Once confined to ultra-compact city cars, Smart has made a radical shift by venturing into 100% electric SUVs. With the Smart #3, the brand reaffirms its intention to offer a spacious, modern, and trendy crossover. But Smart didn’t stop there: the most powerful version wears the Brabus badge and boasts up to 428 hp. Beyond the name alone, this “Brabus” version aims to be sportier and more exclusive, while revealing a surprising style for a vehicle with such urban DNA. Should you give in to this power-boosted crossover? That’s what we set out to discover by examining its energy consumption, driving experience, and performance.
Design and Dimensions
Measuring 4.40 m in length with a 2.79 m wheelbase, the Smart #3 definitively breaks from the brand’s miniature heritage. This new generation taps into the Geely parts bin, employing the SEA2 platform shared with the Smart #1 and other “cousins” like the Volvo EX30 and the Zeekr X.
The Brabus version comes with specific visual tweaks: a more aggressive front bumper, decorative vents, and especially 20-inch wheels clad in performance tires. Featuring a “Laser Red” paint job (with other flashy hues also available), this crossover is anything but discreet. Red brake calipers and a subtle roof spoiler reinforce its dynamic temperament, though the overall style remains fairly “smooth.”
On Board: Roomy but Mixed-Quality Interior
The generous wheelbase benefits passengers. Rear legroom is sufficient for four adults, though the steep angle of the rear bench may bother some. Despite this spaciousness, the 370 L trunk capacity (plus an additional 15 L compartment under the front hood) can feel a bit tight for those who’d like to use this crossover for long trips. Fitting both a large suitcase and a stroller simultaneously can be a real puzzle.
In the driver’s seat, you’ll notice a tall center console, a large 12.8-inch touchscreen, and a 9.2-inch digital instrument panel. While the materials mostly look upscale, they can be somewhat fragile in day-to-day use. Almost all functions are digitized, which can make locating certain features (climate controls, driving modes, etc.) more time-consuming. Finally, the tested model’s native GPS occasionally experienced freezes, though this can be mitigated by using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto when available.
Technical Specs: 428 hp… or Even More
Under the hood, the Smart #3 Brabus combines two electric motors: one rated at 156 hp up front and one at 272 hp in the rear, for a total claimed output of 428 hp and 543 Nm of torque. Several measurements suggest the real wheel horsepower may be slightly higher (around 460 hp). With a power-to-weight ratio of about 4.67 kg/hp, this crossover is on par with much larger or even bona fide sporty vehicles. A 0 to 100 km/h time of just 3.7 seconds signals lightning-fast getaways, while the standing 400 meters is done in under 12 seconds. These figures compare quite favorably with many high-performance sedans on the market.
Equipped with a battery pack listed at 62 kWh of usable capacity (possibly as high as 64 kWh in practice), the #3 Brabus can handle up to 150 kW on a DC fast charger, enough to go from 10% to 80% in around 28 minutes. On AC chargers, it can accept 22 kW—an undeniable advantage for a quick top-up in town.
Consumption and Range: A Fair but Not Stellar Performance
On a 100 km mixed route at an ambient temperature of 15 °C—plus an interior set around 22/23 °C—the Smart #3 Brabus recorded an average of 18.7 kWh/100 km. That equates to an approximate range of around 330 km, below the 415 km claimed on the Brabus model’s WLTP cycle. On highways, consumption jumps notably: expect 25 kWh/100 km or more at 130 km/h, meaning a range that can drop near 250 km.
With a light right foot and specific settings (like Eco mode, which limits power to the rear motor), energy consumption can dip below 14 kWh/100 km for up to 470 km of theoretical range. However, achieving these numbers requires a very deliberate approach.
On the Road: Explosive Performance, Imperfect Comfort
Once you’re rolling, the Smart #3 Brabus impresses with its throttle response: even a modest press on the accelerator feels like a catapult, especially in “Brabus” mode. With 0 to 100 km/h taking just 3.7 seconds, you’ll find yourself pinned to your seatback. On twisty roads, all-wheel drive and built-in electronic aids push the limits of grip, resulting in surprisingly capable cornering.
However, the suspension tuning lacks refinement. The chassis “pitches” sharply over bumps, with the nose lifting noticeably. The steering, which can be adjusted for effort, feels rather synthetic, making it hard for the driver to gauge front-end traction accurately. On bumpy roads or in a spirited driving style, that lack of feedback undermines precision. In short, while the Smart #3 Brabus can go fast, it doesn’t fully deliver a perfectly balanced sports-car experience.
Braking and Energy Recovery
Sharing its braking system with standard #3 models (but with red-painted calipers), this setup is adequately durable for everyday use. Regenerative braking can be set to three levels or “s-Pedal” mode, though you still need the brake pedal to come to a complete stop—unless you’re comfortable with the somewhat abrupt end to s-Pedal’s deceleration. From 80 km/h to a standstill, emergency braking covers just under 25 meters, which is average in this class.
Everyday Usability: Room to Spare, With Some Caveats
Despite its 4.40-meter length, the Smart #3 Brabus doesn’t excel at cargo hauling. While 370 liters in the trunk plus 15 liters up front is acceptable, it’s still tight if you’re traveling with bulky luggage. On a more positive note, the interior noise level at 130 km/h is around 69 dB, comparable to certain premium sedans.
Lastly, the materials—leather, Alcantara, decorative trim—underscore the car’s premium aims, but some software glitches (like the freezing navigation) and a somewhat cumbersome infotainment system hamper the experience. You may find yourself juggling menus or waiting for updates to resolve these issues.
Conclusion: A Little Electric SUV That Does (Quite) a Lot
In adopting the Brabus badge, Smart offers the #3 as an electric crossover with serious punch: 428 hp, scorching acceleration, and a thoroughly modern presentation. That said, the less-than-ideal suspension tuning, artificial steering feel, and high highway power consumption might deter more demanding drivers. While it certainly has strong potential, it leans more toward immediate “wow factor” than a truly honed sporty driving experience.
Its price, easily exceeding €49,000, targets buyers seeking originality, power, and design flair rather than those focused solely on thriftiness. Even so, the #3 Brabus deserves credit for bringing a touch of excitement to the fledgling segment of compact electric SUVs—proving that, even in the electric era, some playful exuberance can still find its place.
