Smart's electric SUVs one step closer to Australia

Smart’s two current electric SUVs have been approved for sale in Australia, as the brand readies a return to our market after nearly a decade away.

LSH Auto, Australia’s largest Mercedes-Benz retailer, last month confirmed it would begin selling Smart’s electric vehicles (EVs) across its local network from July, ahead of deliveries starting in September.

Now, Australian Government documents confirm the Smart #1 and #3 have been approved for sale in Australia in 5-6 variants each, including performance-oriented Brabus versions.

Smart is a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, and the two electric SUVs are already on sale in China. Pricing and full specifications have yet to be confirmed for Australia.

The #3 has been approved in five variants, with the #1 additionally featuring a base-spec, rear-wheel drive Pure variant that along with the Pro features a 49kWh battery and 200kW rear-mounted electric motor.

All other #1 models pack a 66kWh battery, with power output rated at 200kW for Pro+ and Premium RWD variants. Its higher-end Pulse and Brabus variants offer an dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain with power outputs of 271kW and 315kW, respectively.

The #1 range varies in tare mass from 1780kg to 1900kg, and all measure in at 4270mm long, 1822mm wide, and 1636mm tall, sitting atop a 2750mm wheelbase.

For context, it’s about the same length and width as the Hyundai i30 hatch and the electric Cupra Born, though the Born packs a larger 77kWh battery.

The #3 offers a 66kWh battery in all variants except the base Pro, which has a 49kWh unit.

Pro, Pro+, and Premium variants are all RWD and produce 200kW of power, while the Pulse and Brabus variants are AWD and produce 265kW and 315kW respectively.

The #3 range measures 4400mm in length, 1844mm in width, and 1556mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2785mm. That’s comparable to a Toyota Corolla hatch, which is slightly shorter and narrower. There’s also a height difference of 100mm in favour of the Smart.

While government approval documents don’t list figures like range or torque, Smart has already confirmed these details.

The Smart #1 and #3 are powered by rear-mounted electric motors which produce up to 200kW of power and 343Nm of torque, teamed with a 66kWh nickel cobalt manganese battery up to 440km of driving range on the WLTP test.

Brabus versions add a front electric motor to boost system outputs to 315kW of power and 543Nm of torque, good enough to complete the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 3.9 seconds for the #1 and 3.6 seconds in the #3.

Despite their difference in size, both models share not only the same powertrains but also key interior components.

This includes a 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.0-inch head-up display, and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Smart will join Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus as the latest Geely-owned brand to go on sale in Australia.

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