Looks like the smart#1 will have the smart#3 side by side in Malaysian showrooms soon.
When PRO-NET was launched with the target to market smart cars in Malaysia, there was only one model on offer, the smart#1. At the time, many Malaysians thought this would be PROTON’s first electric car offering and at a very affordable selling price (under RM100k).
Well, the truth is, the ‘smart’ brand is a premium electric vehicle brand as it is part of the Mercedes-Benz group and also Geely Auto which means it will be sold in stand alone ‘smart’ showrooms and at a premium selling price in Malaysia.
So, now we have news that ‘smart’ has officially launched its first-ever sports utility coupé, the smart #3, at an exclusive brand event during the 2023 Auto Shanghai motor show.
This signals the possible arrival in Malaysia some time next year under PRO-NET and like we said before, it will NOT be rebadged as a PROTON.
PRESS RELEASE: The design of the smart #3 represents an even sportier interpretation of the design philosophy created exclusively by Mercedes-Benz global design team, while keeping state-of-the-art connectivity as the guiding principle. With the launch of the smart #3, smart remains true to its original pioneering vision of exploring the best solutions for future urban mobility.
Dirk Adelmann, CEO smart Europe: “We are proud to finally present our first-ever sports utility coupé, the all-new smart #3 to the world. As an all-electric pioneer smart is committed to uncompromising quality of experience and interactions.
Our goal has always been to address the multifaceted and changing needs for mobility. Therefore, smart will keep on expanding its product family to offer a variety of cars that optimally suit different customer groups and lifestyles.”
Premium design inside and out
Interestingly, the design of this new smart is defined by seamless, smooth lines and athletic curves, aimed at enhancing its aerodynamic performance. The body is further accentuated with numerous design details.
At the front, slimmed down CyberSparks LED headlights are paired with a distinctive “shark nose” and A-shape wide grill. On the sides, the prominent two-tone roof meets the smooth, continuous e-line that connects the A-pillar and C-pillar, creating an elegant sporty silhouette. The spoiler, C-pillar and the rear fender combine with the bumper to create a modern curvature, while taillights with pixelated elements enhance the vehicle’s premium feel.
In the interior, the cockpit reaffirms the model’s sporty energy with circular shapes evocative of turbine intakes, embedding voluminous elements throughout the calm and stylish architecture. The sculpted dashboard flows seamlessly into a high console, housing the central cockpit, a 12.8-inch elevated central screen.
The combination of natural light from the halo roof and artificial illumination from multi-coloured ambient lighting further enhances the airy interior atmosphere.
Thanks to a longer wheelbase the smart #3 offers an even more spacious interior. Integrated headrests additionally increase the driving comfort and underline the sporty interior design concept.
Meanwhile, the infotainment system, equipped with a 13-speaker Beats® Soundsystem, complements the avant-garde smart #3 cabin experience.
Furthermore, the smart #3 will come in new and exciting colours, including a vibrant Photon Orange Metallic and a futuristic Electric Blue Matte exterior as well as a new Vibrant Brown interior variant.
