Smart #3 EV to make global premiere in China next month

KUALA LUMPUR: The German electric car brand Smart (backed by Mercedes-Benz and Geely), is set to enter the local automotive scene, in collaboration with Proton. The two companies finalised the deal in Aug 2022 marking the Malaysia-born automaker as the official distributor for Smart EVs in Malaysia and Thailand. 

Also read: Proton staff to undergo NEV training in China

The Smart Automobile introduced its first EV, the #1, in China (earmarked for Malaysia) last year with a target to launch one new model a year until 2027. In accordance with the plan, the German marque gears up for the reveal of its second EV, the #3.

According to the report published by Automotive News Europe, the Smart #3 EV will make its global premiere at the Shanghai Auto Show next month, set to be held between April 18 - April 27, 2023.

While the official details on the upcoming Smart EV are scarce at the moment, we can refer to the EV’s leaked images sourced from China’s Ministry of Information Technology website. The leaked shots reveal the entirety of the crossover’s exterior styling featuring a similar front fascia and a light bar (connecting front LED headlights) as the #1. The rear also boasts a nearly identical design with a more rakish-shaped roof compared to the ongoing model.

According to MITI China, the #3 will be larger than the #1 with dimensions reading as 4400 mm in length, 1800 mm in width, and 1600 mm in height. The wheelbase is measured at 2785 mm.

When it comes to the powertrain, Car News China reports the #3 will be equipped with the same motor setup as its little brother. That means a 272 PS single motor system for the entry-level and a dual motor one for range-topping models. As for the battery also, it may borrow the 66-kWh battery pack from the #1, which offers 440 km of driving range ( WLTP cycle) on a single charge.

For confirmed specifications of the Smart #3 EV, we have to wait for its official reveal which is slated for next month.

Also read: Proton’s upcoming three-row SUV enters into production; new stamping line unveiled