Smart Car Returning to Australia With All Electric Lineup

Smart, the iconic city-car brand is making a come back in Australia. Instead of the tiny two-seaters you might remember, Smart is bringing a pair of electric SUVs – the #1 and #3.

These new Smarts are a radical departure from the ForTwo. They're designed by Mercedes-Benz but engineered and built by China's Geely (who now co-owns Smart). Think Hyundai Kona size, not Smart car size.

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LSH Auto will be the exclusive retailer for the new smart range in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. They'll leverage their existing Mercedes-Benz showrooms, including the impressive five-storey Lifestyle precinct in Brisbane.

Smart will join a a wave of other new Chinese electric car brands coming to Australia in the near future, including Zeekr (another Geely brand), Xpeng, GAC, Aion, and Leapmotor. Even Geely itself, which owns Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus, is eyeing an Australian launch.

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Smart #1 and #3: Electric SUVs with Punch

The new Smart lineup features two small electric SUVs – the #1 and #3. The #1, at 4270mm long, is about the size of a Mazda CX-3. The #3, at 4440mm, is closer to a BYD Atto 3 or Volvo XC40.

Both models ride on a Geely electric platform that will also be used in the upcoming Volvo EX30 city electric SUV and future Zeekr models for Australia.

Top-of-the-range versions pack a serious punch with dual electric motors generating 315kW and can accelerate you from 0-100km/h in a scorching 3.9 seconds, as fast as a base Porsche 911.

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Smart Pricing and Availability

While official Australian pricing will be revealed next month we can look to UK prices as an indication. In the UK, the Smart #1 is about 25% cheaper than a similarly equipped Volvo EX30, which starts around $70,000 drive-away in Australia. This suggests a potential starting price of around $55,000 for the Smart #1 here, with flagship Brabus versions likely exceeding $70,000. The #3 might start from $60,000.

Expect fixed pricing for Smart vehicles sold through a network of showrooms in capital cities across Australia.

Orders for Smart #1 and #3 are expected to open in September 2024.

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