The reinvented Smart company has officially taken the wraps off its second car at this year’s Shanghai Auto Show. Called #3, its an all-electric crossover designed by Mercedes and built around a platform from Smart’s new co-parent, Geely, and is aimed at big-volume EVs like the Tesla Model Y.
We got our first look at the coupe-SUV last November thanks to pictures released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, which also supplied us with far more technical information that Smart has chosen to dish out in Shanghai.
That info included a full set of dimensions revealing that the #3 measures 4,400 mm (137.2 inches) long, 1,800 mm (70.8-inches) wide, and stands 1,600 mm (62.9-inches) tall. It also has a wheelbase of 2,785 mm (109.6-inches) which is 35 mm (1.4 inches) longer than the #1 whose Geely Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform and running gear it shares.
Smart hasn’t revealed the motor lineup for the #3, but if the options exactly match those in the #1 the most basic version of the new car will come with a single 268 hp (272 PS) electric motor driving the rear wheels. At the other end of the price and performance spectrum, the range-topping Brabus model should add a 154 hp (156 PS) front-mounted motor, making for a combined 422 hp (428 PS).
Related: The Smart #1 Is The Start Of A New Fully Electric Direction For The Brand
A single interior image shows the #3’s cabin to be almost identical to its little brother’s, and featuring a high centre console that sweeps up to the base of a floating 12.8-inch tablet touchscreen, while a second digital display behind the three-spoke steering wheel handles instrument duties. The only major difference between the two cars’ dashboards appears to be the design of the center air vents: three rounds ones for the #3 and two narrow rectangular units for the #1.
Smart says the #3 will make its European debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September this year and will go on sale in the region in early 2024. Sadly, North American EV buyers won’t get the chance to pick up either of Smart’s new EVs because the Smart brand was withdrawn from the U.S. in 2019. Looking at the #3 here, that decision looks like they’re wrong one. To our eyes this is a far more visually appealing crossover than either a Tesla Model Y or VW ID.4. Come back, Smart, we promise to buy some cars this time.