• Power ranging from 272 to 428hp
• All models have quick acceleration
• Brabus is verging on overpowered

What power options are there?

The Smart #3 is only available as an electric car, with a few variations in power and range between them. There are four mainline specifications for the #3: entry-level Pro, longer-legged Pro+, upper Premium and high-performance Brabus. So far, we’ve tested the Premium and Brabus models.

Pro has a good amount of equipment but features a relatively small 49kWh lithium ferro-phosphate battery rather than a more traditional 66kWh nickel-cobalt-manganese one, meaning a more limited range of 202 miles and a max charging rate of 130kW. Pro+ adds that 66kWh battery pack for a larger claimed driving range of 270 miles and faster 150kW charging, but little extra equipment.

You’d need to step up to Premium to benefit from a heat pump (that will improve battery efficiency in colder climates, resulting in a longer range) in the battery pack to help with efficiency, and the Premium also benefits from 22kW AC charging (instead of the lower trim’s 7.4kW) and a claimed range of 283 miles.

Pro, Pro+ and Premium are all rear-wheel drive, with a single 272hp electric motor driving the rear wheels – good for a 5.7sec 0-62mph sprint. All models reach a top speed limited to 112mph.

And then you get to the mighty Brabus (pictured in orange). As well as its own exterior and interior design elements including larger wheels and a smattering of bespoke colour choices, the main difference with the Brabus model is the addition of a motor on the front axle, for electric all-wheel drive and a potent 428hp, good for a frankly silly 3.7sec 0-62mph time. It comes with a penalty of a smaller claimed range, though – down to 258 miles.

What’s it like to drive?

• Neat and tidy handling
• Pleasingly refined
• Not much steering feel

Our experiences of the #3 in the UK have proven that it’s a very smooth, calm and relatively collected place to spend time. Performance from the single e-motor has a satisfying swell of power, and the driving experience has an overall level of solidity to it. The general ride quality is fine, if not amazing, with the #3 particularly excelling at higher speeds with a very quiet cabin even at motorway speeds and a reasonably refined ride.

The steering isn’t exactly brimming with feel, but it feels good in your hands with some solid weight and precision to it. You can adjust the level of weight to the steering via the screen to your liking, too.

What we’d also like to be able to adjust (and, specifically, minimise) is the level of regenerative braking available. The standard amount is welcome enough – not what we’re complaining about – but there is no way to just allow the #3 to coast, which would make motorway driving more comfortable.

What about the Brabus one? As well as being impressively quick, the #3 is actually quite entertaining to drive. Rather than try to make it feel like more humdrum versions in most scenarios, Smart has listened and stiffened things up a bit. The changes aren’t huge, but with the lower ride height and roofline factored in there’s a far greater feeling of control.