Guess who’s back?
The Mercedes Smart brand is about to make a long overdue comeback to Australia, this time as a range of EVs.
The six-vehicle lineup, headlined by high-performance Brabus versions, will be available exclusively from LSH Auto Australia in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Originally a joint venture between Mercedes and Swiss watchmaker Swatch, Smart sold here between 2003 and around 2015 with models like the tiny fortwo, forfour and roadster — but they didn’t translate very well to Australian roads.
We reported over 12 months ago how the brand had been reinvented in partnership with the Chinese brand Geely and that partnership is about to bear fruit.
The two launch models are the Smart #1 five-door urban crossover and the Smart # 3 crossover coupe, each offering a Pro+, Premium and Brabus specification.
Consistent with the brand’s positioning as a hi-tech premium EV, the range begins with the Smart #1 Pro+, with 19-inch wheels, halo panoramic roof, advanced intelligent driving with Smart auto-pilot, LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a power-operated tailgate.
It is driven by a single electric motor that produces 200kW of power and 343Nm of torque, with the dash from 0-100km/h taking 6.7 seconds.
Smart #1 Premium adds a 640W Beats audio, fast AC charging, matrix headlights and leather upholstery.
The range-topping Smart #1 Brabus boasts twin motors that deliver an impressive 315kW and 543Nm, propelling the car from 0-100km/h in only 3.9 seconds.
The Smart#1 Brabus is distinguished by its sports body kit, Brabus drive mode, red brake callipers and microfibre suede upholstery.
The Smart #1 range is priced from $54,900 for the Pro+, $58,900 for the #1 Premium and $67,900 for the Smart #1 Brabus — plus on-road costs.
With identical power outputs to the #1, the Smart #3 covers the 0-100km/h sprint in only 5.8 seconds, consistent with its more dynamic stance.
Likewise, the Smart #3 Premium mirrors its #1 sibling in external and internal specifications, also taking only 5.8 seconds for the 0-100km/h dash.
At the pinnacle of the Smart #3 range is the #3 Brabus which gains 20-inch wheels along with the dual motor 315kW/543Nm drivetrain propelling it from 0-100km/h in a blistering 3.7 seconds.
The Smart #3 range is priced from $57,900 for the Pro+, $61,900 for the #3 Premium is positioned at plus on-roads, and $70,900 for the Smart #3 Brabus — plus on roads.
The arrival of the extensive SmartEV range to Australia was welcomed by the Managing Director of exclusive retailer, LSH Auto Australia, John Good.
Customers can register their interest here.
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