Smart’s new models explained
Smart has transformed from selling affordable compact city cars into family-oriented electric SUVs.
Cars like the Fortwo and ForFour were renowned for their cheeky styling and range of efficient petrol or electric powertrains.
However, Smart is now looking at an electric-only future and is moving away from small urban vehicles and focusing on bigger, family-friendly wagons. It’s a brand that we’re keeping a close eye on here at UK CarLine, too.
So, what cars are now in the Smart range? And, what do they have to offer?
#1
Launched in 2022, the #1 was the first model to spring onto Smart’s new model lineup.
The #1 is a direct rival to the likes of the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia EV3 and is powered by electric power.
The exterior design features flush door handles, wing mirrors located on the doors themselves, a two-tone contrasting roof, wheel arch extensions, a single rear LED light bar and a curvaceous front end.
Under the bonnet, there is a choice of two battery packs being a 49kWh unit or a larger 66kWh.
The former can travel a claimed 193 miles on a single charge, while the latter can do a claimed 273 miles between trips to the plug. All models are compatible with DC charging with the smaller battery pack managing to charge up to 130kW and the larger 66kWh model can charge at speeds of 150kW, allowing for a 10 to 80 per cent top up to take less than half an hour.
#3
The #3 was launched in 2023 and comes with a more coupe-esque body style.
It’s slightly larger than the #1 and rivals cars such as the Volkswagen ID.5, and is also electric only.
The exterior design follows on from the #1 with its bulbous lines and curvaceous body styling, while the side profile still features flush door handles and the rear quarter window runs down through the C-pillar to give a cleaner look. At the back, there is also an LED light bar that runs the width of the tailgate, a curved rear spoiler and a sloping roofline to give it a sportier appearance.
Under the bonnet, there is a choice of two battery packs with a smaller 49kWh or larger 66kWh unit, the same as in the #1.
However, Smart claims that the #3 with the smaller battery pack can travel up to 202 miles on a single charge or 283 miles with the larger 66kWh unit. Just like with the #1, DC rapid charging is compatible and has a maximum charging speed of 150kW taking the car from a 10 to 80 per cent top up in 27 minutes.
#5
The latest addition to join the electric Smart fleet is the new #5, which is the biggest model in the firm’s history.
It rivals cars such as the Skoda Enyaq and Audi Q4 e-tron and competes in the midsize electric SUV class.
The exterior design gets a more rugged look with quad LED daytime running lights at the front, roof rails, flush door handles, a rear light bar with further quad LED lights and a rear satin silver lower bumper, giving it that SUV appeal.
You can also get the #5 in a performance-focused Brabus model and features some exterior and interior upgrades such as larger diamond cut alloy wheels, more power, a bigger battery pack, red seat belts and red stitching on the interior.
Under the bonnet, there is a choice of 76kWh or a larger 100kWh unit that is found on models such as the Brabus.
The former can achieve a total of 289 miles on a single charge, while the latter can manage up to 366 miles.
Also, the Brabus gets a dual motor setup to make four-wheel-drive, and it produces a total of 637bhp. However, its claimed range drops to 335 miles. In terms of performance, this model can do 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds and will reach a top speed of 130mph.
Here at UK CarLine, we’ve got an extensive range of electric vehicles to check out today, available with competitive rates of finance to get you behind the wheel of a new car for less.
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