Smart #3 Brabus review: Fun EV performance with a bit more sensibility

The Smart #1 Brabus was one of the most fun cars I've driven last year, with its lively nature that proved that electric vehicles (EVs) can be exciting as well.

And now comes along the Smart #3 Brabus, which features the same drivetrain but with a slightly bigger and sleeker body. But is it still the same enjoyable ball of laughs as the lovely Smart #1 Brabus?

What is the Smart #3 Brabus?

Let's rewind a little bit. As explained in our previous review of the Smart #1 Brabus, the brand has adopted an odd-numbered naming strategy, ranking cars according to size.

So the #1 would be their smallest electric SUV, followed by the #3 which is a slightly larger SUV, and then the upcoming #5 which is an even bigger family-sized SUV.

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Unlike the #1 and #5, which have more conventional designs, the #3 takes the form of a sleek coupe-crossover. The idea is that the #3 is meant to be somewhat of a sportier choice, and appeal to those who prefer head-turning looks over outright practicality.

Fundamentally though, both the #1 and #3 actually share a lot in common, such as their platform and drivetrains, and the #3 comes with the same two variants as the #1. 

There's the standard #3 Pro+ with a single electric motor producing 268hp and 343Nm of torque, and this high-powered dual-motor Brabus version with an insane 422hp and 543Nm of torque.

Think of the #3 then as the #1's slightly bigger sibling that prefers to dress up in more stylish clothes, but still holds on tight to its family roots.

How does the Smart #3 Brabus drive?

You probably don't need me to tell you that this car is ridiculously fast. 0 to 100km/h comes up in 3.7 seconds, and it's the kind of timing that can shame even the most powerful of Porsches, which is pure absurdity for an SUV like this.

Where the #3 differs from its smaller sibling is its sense of composure. The #3 is obviously bigger in size, being 170mm longer and 22mm wider than the equivalent #1 sibling, and this shows itself up in the way it behaves when you're not in a rush to go anywhere.

While the #1 Brabus was just a constantly hyperexcited maniac ball, the Smart #3 Brabus manages to inject a little bit more maturity in its driving demeanour. The ride feels a tad more comfortable, thanks to the longer wheelbase that makes the car feel more planted at speed, and the suspension seems a little bit more compliant over rough surfaces.

Likewise, the same qualities give off a similar effect in the way the car handles. In a certain way, the Smart #3 Brabus doesn't feel quite as lively as the #1 Brabus, as its bigger footprint means that it offers a bit more grip and stability through the corners, and you get the sense that there is a touch more seriousness in the #3's approach.

That doesn't make it not fun to drive, because the Smart #3 Brabus still feels remarkably balanced, thanks to the 50:50 weight distribution and well-sorted all-wheel-drive system. But let's just say that the #3 Brabus knows how to pull back and settle down a little when you want it to, compared to the #1 Brabus which feels like a never-ending high energy amusement ride.

What is the Smart #3 Brabus like inside?

The obvious place to start is with interior space, and being a bigger car means that the Smart #3 Brabus offers more room inside than the #1, although truth be told, the difference isn't really a whole lot.

Surprisingly, given the sloping roofline of the coupe-SUV style, rear headroom is actually pretty reasonable. The large panoramic sunroof does help with reducing the sense of claustrophobia by letting in plenty of light, although strangely it doesn't come with a retractable shade, unlike the #1.

The other noticeable difference you can spot are the #3's circular centre air con vents, instead of the slim rectangular ones on the #1. You also get unique bucket seats that incorporates ambient lighting, but aside from that, most of the interior remains broadly the same.

That means that the large 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen that dominates the dashboard is still present here, complete with its cheeky graphics and user interface that doesn't take itself too seriously.

There's also the expected Brabus performance touches, like the thin sports steering wheel, bright red seat belts, and the numerous Brabus logos and liberal usage of Alcantara material everywhere. It all adds up to an ambience that accentuates the car's sense of sportiness.

Is the Smart #3 Brabus worth buying?

Well, like its smaller sibling, the Smart #3 Brabus doesn't exactly come with a small price tag. $259,000 with COE (as of June 2025) is quite a bit to pay for a compact SUV, considering you can get much larger cars from more mainstream brands for less.

Then there's the road tax, which, like the #1 Brabus, is a hefty $4,415 a year, due to the immense power output. That can be a bit hard to swallow for some, but such is the reality of the unique way our government taxes electric cars here.

But all things considered, the Smart #3 Brabus does offer plenty going for it. It retains most of the essence of what made the #1 Brabus fun, and yet adds a dose of sensibility for those who want something that feels a little bit grown up as well.

It's like that mature adult who still has that wild partying streak within him, and if that sounds like you, then the Smart #3 Brabus should probably match your vibe.

ben.chia@asiaone.com

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