Smart #3 crossover moves the brand closer to the mainstream

Smart left the United States after the 2019 model year, but it still sells cars in numerous global markets including Europe and China. The little-car brand took a big step towards the mainstream by showing an electric, fastback-like crossover called #3 at the Shanghai auto show.

Visually, the #3 is characterized by rounded lines and a handful of styling cues shared with the #1, which is a more family-friendly electric crossover unveiled in 2022. The front end features a more aggressive-looking design with a splitter and additional vent-like trim pieces, while the back end gets a fast-sloping roof line and a light bar. Smart notes that buyers will have several vibrant exterior colors to choose from.

It's a similar story inside: many of the #1's features are carried over, including a tall, flowing center console and a 12.8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. A handful of details (such as round air vents and model-specific trim) underline the model's sportier positioning. The list of available features includes multi-color ambient lighting, a 13-speaker Beats sound system and a panoramic roof panel.