Smart #3 Review 2025: Price, specs & boot space
Written by Al Suttie
Quick overview
Pros
- Handsomely different cabin design
- Performance and range
- Keenly priced
Cons
- Irritating infotainment set-up
- Too much tyre noise
- Lurching regenerative braking
Overall verdict on the Smart #3
"Smart has come up with a strong contender with the #3 when you look at it on paper and in the metal. On the road, it's not quite so impressive when you have to deal with its poor infotainment and snatchy regenerative braking systems."
While Smart has not gone away, it does seem to have been on a hiatus in many car buyers' minds. Its new range of EVs aims to put it right back in the mix with the #3 building on the foundations of the #1.
As the name suggests, the #3 is a bigger car than the Smart #1, though the two share the same basic platform. There's more than a passing similarity in looks between the two, but in our view, the #3 is the more handsome thanks to its longer length. It is, however, slightly lower to emphasise its supposed coupe-SUV appearance. Frankly, it's not an SUV in anything but name - it's really a family hatchback when you run a tape measure over the interior.
The inside has plenty of style lifted from its joint parent Mercedes-Benz, so the keen-eyed will spot the triple air vents in the centre of the dash. Those eagle eyes will also note the 12.8-inch infotainment screen that looks much like the one you'll find in a Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
If only Smart had just borrowed this screen and its function wholesale rather than trying to be different. Yes, it's fun to have a cheetah (yup, we're not joking) in the corner of the screen as an assistant, but too many important functions are buried in the menus and take too long to decipher.
Elsewhere, the cabin does a very good job as it offers loads of comfort and space to those in the front. For rear-seat passengers, there's a generous amount of legroom, though taller adults might curse that coupe-like roof line. Boot-wise, the Smart #3 is on par with most rivals.
This EV level pegs, too, with the main competition for driving range, with between 202 and 283 miles on a full charge possible depending on which model you pick. All offer the same performance, except the very rapid Brabus model, and quick recharging.
If you count the 25th Anniversary edition, there are five trims available with the Smart #3. All are generously fitted out and even the basic Pro model comes with a panoramic glass roof as standard within its sub-£34,000 price.
That makes the Smart #3 hard to overlook if you're considering a Kia EV3, Renault Megane E-Tech, Volkswagen ID.3, or Volvo EX30. Just make sure you are willing to live with the foibles of the infotainment and intrusive regenerative braking before committing.
Is the Smart #3 right for you?
Smart has built its entire image on making quirky cars and the #3 is just different enough to appeal yet not scare off more conservative buyers.
Anyone looking for a compact-ish electric SUV, such as the Volvo EX30 or MINI Aceman that has some character, then the #3 should be on your list too. It offers a reasonable driving range, if you avoid the base model, and is good to drive on zig-zag country roads as well as in town or on the motorway.
If you are happy to leave all of the driver assistance systems untouched and don't mind the jerky transition when the regenerative braking comes into play, the Smart #3 is a contender.
What's the best Smart #3 model/engine to choose?
It's a pity the entry-point Pro model of the Smart #3 does not come with the larger battery as its 202-mile range limits its usefulness. For this reason, we'd look to the Pro+ which offers 270 miles on a full charge.
If you want to go further on a single charge, the Premium and Anniversary Edition models can manage a claimed 283 miles. However, we wouldn't bother paying the extra for 13 miles more unless you are swayed by these versions' additional equipment.
The Brabus model is a standalone version of the #3 as it has four-wheel drive compared to the others' rear-drive. It also comes with more power - 428PS versus 272PS - to deliver a spirited 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds to give an Audi RS3 a fright.
What other cars are similar to the Smart #3?
The list of alternatives to the Smart #3 seems to grow with every passing week. Its major rivals start with the Volvo EX30, which is keenly priced and has plenty of badge appeal.
MINI is another with a coveted badge and its Aceman makes a strong case for image and driver appeal. We would also flag up the Kia EV3 as one to consider in this class for its all round talents.
You should also be thinking about the Cupra Born, Renault Megane E-Tech, and Skoda Elroq as well as the Volkswagen ID.3.
Comfort and design: Smart #3 interior
"There's a lot to commend in the Smart #3's cabin. Its funky looks add some style and it's practical courtesy of generous space and a decent boot. Yet the finicky infotainment is something that will grate every time you use it."
The Mercedes-Benz influence is obvious in the way the Smart #3 looks after its driver. It has excellent seat comfort and support, and you can adjust the height of the chair to fine-tune to the driving position. This is helped by the height and depth movement of the steering wheel, while the 9.2-inch dash display is clear and crisply presented.
Our only gripe here is the steering wheel's controls are not the easiest to understand due to the small graphics. They are also not very well-lit at night, so you have to think too much about using them when needed rather than concentrating on the road ahead.
The high centre console adds a mildly sporting air to the #3's driving environment without it feeling hemmed in or claustrophobic. All-round vision is decent in most directions for the driver, but the rear screen's shape offers only a limited picture in the rear-view mirror. Fortunately, you get parking sensors at both ends of the car and a 360-degree reversing camera to help, though this is cold comfort when driving in traffic.
Quality and finish
It's encouraging to note Smart has stuck with a separate dash screen for the #3. It's neatly integrated into the lines of the dash and lends the interior a suitably high-tech, high class air. It's less minimalist than some rivals, notably the Tesla Model 3 or Volvo EX30, but we reckon the Smart #3 strikes the right balance.
The raised centre console blends into the dash and its finish looks good. It feels a little less substantial than you would find in a Mercedes-badged car, but the cubby lids work with a fluidly damped action - nice.
Much of the rest of the #3's interior feels up to parent company Mercedes' standards. However, the steering wheel-mounted controls are a notable exception to this in the way they are presented and function.
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, nav and stereo in the Smart #3
As mentioned above, all Smart #3 models come with a 9.2-inch main dash display and it works without any need for the driver to think about it. Just as it should be.
If only the same could be said for the 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen. It has sharp graphics and is well positioned, so it's not a stretch for the driver to reach. It also comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, as well as over-the-air updates.
Where things unravel for the Smart #3's infotainment is when you begin to interact with it. The display has too many unnecessary images, which are distracting in themselves, and this is before you get to the nub of the infotainment's problem - the frankly very poor menu arrangement.
When you want to switch off a driver assistance function or change a setting, it all takes too many button presses and time. It's just outright frustrating and something we struggle to understand the thought behind the design.
Space and practicality: Smart #3 boot space
It may reside in the small SUV sector, but that doesn't mean the Smart #3 comes up short on passenger space. As well as the generous amount of room offered to those in the front, the rear provides ample distance for knees, legs and shoulders.
How much headroom you enjoy will depend on your height. Kids will be fine and you can fit a pair of kiddy seats in the back of the #3 easily. Taller adults - we're talking anyone approaching 6-foot or more - and they will discover the limitations of that coupé-like roof line. Still, at least the standard panoramic glass roof gives an impression of space.
Step out and head to the back of the Smart #3 and all models have a powered tailgate. It opens to reveal a 370-litre boot. That's about on-par with a Volkswagen Golf, so you can shove in the usual bags and cases when heading away for the weekend.
There's also a handy space under the boot floor to store charging cables, which is welcome as the tiny 'frunk' under the bonnet is barely big enough to stash a sandwich and packet of crisps.
The rear bench seat splits 60-40 in the Smart #3, so you can extend the boot to as much as 1160 litres of space. That's decent, but the seats don't fold completely flat and there's a small lip between the load sill and floor unless you raise the adjustable boot floor to its higher position.
Handling and ride quality: What is the Smart #3 like to drive?
"The Smart #3 is engaging to drive right up to the moment you discover how its brake regeneration bursts into action."
There is a lot to like and admire about the way the Smart #3 drives. You will also find one particular element especially poor, but we'll come to that in a moment.
Around town, the #3 has a firm edge even on the 19-inch wheels of non-Brabus versions. The sportier Brabus sits on 20-inch alloy wheels and its performance bias makes it much easier to forgive or excuse its brittle low-speed suspension. With the other models, you just have to put up with the occasional jarring moment as the tyres encounter a pothole or sudden ridge in the surface.
At higher speeds, this firmness morphs into very good body control and a suppleness on the motorway that makes the Smart #3 a decent long-distance machine.
Twistier rural roads can also be dealt with confidently due to the amount of grip the Smart #3 offers. All of the main models are rear-wheel drive, but you'd be hard-pressed to notice as the #3 takes corners without much lean or drama. As with most EVs, some more steering feel would be welcome. Choosing between the Eco, Comfort and Sport driving modes does nothing to improve this.
In the Brabus version, you get four-wheel drive as standard and it ups the cornering grip by a couple of notches. It's still hampered by lifeless steering, though, so you don't ever feel you're getting the full performance SUV experience.
Whichever Smart #3 you're in, the brakes are strong and able, but they are overshadowed by the car's hugely overbearing regenerative braking system. You can pick from two settings - mild or strong. With the stronger of the two, you can drive the #3 with just the accelerator pedal as it will come to a stop when you take your foot off the pedal.
Where the problem lies is the way the Smart transitions from acceleration to braking when the regeneration kicks in. Most EVs have smoothed this to the point where you don't think about it, but in the #3 it comes in with a real kick. It makes for lurching progress, especially in ebb and flow traffic. It truly spoils the overall driving manners of the #3.
What motors and batteries are available in the Smart #3?
All Smart #3 models other than the Brabus come with a 272PS single electric motor that drives the rear wheels. All deliver 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds and you have a choice of 49kWh battery in the Pro model or a 66kWh battery in the Pro+, Premium, and Anniversary Edition trims.
The Brabus comes with twin electric motors, with the second driving the front wheels and upping power to an impressive 428PS. It uses the same 66kWh battery as the Pro+ and delivers 0-62mph in a mere 3.7 seconds.
Smart #3 range: How far can you travel on a charge?
Choose the cheapest Smart #3, the Pro trim, and its 49kWh battery offers a driving range officially rated at 202 miles. The larger battery in the other models betters this in the Pro+ to 270 miles, while the Premium and Anniversary Edition are good for a claimed 283 miles on a full charge. The greater range of these two trims is thanks to a standard heat pump that ekes out a little more range by reducing the strain on the battery when warming the cabin.
The rapid Brabus model of Smart #3 trades some range from its 66kWh battery for its performance, so it comes with a factory-rated driving range of 258 miles.
Refinement and noise levels
Regardless of which version of Smart #3 you choose, you're going to have to put up with a lot of tyre noise making itself heard in the cabin. As you reach faster speeds on A-roads and motorways, it becomes the dominant sound and is much more intrusive than in the Smart's main rivals.
There is some wind noise, but not anything to irk, and you can't really hear it anyway due to the roar from the tyres.
Safety equipment: How safe is the Smart #3?
An impressive showing in this area for the Smart #3 starts with a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, where its tests showed the #3 was particularly good at protecting its occupants from harm. All models have seven airbags included.
All models come with Smart's pilot assist active safety set-up, which brings features such as adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function, lane assist, blind spot detection, traffic sign recognition, motorway assist with lane changing help, traffic jam assist, parking sensors front and back, and a 360-degree parking camera.
If you opt for the Premium, Anniversary Edition or Brabus models, you also get automatic parking assistance and auto high beam as standard.
Smart #3 charging times: How much does it cost to charge?
"Recharge times for the Smart #3 are average for this class of car. The smaller battery in the Pro model also charges at a slower rate than its sibling models."
With the Pro version of the Smart #3 that has a smaller battery than the others in the range, you can recharge with up to a 130kW charger. With the other models, you can recharge at up to 150kW.
With either, you can expect to go from 10-80% charge in around 30 minutes at maximum charging rates. Use a slower home charger and that same top-up will need about 7.5 hours for the small battery and 10 hours for the bigger one. Based on the current average cost of electricity, it'll be about £12 to fully charge the smaller battery from empty at home, and £16.50 for the larger unit.
Hook up to a public charger and going from 10-80% with a Pro+ model will cost around £37 to add that 70% of charge.
Smart #3 reliability and warranty
Disappointingly, Smart only provides a two-year, unlimited mileage warranty for the #3, which is some way behind rivals from Kia, Hyundai or Lexus, some of which offer a seven-year warranty as standard.
The battery of the Smart #3 is covered by its own eight-year, 125,000-mile warranty cover, which is better than most EVs. You also get an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty for all of the major EV components such as the motor.
Smart #3 insurance groups and costs
The Smart #3 will be pricier to insure than a number of its main rivals as it sits in insurance groups ranging from 33 to 41 (out of 50). The Brabus is the priciest of the bunch and is in that highest group, while the Pro+ sits in group 34 and the Premium in group 36.
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a Smart #3?
From 1 April 2025, all new EVs will pay a nominal £10 first-year sum for Vehicle Excise Duty, or road tax as most of us know it. Following that, you'll pay £190 for road tax in the second year and beyond.
It's worth noting that Smart #3 models with a list price of more than £40,000 - Premium, Anniversary Edition, and Brabus - will also be subject to the expensive car supplement of £410 that applies until the car passes its fifth birthday.
Smart #3 price
"The lower trims versions of the Smart #3 make the most fiscal sense as the higher grade models look a tad expensive."
Smart has pitched the prices of the #3 where its rivals need to pay attention. The entry-point Pro model costs from £33,950, while the Pro+ that we'd opt for comes in at £37,950. That's about the same as an equivalent Kia EV3.
Upgrade to the Premium and prices begin at £40,650 or £40,950 for the Anniversary Edition. If you prefer the performance on offer from the Brabus version of the Smart #3, you'll be looking at a list price of £46,450, which is Audi S3 money.
If you'd prefer to look at the second-hand market, a nearly new and lightly used #3 in any trim can be had with a £6000 saving if you don't mind a car with around 1000 miles on the clock.
Trim levels and standard equipment
The Smart #3 range gets off to a good start with the Pro model. It comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof, all-round parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera. It also has automatic lights and wipers, a powered tailgate, and electrically operated and heated door mirrors.
Inside the Pro, you find a 9.2-inch dash display and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen. There are electrically adjusted front seats that are heated and covered in man-made leather. You also get a heated steering wheel, climate control, and rear Isofix child seat mounts.
Move up to the Pro+ and the biggest gain is the larger battery pack for an increased driving range. It also has wireless phone charging included. The Premium model further ups the ante with a 10-inch head-up display unit, upgraded stereo, automatic parking assist, and a heat pump that helps extend its driving range. The Anniversary Edition is much the same as the Premium in spec other than its Brabus-style body kit.
The Brabus model of Smart #3 has its own specification that encompasses 20-inch alloy wheels, body kit, red brake callipers, red interior trim with ventilated front seats, sports steering wheel, and bespoke Brabus badging.
Ask the heycar experts: common questions
Is the Smart #3 based on a Mercedes-Benz?
Why can some Smart #3s drive further with the same batter and motor?
Is the Smart #3 an SUV?
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