Smart #3

All variants share a single 66 kWh (62 kWh usable) NMC battery pack supplied by CATL, operating on 400V architecture. The NCM523 chemistry balances energy density with thermal stability. At 390 kg, the battery contributes to the #3's low centre of gravity and planted handling feel. All variants share the same pack — range differences between trims result from weight, wheel size, and drivetrain configuration rather than battery capacity.

WLTP figures range from 415 km (Brabus AWD) to 455 km (Premium RWD). Applying the standard 15–25% UAE reduction for motorway speeds, AC load, and ambient heat, real-world estimates are 310–365 km for the Brabus, 325–370 km for the Pro+, and 340–385 km for the Premium. The Abu Dhabi–Dubai single leg of approximately 140 km is comfortable; the round trip requires planning or a mid-route charge stop depending on driving style and climate load.

The Smart #3 features a 22 kW three-phase onboard AC charger — one of the fastest in the compact SUV segment. On a compatible 22 kW wall box, a full charge completes in approximately three hours. On a standard 7.4 kW single-phase home charger, the same charge takes approximately nine hours overnight. At DEWA's residential rate of AED 0.23/kWh, a full charge costs approximately AED 14.26. In Abu Dhabi at the expatriate ADDC rate of AED 0.27/kWh, the cost is AED 16.74.

DC fast charging via CCS2 peaks at 150 kW, completing 10–80% in approximately 30 minutes. The 400V architecture does not reach ultra-fast 350 kW speeds, but the 22 kW AC capability is a genuine differentiator — public AC chargers at shopping malls and offices deliver meaningful range in short dwell times. Compatible UAE networks: DEWA Green Charger, E2GO (ADNOC/TAQA), Tesla Supercharger (CCS2 access where available), UAEV, and GreenParking. 2025 Smart #3 — Battery & Charging

The Smart #3 seats five with heated and powered front seats as standard. The Premium trim upgrades to Duo leather upholstery with illuminated door handles and ambient lighting. The 2,785 mm wheelbase — generous for a 4.4 m car — delivers good rear legroom, though the coupe roofline reduces rear headroom for taller passengers. Frameless doors add a premium touch unusual at this price point.

The 12.8-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen dominates the centre console. A 10-inch head-up display projects speed, navigation, and ADAS data into the driver's line of sight — standard across all trims. The heated steering wheel is standard. The driving position is low and sporty, consistent with the coupe SUV character. Visibility through the rear is restricted by the sloping roofline — the 360-degree camera system compensates effectively.

Automatic climate control cools the cabin effectively. A heat pump is available on Premium and Brabus trims to optimise efficiency in extreme temperatures. Remote pre-cooling via the Smart app is supported. The panoramic glass roof is fixed and features UV-filtering glass, though aftermarket tinting is recommended for maximum solar protection in UAE summer conditions.

The 370-litre boot is adequate for weekly shopping but smaller than the Kia EV3 (460 L) and BYD Atto 3 (440 L) — a trade-off for the coupe profile. Rear seats fold to expand capacity to 1,160 litres. A 15-litre frunk beneath the bonnet accommodates the charging cable. The power tailgate is standard. The boot floor is flat, and the opening is wide enough for medium suitcases.

The 12.8-inch touchscreen runs Smart's infotainment platform with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a built-in AI voice assistant ("Hello Smart"), and wireless phone charging. Arabic language support is expected on GCC-spec units through AW Rostamani — buyers should confirm at the dealer. The Premium and Brabus trims add a Beats 13-speaker premium audio system. Over-the-air updates are supported.

Seven airbags are standard across all variants, including a front-centre airbag. The ADAS suite includes AEB (vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists), adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, lane-keep assist, emergency lane keeping, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic jam assist, and automatic parking assist on Premium and above. Euro NCAP awarded five stars with scores of 90% adult, 86% child, 84% vulnerable road users, and 85% safety assist — among the strongest in the compact segment.

The Smart #3 drives with a composure and refinement that reflects its Mercedes-Benz design heritage. The RWD variants are smooth and predictable, with well-weighted steering and a planted feel through corners. The coupe roofline contributes to a lower drag profile, keeping wind noise subdued at motorway speeds. The transition from creeping in traffic to cruising at 120 km/h is seamless.

The RWD Pro+ and Premium dispatch 0–100 km/h in 5.8 seconds with 268 hp and 343 Nm — brisk for a compact SUV and more than adequate for confident motorway merging. The Brabus transforms the character: 428 hp, 543 Nm, and AWD deliver a 3.7-second sprint that rivals dedicated performance EVs at twice the price. Top speed is limited to 180 km/h across all variants.

Regenerative braking is adjustable through multiple levels. The 350 mm front and 333 mm rear disc brakes provide strong stopping power — particularly important for the heavier Brabus variant. Brake pedal feel is consistent and progressive. The multi-collision brake system automatically applies braking after an initial impact to prevent secondary collisions.

Adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, lane-keep assist, and traffic jam assist combine for a competent motorway experience. The system handles well-marked UAE motorways and manages lane centring in moderate traffic. Automatic lane change capability is available when signalling. The driver fatigue and distraction monitoring system ensures attention remains on the road. The system is reliable on highways but requests driver intervention on poorly-marked secondary roads.

MacPherson front struts and multi-link rear suspension deliver a balanced, sporty feel. The Brabus lowers the ride height by 35 mm with sport-tuned monotube dampers — noticeably sharper through corners with reduced body roll. The 4,400 mm length and good turning radius make urban manoeuvring straightforward. The low battery placement and coupe-width stance provide confidence at higher speeds through sweeping bends.

The standard suspension provides a well-judged balance between comfort and body control over UAE urban roads. Expansion joints and speed bumps are absorbed cleanly. The Brabus, with its lowered and stiffened setup, transmits more surface detail — a deliberate trade-off for handling precision. Ground clearance is 160 mm on standard variants and 175 mm on the Brabus — adequate for UAE roads but not for off-road or unpaved tracks.

AW Rostamani covers the Smart #3 with a five-year or 120,000 km vehicle warranty and an eight-year or 160,000 km battery warranty — among the most comprehensive in the segment. AW Rostamani's multi-brand service network, which also covers Nissan and Infiniti, provides established infrastructure for after-sales support. Annual BEV servicing is estimated at AED 1,500–2,500 — significantly lower than comparable petrol SUVs.

Grey import Smart #3 units may use different charging configurations, lack Arabic language support, and miss GCC-specific software calibrations. Insurance loading on grey imports is 15–25% above standard. Government EV incentives — free Salik tag, green parking, reduced registration fees — apply to official agency vehicles only. With AW Rostamani's competitive official pricing starting at AED 109,900, the grey import route offers negligible savings against significant warranty and support risks.

At AED 109,900, the Smart #3 Pro+ is one of the most affordable premium compact electric SUVs in the UAE — undercutting the Volvo EX30 by approximately AED 60,000 and the BMW iX1 by over AED 100,000. For a buyer covering 20,000 km per year with a home wall box, annual electricity cost is estimated at AED 900–1,200. The 22 kW onboard charger means even public AC sessions deliver meaningful range quickly, reducing reliance on paid DC fast chargers. Insurance estimates through official UAE channels range from AED 5,500 to AED 8,500 annually. Annual BEV servicing is approximately AED 1,500–2,500. Government incentives include a free Salik tag (toll charges of AED 4–6 per gate still apply), green parking bay access with a four-hour session limit, and reduced RTA registration fees. Depreciation risk is moderate. Smart is a new brand proposition in the UAE, and residual values will take time to establish. The Mercedes-Benz co-branding and AW Rostamani's dealer presence provide stronger foundations than most Chinese-brand alternatives. The 160,000 km battery warranty supports long-term ownership confidence. Three-year resale is estimated at 50–58% of purchase price — acceptable for a first-generation model from a re-launched brand, and likely to improve as the Smart name builds recognition in the GCC. 2025 Smart #3 — Standard Equipment