While Malaysians are anticipating the arrival of the Smart #1 through PRO-NET, Smart has teased the Smart #3, a fully-electric coupe SUV which is also the brand’s second car since its revamp. Only shown in camouflage for now, the coupe SUV will make its world debut on April 18, 2023 at Auto Shanghai.
In the teaser video shared by Smart, key highlights of the new Smart #3 include an all-new SUV coupe design and an “extended range”, although details have not been disclosed. The Smart #3 also boasts “exceptional aerodynamic efficiency”, as Smart says that the Smart #3 has a drag coefficient of 0.27.
Aero highlights on the new car include air curtains on the front bumper, front wheel air deflectors, active grille shutters, and a roof spoiler. The car also features aerodynamic mirrors, an optimized underbody, and a rear diffuser.
Smart Europe CEO, Dirk Adelmann said, “After launching the Smart #1, we are excited to present the second model since our rebranding: The Smart #3. It will be unveiled at Auto Shanghai and the car will be a vital element of our product portfolio that enables us to further shape urban mobility.”
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The front end of the Smart #3 looks very similar to the Smart #1, albeit with a more aggressive bumper design. The air curtains/vents flare out more, giving the car a wider and sportier appearance. The continuous front light design is carried over, but the Smart #3 seems to sport a newly-designed headlight cluster.
The panel gap lines at the front look the same as the Smart #1, and the Smart #3 still appears to have the same all-around body claddings (albeit hidden by the camouflage). It also employs flush retractable door handles. Interestingly, the Smart #3 appears to have the brand’s emblem on the front fender.
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Of course, the main exterior highlight of the Smart #3 would be its coupe styling. The C-pillar curves straight into the rear end and the transition seems to be a little abrupt. At the back, the car also sports a continuous LED taillight design.
Mercedes-Benz AG Chief Design Officer, Gorden Wagner said, “This muscular, yet elegantly sensual and perfectly balanced attraction of opposites makes the design an important milestone in the evolution of smart’s premiumness’ core value. The design of the #3 is emotionally confident, attracting and even thrilling the viewer.”
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