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Smart

Smart was founded in 1994 as a joint venture between Swiss watch company Swatch and Mercedes-Benz, and in 2019 it was reinvented as an EV brand as part of a JV between Mercedes-Benz and the Geely Group, whose founder and chairman Li Shufu already has a majority stake in the German automaker.

Best known for its diminutive ForTwo city car, which will be reincarnated as the #2 EV in future, Smart exited the Australian market in 2015. But in late 2024 it returned with two small electric SUVs, the #1 and the sleeker #3 - both available in three variants including a hot Brabus version.

Smart News

How Geely will juggle Volvo, Polestar, other brands in Australia

How Geely will juggle Volvo, Polestar, other brands in Australia

By the time the Geely brand arrives here, there will be six marques owned by the Chinese auto giant on sale Down Under.

Matt Campbell

Why Smart doesn't want to be held down by its tiny car roots

Why Smart doesn't want to be held down by its tiny car roots

Smart is veering away from tiny cars with its new range of electric SUVs, but the brand claims its DNA remains intact.

Josh Nevett

Smart #5: Tesla Model Y rival launched with built-in bedding, cinema

Smart #5: Tesla Model Y rival launched with built-in bedding, cinema

Smart has unveiled its largest ever model, the new #5 – a mid-sized electric SUV built for the great outdoors.

Josh Nevett

Smart debuting Model Y rival in Australia as it abandons tiny car roots

Smart debuting Model Y rival in Australia as it abandons tiny car roots

The Tesla Model Y-sized Smart #5’s unveiling will happen later this month in Australia, putting the brand’s tiny car history behind it.

Jordan Mulach

2025 Smart #1 and #3: Electric SUVs priced for Australia

2025 Smart #1 and #3: Electric SUVs priced for Australia

The return of Smart to Australia will see the #1 and #3 electric SUVs offered in three variants each, ranging from $54,900 to $70,900.

Jordan Mulach

Are Chinese EVs, PHEVs well-built? BYD, Zeekr star in quality study

Are Chinese EVs, PHEVs well-built? BYD, Zeekr star in quality study

Buyers of Chinese plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles are complaining more about their cars' infotainment and driver assist systems.

William Stopford

Smart's electric SUVs one step closer to Australia

Smart's electric SUVs one step closer to Australia

Smart is returning to Australia this year with a pair of electric SUVs, and they've now been approved for sale in a range of different configurations each.

Max Davies

Smart #5 electric SUV is brand's largest, most powerful car ever

City car specialist Smart is venturing into new territory with a mid-sized electric SUV that'll offer up to 475kW of power.

Max Davies

Quirky Smart brand confirms Australian return with electric SUVs

Smart cars haven't been sold in local showrooms since 2015, but the now-electric SUV maker confirmed its Down Under revival is coming soon.

Jordan Mulach

Off-road concept previews largest Smart ever

Off-road concept previews largest Smart ever

The Smart Concept #5 is an all-terrain mid-size crossover with plenty of off-road kit and a claimed range of more than 550km.

Jack Quick

Smart #3 electric SUV leaked in China

Smart #3 electric SUV leaked in China

A Smart has never been so large, with the Mercedes-Benz EQA-sized #3 electric SUV leaked in China ahead of a 2023 reveal.

Eilidh McNaughton

2023 Smart #1 Brabus EV revealed with over 300kW

2023 Smart #1 Brabus EV revealed with over 300kW

The Smart #1 Brabus Performance Edition continues ties with the German tuning firm and is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup.

Jack Quick

Smart #1 Brabus confirmed for August 26 reveal

Smart #1 Brabus confirmed for August 26 reveal

Smart is continuing its ties with German tuning firm Brabus with a hotter version of its #1 all-electric crossover.

Jack Quick

Hotter Smart #1 EV with potential Brabus badging teased

Hotter Smart #1 EV with potential Brabus badging teased

A sporty version of the Smart #1 all-electric crossover has been teased making sporty electric sounds and having a number of red accents.

Jack Quick

Smart: Where is it now?

Smart: Where is it now?

Popularly known as a city car specialist and manufacturer of the tiny ForTwo, vehicles from Smart have evolved significantly.

Vivek Shah

2023 Smart #1 unveiled

2023 Smart #1 unveiled

The Smart #1 crossover is the brand's first vehicle developed under the joint ownership of Mercedes-Benz and Geely.

Derek Fung

View all Smart news

Smart Reviews

2025 Smart #1 review

7.9

2025 Smart #1 review

The Smart #1 stands out amongst a sea of boxy electric SUVs, with refinement and capability that belies its humble origins.

Josh Nevett

2025 Smart #3 review

7.9

2025 Smart #3 review

If you're after a spiritual successor to the ForTwo then look elsewhere, but the Smart #3 is a great car in its own right.

Josh Nevett

View all Smart reviews

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