Controlled in equal parts by Chinese Geely and Mercedes, the “new” Smart is determined to rapidly expand its range, in order to attract a greater number of customers. It was known that Smart #1 would be followed by new electric models, but it was not expected to know #3 without even talking about #2. But that’s exactly what happened, as China’s Ministry of Industry and Technology allowed documentation supporting the approval to end up on the internet.
The leaked photos show an SUV larger than the Smart #1, but that doesn’t hide its relationship to the first member of Smart’s new electric range. Since that family atmosphere is explored here in a model that is 4.4 meters long, 1.8 meters wide and 1.6 meters high, with a slightly longer wheelbase than the #1 (2,785 m versus 2,750m). Measures that will make it compete in the competitive C-SUV segment, with the particularity that in #3 the steep slope of the C pillar stands out. Customers, although it requires some sacrifice from the point of view of habitability in the rear seats. . On the other hand, the fact that this coupe SUV sports the #3 designation may mean that Smart is preparing to make a #2 of the same caliber, but taller and more bulky.
Smart #1 may be the best proposal in the segment for lovers of power
No photos of the cabin have been leaked, but an interior is expected along the lines of the Smart #1, which should arrive on the Portuguese market in May 2023. And, like the Smart #1, the future #3 will also be presented with a sportier version, coined by Brabus.
Built in China based on Geely Group’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform, the Smart #3 will be available with either one or two electric motors, supplied by Weirui Electric Auto Technology, meaning it will be available in a rear-facing version. or complete. wheel drive. . With a single engine, the power should be the same as that of the Smart #1 series, that is, 200 kW (272 hp), so that the version that mounts an electric motor on the front axle benefits from 115 kW (154 CV) additional. ), keeping the 272 hp engine at the rear.
The capacity of the battery that will feed them is unknown, but provisionally there is talk of a cathode accumulator of the NCM type (nickel, cobalt and manganese), initially supplied by the Chinese from Sunwodada and China Aviation Lithium Battery Technology (CALB), the company that wants to set up a battery factory in Portugal.
Source: Observadora
