'Lane Change Assist'. There's also 'Blind Spot Detection' and a Door Open Warning feature. Semi-autonomous drive stuff includes 'Traffic Jam Assist' (which will basically drive the car for you in low speed stop-start traffic); and 'Highway Assist' (which will do the same kind of thing at cruising speeds). Plus there's 'Intelligent Speed Assist', which (if set) will use the standard 'Traffic Sign Recognition' system to automatically adjust your speed to posted limits.

Cost of Ownership

Opting for this weightier BRABUS model inevitably means a small drop in driving range - from 283 (for the 'Premium' version) to 258 miles (10 miles more than a #1 BRABUS). But otherwise, things are much as with the ordinary mid-range 'Premium'-spec #3 variant. The 150kW charging speed looks good, which allows for a 10-80% DC super charging time of just 30 minutes. The 66kWh battery (only 62kWh of which is usable) takes just 3 hours to replenish itself from 10-80% from an AC supply, thanks to the 22kW AC charge power system that comes fitted. Full battery replenishment by the way, takes a lot longer: a 7.4kW garage wallbox needs 12 hours 45 minutes to completely charge the battery from empty to full. As usual with an EV, the car slots into a low 2% Benefit-in-Kind taxation bracket. And is exempt from road fund licence, London Congestion Charge and London ULEZ charges until 2025. Insurance is group 41 for this top 'BRABUS' variant. What about the peace of mind you'd want from a potentially unfamiliar brand? Well there's a three-year unlimited mileage warranty; an 8 year / 125,000 mile battery warranty; and every car comes with an Integrated Service Package covering servicing and wear-and-tear items for 3 years or 30,000 miles. Plus there's Roadside Assistance for up to 8 years or 100,000 miles, provided the car is maintained at a smart aftersales partner.

Summary

BRABUS badging should denote specific BRABUS engineering. For the present, we're not sure here that it does. But if all you want is a smart #3 that goes a lot faster and looks better in the gym car park, that may not matter. It's a mark of the current performance benchmarks in this part of the EV market that 422bhp isn't actually that unusual in this segment. What would be unusual would be a small electric vehicle thoroughly engineered to rewardingly handle all that power. The smart #3 BRABUS isn't quite that car, but we think it could be if smart were to put a bit more investment into creating BRABUS as a proper performance sub-division of its brand. It'll be interesting to see if that happens.

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

Red painted brake calipers

Regenerative braking system

Ventilated disc brakes

Chassis/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, Brabus

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

Engine

Simulated engine sound

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)

Halo panoramic sunroof

Heat protected sunroof

Illuminated door handles

Rear side wing doors

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

Alcantara steering wheel

Center console with air vent cooling

Centre console cupholders

Front 12V port

Illuminated stainless steel tread plates

Manually adjustable steering column

Microfiber suede upholstery

Overhead console with sunglasses stowage

Rear centre armrest with cupholders

Rear seat load-through access

Retractable load area cover

Sport style pedals

Sports-style steering wheel

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

Ventilated front seats

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

20'' Synchro 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: 28.3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 2.2

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 342

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 415

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 213

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 258

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: 315

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: N

Coin Series: Brabus

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: 41E

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: 0

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): 3.7

Engine Power - BHP: 428

Engine Power - KW: 315

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 401

Engine Torque - MKG: 55.4

Engine Torque - NM: 543

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: 245/40 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 245/40 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: Synchro

Wheel Type: 20" 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: 2360

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1160

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 370

Max. Loading Weight: 450

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1600

Minimum Kerbweight: 1910

No. of Seats: 5

Exterior Body Features

Matte paint

Roof - Eclipse black

Roof - Radiant red

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Digital white

Metallic - Laser red

Metallic - Meta black

Metallic - Photon orange

Paint - Special

Matte - Atom grey

Trim - Cloth

Microfiber suede - Brabus dark grey with red stitching