Cheaper luxury electric cars coming for Volvo EX30: Smart #1 and #3 Australian release confirmed for late 2024 with BYD Atto3 and Hyundai Kona electric in their sights

Smart has locked in pricing and release timing for the #1 and #3 – pronounced 'hashtag one' and 'hashtag three' – electric small SUVs for late 2024.

Starting at $54,900, before on-road costs, and topping out at $67,900 for the flagship 315kW Brabus. The Smart models will be available to buy from select LSH Auto dealerships in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

The new Smart brand is a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Chinese automotive giant Geely which also owns Volvo and Polestar.

It is not imported by Mercedes-Benz, however. Rather LSH auto, an owner of many 'Benz dealer franchises.

While the two Smarts aren't identical in dimensions, the wagon-styled #1 has only a 35mm shorter wheelbase than the coupe-like #3.

Both are available in three trim levels – Pro+, Premium and Brabus – with a 66kWh battery. The #1's driving range varies between 400-440km (WLTP) and the #3 peaks at 455km in Premium trim.

The Pro+ trim is equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, wireless smartphone mirroring, a power tailgate and panoramic sunroof.

A single rear-mounted 200kW/343Nm electric motor shared with the Premium sees the #1 hit 100km/h in 6.7 seconds, while the slipperier #3 completes the dash in 5.8 seconds.

Moving up to the Premium ($58,900 or $61,900 for #3) adds a 640-watt Beats sound system, synthetic leather upholstery and a heat pump, gaining an extra 20km of WLTP driving range.

Brabus variants get a second motor for 315kW and 543Nm with the #3 hitting 100km/h in 3.7 seconds.

The Brabus does not have major chassis upgrades or adaptive dampers but adds red brake calipers, synthetic suede upholstery with red accents, different body styling and Brabus drive mode. For the #3, the Brabus gets 20-inch alloy wheels.

The #1 and #3 are based on the same 'SEA2' underpinnings as the Volvo EX30 but share rather different dimensions, such as the Smart's 100mm longer wheelbase.

“We are certain that the extensive and highly appealing smart range will build a unique position in the Australian market for those wishing to add electric mobility to their lifestyle," said LSH Auto Australia MD John Good.

When the premium-pitched electric Smarts arrive, they will do battle with the BYD Atto 3, Hyundai Kona electric and Renault Megane E-Tech.

2024 Smart range pricing

All prices are before on-road costs

Model	Price
#1 Pro+	$54,900
#1 Premium	$58,900
#1 Brabus	$67,900

Model	Price
#3 Pro+	$57,900
#3 Premium	$61,900
#3 Brabus	$70,900