Smart Cars Are Returning to Australia! Now EV Only and Arriving September 2024

LSH Auto and smart Automobile Co., a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz AG and Geely Holding Group, are introducing new electric vehicles (EVs) to the Australian market.

The smart #1 and smart #3 models, including high-performance Brabus versions, will be available, offering five-door configurations and various features.

LSH Auto Australia will exclusively retail the new smart range in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, utilizing their existing Mercedes-Benz retail locations, including the five-storey Lifestyle precinct at Breakfast Creek, Brisbane.

The smart range is intended to cater to both existing customers and new buyers, featuring high-tech and safety features, a range of up to 440 km (WLTP) on a single charge, and pricing competitive with current non-premium EV offerings of similar size.

In China, the smart #1 is priced at approximately AUD 32,800 for the Standard model, which features a 49 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a range of 400 km (WLTP), producing 200 kW and 343 Nm of torque.

The Long Range and Deluxe models, equipped with a 66 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, offer a range of up to 535 km (WLTP). These models are priced at around AUD 37,100 and AUD 42,100, respectively. Prices in Australia are expected to be higher due to local taxes and import costs.

The smart #3's pricing in China starts at AUD 34,800 for the Standard model, which includes a 49 kWh LFP battery with a range of 415 km (WLTP). The Dynamic Long Range model, featuring a 66 kWh NMC battery with a range of 555 km (WLTP), is priced at about AUD 39,100.

The Dynamic AWD model, which includes a second front motor for enhanced performance, providing a combined output of 315 kW and 543 Nm of torque, is priced at around AUD 46,600. These prices are also expected to be higher in Australia.

The high-performance Brabus models are available in China at approximately AUD 61,500 for the smart #1 and AUD 62,500 for the smart #3. The Brabus versions feature a dual-motor setup, providing 315 kW and 543 Nm of torque, with a range of 520 km (WLTP) for the Dynamic AWD model.

Full specifications and pricing will be announced next month, coinciding with the launch of a smart Australia website for customer registration. Orders are expected to open in July, with deliveries starting in September.

A consumer promotion and engagement campaign will launch soon, with display cars available for viewing at dealer locations and other venues from August.