Smart #3 Debuts As A Slick All-Electric Sport Utility Coupe

Smart has unveiled the all-electric #3, the brand's "first-ever sports utility coupe," at the Auto Shanghai show in China and it will make its European market debut at Automobil-Ausstellung in Munich this September. Mercedes-owned Smart left the US market in 2019 so there's no chance it's heading our way. The #3, which was leaked last November, boasts a similar design to the Smart #1 crossover, revealed a year ago, but the coupe design has a sleeker and more stylish appearance.

Unfortunately, Smart has not revealed any battery pack or powertrain details for now. However, we previously reported that the #3 will very likely get two electric motor choices: a base version with 152 horsepower and a higher-end trim with upwards of 264 hp, the latter being distinguishable with a hood scoop and lower splitter. Now that we know the #3 will be sold in Europe, there's a good chance a Brabus-tuned version will appear at some point.

The Brabus #1, for some reference, produces an impressive 422 hp and 420 lb-ft of twist. That's good enough for a 0-62 mph time of just 3.9 seconds - and it's faster than its closest rival, the Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop (which is sold in the US). In fact, those are nearly BMW M3 numbers. On the WLTP testing cycle, the regular #1 has a maximum range of 273 miles and 150-kW DC fast charging is possible.

The exterior features "smooth lines and athletic curves" with slimmed-down LED headlights and a "shark nose" grille design. We like the two-tone roof and the fastback look in general. While the #1 has a more conventional boxy SUV appearance, the #3 has more curves and sexier overall styling. At the rear, for example, the fender combines with the bumper to "create a modern curvature" while the pixelated taillights add some luxury. The body color you're looking at is called Photon Orange Metallic. Electric Blue Matte and several other colors will also be available.