A premium-feeling interior blends soft touch plastics with clever materials in the Smart #3. It feels clean, modern and bright, which is a nice change from the black on black on black colour schemes of some EVs.

The Smart #3 Pro+ and Premium will sprint to 100km/h in 5.8secs.The Brabus, though, unlocks way more power, dropping the sprint to a very-fast 3.7secs. Top speed is 180km/h for all models.

There are three threes available — Pro+, Premium and Brabus — with prices starting at $57,900 before climbing to $61,900 and $70,900, before on-road costs.

Even entry-level cars score 19-inch alloys, a panoramic roof, LED lighting, a powered tailgate and a 12.8-inch central screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 9.2-inch digital dashboard.

The Premium then adds a head-up display, matrix LED headlights, leather trim and a better Beats stereo, while the Brabus scores a unique interior and exterior treatment, unique suspension and a launch control function.

The Smart #3 Pro+ and Premium are both single motor, rear-drive configurations, which isn't all that common in the EV world, where most position their electric motor at the front axle for front-wheel drive. Both produce 200kW and 343Nm. The Brabus, though, unlocks way more power through the addition of a second motor, this time at the front axle, upping outputs to 315kW and 543Nm, and delivering AWD.

The Smart #3 is a cleverly packaged five-seat SUV, which means far more space in the rear row than you might expect. In fact, the brand promises Mercedes-Benz E-Class levels of space for back seat passengers, and while we haven't scientifically measured that claim, it is plenty spacious.

All Smart #3 models get a 66kWh battery, delivering a WLTP driving range of 435km, 455km and 415km as you step through the Pro+, Premium and Brabus.