smart #3 launched in Malaysia, priced from RM175,000

Malaysia is one of the first markets outside China to get the #3 model (refer to it as hashtag 3). As with the #1, the #3 is available in 3 versions – Pro, Premium and BRABUS. Prices are from RM175,000, RM215,000 and RM255,000, respectively.

This is the second EV in the smart range of the company jointly-owned by Geely and Mercedes-Benz

While the various smart elements are evident, the #3 has a more coupe-like profile and is a larger vehicle. Compared to the #1, it is 130 mm longer with the wheelbase increased by 35 mm. However, it sits 8 mm lower and also has 22 mm less ground clearance (BRABUS version). Depending on the version, the difference in weight it around 7%.

Like the #1, the #3 sits on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), the world’s first open-source electric vehicle architecture, developed by Geely. The larger coupe body design and interior are the work of Mercedes-Benz Design.

The #3 Pro has rear-wheel drive and a 49 kWh LFP battery providing power to the 272 ps/343 Nm motor. The range is said to be up to 325 kms and 0 to 100 km/h is claimed to be within 5.8 seconds. For the #3 Premium, the battery is the NCM type with a larger capacity of 66 kWh and a longer range of 455 kms.

The sporty BRABUS version has two motors with a total output of 428 bhp/543 Nm, also powered by a 66 kWh battery. With that high output and all-wheel drive, it can go from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.7 seconds. The claimed range is still over 400 kms but as with combustion engine cars, if you want to enjoy that high performance, then there will be diminished range.

New to the powertrain is the revised regenerative braking system. Taking note of feedback from owners, there are now 3 modes. The driver now has a bit more control over how strong the braking effect is as some people found it too strong and difficult to get used to in the #1. The new system will probably also be available for the #1 as a software update (which will come ‘over the air’).

With a 150 kW DC fast-charger, recharging from 10% to 80% is said to take 30 minutes. If you have an AC charger at home with a 22 kW supply, you can do the same thing within 3 hours so you can leave each morning to work with a ‘full tank’.

With regard to public charging stations, smart owners enjoy the convenience of a single app – the Hello smart app – providing access to multiple networks. To date, the app can be used with the networks of ChargeSini, DC Handal, Carput zap, Gentari, JomCharge and ChargEV.

The initiative by smart Malaysia is commendable as it takes away the hassle of having to install different apps just to access different charging station networks. The six networks that are collaborating with smart Malaysia account for 80% of the charging stations in the country which is quite extensive and will continue to grow.

The ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) is even more capable with 23 radar and camera sensors around and inside the vehicle. These provide information on the surroundings to a powerful computer which can manage 21 active safety functions to help the driver be aware of dangers as well as pro-actively control the car to avoid a collision. The system includes a self-parking capability.

It seems to be the trend these days (especially with the Chinese brands) to offer a special package with extras at the time of launch. For the new #3, smart Malaysia is offering (for a limited period) the following: a) Complimentary smartCharge Home Charger worth RM3,200; b) complimentary Accessories Package with 6 items (worth RM2,500); and c) Vehicle to Load (V2L) Adaptor; and d) 5-year internet data (total 60GB ).

All new SUVs will come with the standard warranties which are 8 years/200,000 kms for the High-Voltage Battery Pack; 8 years/150,000 kms for the High-Voltage Components; 4 years/unlimited mileage for the rest of the vehicle; 2 years/unlimited mileage on spare parts; and 24/7 Roadside Assistance.

“We are immensely proud to have added the new smart #3 to our product portfolio,” said Zhang Qiang, CEO of smart Malaysia. “The smart #3 will have significant potential in the premium segment, reinforcing our commitment to delivering excellence. We aspire to foster more co-creation to uplift the brand values we cherish, creating a more vibrant community around smart. Our goal is to continue providing the best smart premium ownership experience, which includes exceptional aftersales service with readily available parts, an integrated public charging map, and a seamless digital ecosystem.”

smartCare to enhance ownership experience for smart EV owners