Head-to-head
Smart #1 vs Smart #3
The Smart #1 starts $3,000 (5%) below the Smart #3. Here's how that price gap plays out across range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · SUV
Smart #1
Smart returned to Australia under Geely ownership — the #1 is a small electric SUV (despite the city-car Smart heritage). Built in Geely's Xi'an factory in China.
- From
- $54,900
- Range
- 420 km
- Battery
- 66 kWh
Option B · Coupe
Smart #3
Smart's coupe-SUV companion to the #1. Same Geely-built mechanicals but with a sleeker fastback roofline. The Brabus AWD variant cracks 3.7s 0-100.
- From
- $57,900
- Range
- 455 km
- Battery
- 66 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the Smart #1 and Smart #3, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage Smart #3
The Smart #3 goes 35 km further on a charge (455 vs 420 km WLTP).
- 2
Price · advantage Smart #1
The Smart #1 undercuts the Smart #3 by $3,000 (5%) on starting price.
- 3
0–100 km/h · advantage Smart #3
The Smart #3 is 0.9 s quicker to 100 km/h (5.8 s vs 6.7 s).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Smart #1 wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $3,000
Where the Smart #3 wins
- ▸ 35 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (5.8s vs 6.7s)
Smart #1
What we like
- ✓ Distinctive Smart-branded design
- ✓ Strong performance from the Pro+ RWD variant
- ✓ 150 kW DC charging keeps it road-trip viable
What we don't
- ✕ Smart dealer network is brand-new in Australia
- ✕ ANCAP not yet rated locally
- ✕ China origin (under Geely, not Daimler)
Smart #3
What we like
- ✓ Sub-6-second 0-100 in Pro+ RWD trim
- ✓ Sleeker coupe-SUV silhouette
- ✓ Same Geely engineering as well-received Smart #1
What we don't
- ✕ Coupe roofline cuts rear headroom
- ✕ Smart dealer network is brand new in Australia
- ✕ Not yet ANCAP rated locally
Frequently asked: Smart #1 vs Smart #3
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Smart #1 or the Smart #3?
- The Smart #1 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $54,900 versus $57,900 for the Smart #3, a $3,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Smart #3 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 455 km, 35 km further than the Smart #1's 420 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The Smart #3 does 0–100 km/h in 5.8 seconds — 0.9 s quicker than the Smart #1's 6.7 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Is the Smart #1 better value than the Smart #3?
- On paper the Smart #1 is $3,000 cheaper, but trails the Smart #3 on the core measurable specs. The saving might still be worth it if you don't need the extra range, power or charging speed — but the Smart #3 is the spec-sheet winner.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
Smart #1
if…
- ✓ you want to save $3,000 on the sticker
- ✓ you match the profile: design-led city buyers
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.