It is kind of pointless when automakers publish teasers of a model we have already seen. Thus, after showing us a selection of sketches, Smart went all-in with its latest teasers for the #3 electric crossover, revealing most of its design prior to its official debut which is scheduled for April 18 at the Shanghai Auto Show.
The Smart #3 is the coupe-SUV version of the #1 and the second production model in the automaker’s new era. As proven by the photos from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the official shots of a lightly camouflaged prototype, and a revealing teaser of the profile, the styling echoes the #1 – especially at the front Still, the greenhouse, roofline, and tail are unique to the #3, giving it a sportier stance. Other differences include the more aerodynamic windshield, the slimmer bumper intakes, and the Smart logo that has been moved on the front fenders.
Read: New Smart #3 Is A Cool-Looking Compact Electric Crossover That America Won’t Get
The Smart #3 will ride on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) and is expected to share the 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) single-motor and 422 hp (315 kW / 428 PS) dual-motor electric powertrain options with its sibling, as with the 66 kWh battery pack. With a length of 4,440 mm (173 inches), the coupe-SUV will be 170 mm (6.7 inches) longer than the Smart #1, and 10 mm (0.39 inches) shorter than the mechanically-related Zeekr X.
According to the latest teasers, the Smart #3 is currently going through the EU homologation procedure that will be completed in August 2023. That is when the company will announce the official figures for the range and energy consumption, measured under the WLTP cycle.
Following its premiere at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show next month, the Smart #3 is expected to go on sale in China this June, with the European market launch set for 2024. As with the Smart #1, the new model won’t be offered in North America since the automaker has withdrawn from this market. If you are wondering why Smart didn’t use the #2 nameplate, this is likely reserved for the successor of the aging EQ fortwo.
