Still under camouflage, Smart has unveiled the first pictures of the #3 on Sina Weibo, the Chinese microblog site. This model shares most of its technical components with the #1, but should be regarded as the bigger brother.

We know ‘big’ remains a strange word to us in the Smart context, as the recently launched #1 was already a steep departure from the microcars the brand built its reputation upon.

Smart, now co-owned by Geely and Mercedes, is growing the range in the strictest sense of the word. Though official information is sparse, some details have already leaked. The car measures 4,4 meters in length, and is 1,48 meters wide, while the roof is 1,56 meters high.

A chain of new models

The newbie is 20 centimeters longer than the #1, which reflects in a slightly longer wheelbase (four centimeters extra) and can be pitched against Volkswagen’s ID.4 or the MG ZS EV. The style is also more coupé-like than the more rectangular #1, though the fascias of both cars are identical.

Local Chinese reports and Automotive News claim that the model will be unveiled in full at the Shanghai Motor Show, which is opening its doors on the 17th of April.

Smart itself has stated that the model will be roomier and more practical but also sportier than the #1 (which isn’t exactly low on power). Smart has previously announced that it will launch a new model each year up to 2027, so commercialization of the #3 can best be expected as of next year.

Sustainable Experience Architecture

There’s little reason to believe that the #3 will feature a different electric driveline than its smaller sibling. It will share the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) from Geely. This will also underpin future models at Volvo and Lynk & Co.

As in the #1, two drivelines are expected. In the standard model, the 66-kilowatt-hour battery mated to a 200 kW (272 hp) motor on the rear axle will presumably deliver a little less than 440 km (273 miles) of range under the WLTP cycle.

A sportier Brabus will need to live up to Smart’s dynamic claims. Most likely, this version adds a 156 hp motor on the front axle. The all-wheel-drive technology will sink range to around 400 kilometers.

Delay of European deliveries

The European roll-out hasn’t been a breeze for the updated brand. Its supplier base, in Shanghai, was affected by a surge of lockdowns at the beginning of this year, hampering production outputs in its Xi’an factory.

The hiccups have delayed the European introduction of the brand. The first deliveries arrived last month in Germany, which was the only available market in Europe for a while. Since last month, pre-orders have also opened in Belgium, but no cars have been delivered yet.