When one hears the name ‘Smart’, the image that often springs to mind is that of a diminutive city car, perfect for zipping through tight urban streets and squeezing into the smallest of parking spots.
However, the automotive landscape is ever-evolving, and Smart has decided to shake things up with the #3 Brabus, a vehicle that ventures boldly into the realm of performance crossovers.
a bold new direction.
At first glance, the Smart #3 Brabus is a departure from the brand’s traditional design language. This coupe-crossover boasts a sleeker, more aggressive stance, with a design that’s both modern and assertive.
The front fascia is dominated by an LED lightbar and a distinctive grille, while the sloping roofline adds a touch of sportiness to the overall silhouette.
The Brabus enhancements further elevate its visual appeal. Sportier body kits, 20-inch alloys, and subtle Brabus badging hint at the performance potential lurking beneath the surface.
a blend of sport and tech.
Step inside the #3 Brabus, and you’re greeted by an interior that marries sportiness with modern technology.
The cabin is adorned with microfibre suede sports seats that provide ample support during spirited drives, while the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel feels both premium and purposeful.
The red stitching and Brabus logos scattered throughout serve as constant reminders of the vehicle’s performance pedigree.
Dominating the dashboard is a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 9.2-inch digital driver’s display. The interface is sleek and responsive, offering a plethora of features and customisation options.
However, as with many modern vehicles, the reliance on touch controls for essential functions can be a double-edged sword, being distracting when trying to make adjustments on the move.
Despite its coupe-like silhouette, the rear seats offer commendable legroom and headroom, ensuring that passengers aren’t left feeling cramped.
The 370-litre boot space, while not class-leading, is sufficient for daily errands and weekend getaways.
electrifying performance.
Under the hood, the Smart #3 Brabus is anything but ‘smart’ in the traditional sense. Equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that delivers 422bhp and 543Nm of torque, this pocket rocket rocks the century sprint in just 3.7 seconds.
Driving the #3 Brabus is an experience that borders on the surreal. The instant torque delivery ensures that acceleration is both brutal and relentless. It’s simply addictive, and your brain will need a second or two to catch up in Brabus mode.
However, with great power comes great range compromise. While Smart claims a range of 415km on a full charge, real-world figures are likely to be lower, especially if you frequently indulge in spirited driving.
On the road, the #3 Brabus continues to impress. The suspension setup is firm enough to keep body roll in check during enthusiastic cornering, yet compliant enough to absorb the imperfections of urban roads.
However, it’s worth noting that the vehicle’s weight (tipping the scales at 1,910kg) does make its presence felt during aggressive driving.
There’s no real connection through the steering wheel and it can feel artificially weighted, but the #3 still maintains its composure well. You get a low view out the front, akin to a Tesla Model 3, which gives you good visibility of what’s coming up.
My only gripe with the car is the transition between regen and disc brakes. The switch can be quite clumsy, odd given Mercedes’ extensive know-how in this area.
Overall, the car feels like a shaken-up Coca-Cola bottle, just waiting to unleash its torque at any straightaway it comes across.
a niche offering with broad appeal.
The Smart #3 Brabus is a bold statement from a brand that’s clearly intent on redefining its image. It offers blistering performance, head-turning design, and a cabin that’s both sporty and tech-laden.
For those seeking a performance crossover that stands out from the crowd and delivers thrills on demand, the #3 Brabus is a compelling option. And please, do get it in orange.
technical specifications.
Smart #3 Brabus
Powertrain: Two Electric Motors, All-Wheel Drive
Power: 315kW (422bhp)
Torque: 543Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 3.7 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 180 km/h
Battery Capacity: 66 kWh
Drive Range: 415 km
Energy Consumption: 5.68 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$289,000 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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