Tag Archives: #3

How does the Zeekr X stack up against the smart #1, smart #3 and Volvo EX30?

In addition to the luxurious MPV 009, Zeekr Malaysia is also set to launch an electric crossover known as the X to heat up the competition in the local EV market.

For your information, the X actually has ‘siblings’ that have already been launched in Malaysia, specifically the smart #1 and #3, along with the Volvo EX30.

What is the connection between the X and these three models? Interestingly, despite their very different designs, all of them share the same ‘skeleton’ that is the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform developed by Geely.

This is not surprising, as smart, Volvo, and Zeekr all operate under the Geely umbrella and platform sharing is arguably the easiest way to reduce costs.

In this article, we will compare the four models to help you choose the one that best fits your budget and needs:

Dimensions

Although they utilise the same platform, all four EVs have slightly different dimensions. The smart #1 is the smallest, measuring 4,270 mm in length, 1,820 mm in width, and 1,636 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.

The #3 is slightly larger, with a length of 4,400 mm, width of 1,844 mm, height of 1,556 mm, and a wheelbase of 2,785 mm.

The EX30, Volvo’s smallest car to date, measures 4,223 mm in length, 1,837 mm in width, 1,555 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,650 mm.

Meanwhile, the X stands out as the longest model, measuring 4,450 mm in length, 1,836 mm in width, and 1,572 mm in height. However, its wheelbase is identical to that of the #1, also at 2,750 mm.

Powertrain

For this category, we will compare the twin electric motor variants. Interestingly, all four have the same power output of 422 hp (315 kW) and 543 Nm of torque.

However, looking at the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h, the EX30 Ultra Twin Performance is the fastest at 3.6 seconds. The #3 Brabus follows closely at 3.7 seconds, with the X at 3.8 seconds, and finally, the #1 at 3.9 seconds.

The maximum speed for all four models is capped at 180 km/h.

Battery and Range

In terms of battery, the #1 Pro and #3 Pro come equipped with LFP 49 kWh batteries, offering ranges between 315 km and 325 km. The Premium variants of both models use nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) 66 kWh batteries, with ranges from 440 km to 455 km.

The highest variant, Brabus, uses the same battery but with a shorter range of 400 km for the #1 and 415 km for the #3.

The EX30 features a 69 kWh NMC battery, providing a range of 476 km for the single motor variants (Plus and Ultra) and 450 km for the Ultra Twin Performance variant with twin motors.

Meanwhile, the X is equipped with a 66 kWh NMC battery, promising a range of 440 km based on the WLTP cycle.

Price

This may be the most crucial aspect when comparing these four electric crossovers.

Starting with the #1, the Pro variant is priced at RM169,000, the Premium at RM209,000, and the Brabus at RM249,000.

The #3 Pro retails for RM175,000, the Premium for RM215,000, and the Brabus at RM255,000.

For the EX30, the base variant (Plus) is priced at RM188,888, the Ultra at RM208,888, and the Ultra Twin Performance at RM228,888.

As of the time of writing, the official price for the Zeekr X has yet to be announced. However, according to the company, it is expected to be priced below RM180,000.

smart #3 officially launched in Malaysia – 3 variants, 4-year warranty, from RM175k

SMART #3 was first unveiled to the public at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 event in May last year, and today, it has been officially launched.

The all-electric EV model, the second from smart in this new era, is offered in three variants with the following prices:

smart #3 Pro: RM175,000
smart #3 Premium: RM215,000
smart #3 Brabus: RM255,000

Pro-Net also announced several warranty packages during the launch, including:

  • 22kWh smartCharge home charger worth RM3,200
  • Accessories package worth RM2,500
  • V2L adapter worth RM800
  • Complimentary 60GB internet data for 5 years
  • Standard warranty package

In addition, the standard warranty for the smart #3 includes a 4-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, an 8-year/150,000km high-voltage component warranty, an 8-year/200,000km battery warranty, and 24/7 roadside assistance.

In terms of specifications, the Pro variant has a 49kWh battery, while the Premium and Brabus variants have a 66kWh battery.

The Pro and Premium variants feature a single rear electric motor with an output of 272hp and 343Nm torque, allowing acceleration from 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds.

The smart #3 Brabus, on the other hand, has two motors on the front and rear axles, with a total power of 428hp and 543Nm torque. As the #3 Brabus is an AWD vehicle, its acceleration from 0-100km/h is much faster, around 3.7 seconds.

The maximum speed for all variants is 180km/h. The driving range is approximately 455km for the Pro and Premium, and 415km for the Brabus.

Both the BRABUS and Premium variants offer the best-in-segment 22kWh AC charger with the ability to charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in less than 3 hours.

Furthermore, the smart #3 also enhances the latest safety technology, with 23 high-precision sensors supporting 21 ADAS functions to ensure driver safety on the road.

Standard features of the smart #3 include a Panoramic Halo Roof, CyberSparksLED+ with adaptive lighting assistance, and an illuminated front grille.

smart #3 now open for booking in Malaysia – Up to 428hp and 543Nm, 0-100 in 3.7s

As reported earlier, the smart Malaysia has now showcased the #3 for the first time to the public. The unveiling took place at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 at MAEPS, Serdang, marking the electric SUV’s debut in Southeast Asia.

The price has not been revealed, but smart Malaysia has announced that reservations for the smart #3 are now open.

Three variants are being offered: BRABUS, Premium, and Pro. The Pro variant comes with a 49kWh capacity battery, while the Premium and Brabus variants have a 66kWh battery.

The Pro and Premium variants are equipped with a single rear electric motor, delivering an output of 272hp and 343Nm torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 in 5.8 seconds.

The smart #3 Brabus, on the other hand, is equipped with two motors on the front and rear axles, with a total power of 428hp and 543Nm torque. The #3 Brabus, being an AWD vehicle, accelerates from 0 to 100 much faster, in approximately 3.7 seconds.

The maximum speed for all variants is 180km/h. The driving range is approximately 455km for the Pro and Premium, and 415km for the Brabus.

Both the BRABUS and Premium variants offer the best-in-segment 22kWh AC chargers, capable of charging the battery from 10 to 80 percent in less than 3 hours.

The smart #3 has been enhanced with the latest safety technology, featuring 23 high-precision sensors supporting 21 ADAS functions to ensure driver safety on the road.

Standard features of the smart #3 include the Panoramic Halo Roof, CyberSparksLED+ with adaptive lighting, and illuminated front grille.

Customers can book the smart #3 through their nearest authorized smart dealer or via the Hello smart Application. Customers who place early reservations have the opportunity to receive exclusive official smart merchandise worth up to RM1,500.

This limited offer is reserved for the first 333 customers, with a refundable booking fee of RM1,000.

smart #1 Pricing Update

Additionally, smart Malaysia announced the revised prices for the smart #1:

smart #3 Premium – RM209,000
smart #1 Pro – RM169,000

smart Malaysia is also offering a complimentary 4-year vehicle service package to existing owners of the smart #1 Premium and Pro models.

smart #3 tested ahead of 21 May unveiling, here’s our verdict

Recently, smart Malaysia conducted a preview session for its latest model, the smart #3, exclusively at the Pro-Net headquarters. We had the opportunity to get a closer look and even test drive the smart #3 on the Proton test circuit in Shah Alam. But first, a little background.

Background

For those who are uninitiated, smart is now owned by Geely and Mercedes-Benz, focusing solely on producing fully electric vehicles (EVs) at the moment.

The smart #3 is not just a sportier coupe version of the #1; it comes with several technical differences. Firstly, it is built on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform shared with the #1 and several models under the Geely group.

In broad terms, the smart #3 is longer and wider than the #1 but lower, with approximately an 80mm difference between the two. Therefore, theoretically, the smart #3 is expected to offer more stable handling, right? We’ll discuss this further.

Unique features of smart #3

One distinctive feature of the smart #3 is its curved coupe-style roof, unlike the straight roof of the #1. The roof of the smart #3 has unique color play on the A-pillar and C-pillar, giving it a ‘floating roof’ effect.

Other features include front and rear LED lights, flush door handles, frameless windows, and illuminated logos. The smart #3 is also more aerodynamic than the #1, with a drag coefficient of 0.27 (0.29 for the #1).

Specification details

The lineup offers variants similar to the smart #1: Pro, Premium, and Brabus. The Pro variant has a 49kWh battery, while the Premium and Brabus variants come with a 66kWh battery.

The Pro and Premium variants have a single rear electric motor with an output of 272hp and 343Nm of torque, achieving 0-100 acceleration in 5.8 seconds.

On the other hand, the smart #3 features two motors on the front and rear axles, delivering a total power of 428hp and 543Nm of torque.

As the #3 Brabus is an AWD vehicle, its 0-100 acceleration is much quicker, around 3.7 seconds. The maximum speed for all variants is 180km/h, with a driving range of approximately 455km for Pro and Premium, and 415km for Brabus.

Initial impressions

So, how was the initial drive of the smart #3? From our experience on Proton’s high-speed oval track, the smart #3 accelerates smoothly.

The Premium variant reaching 100km/h in 5.8 seconds is more than sufficient. Imagine cruising this smart #3 on the highway; a smooth acceleration means easier lane changes and smoother traffic flow. Agree?

We also tested the dynamics at Pro-Net’s provided dynamic section, including figure-8, slalom, and straight-line acceleration. The smart #3’s chassis felt sturdier and agile due to its stiffer springs, shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars compared to the #1, giving it a sportier character.

The technical changes seem crucial and complement the sporty appearance of the #3. Turning in the figure-8 felt stable, with smooth torque delivery at low speeds.

This makes it suitable for everyday city driving by regular motorists. Among our experiences, the slalom tested the chassis stability, tire grip limits, and power delivery. The smart #3 easily reaches grip limits due to its rapid torque delivery, following your right foot’s commands.

However, the safety systems and strengthened chassis ensure the car remains in control and assists the driver in navigating through various situations. Body roll is noticeably reduced, making the smart #3 more nimble and agile when changing directions while accelerating and braking.

Overall, the smart #3 exhibits a distinct character compared to the #1, suitable for young buyers seeking an enjoyable EV for daily driving. Stay tuned for our extensive daily test drive report in both city and long-distance driving once we receive the smart #3 test unit shortly.

In the meantime, you can visit the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 from May 22 to May 26, 2024, as the smart #3 will make its debut appearance there. smart Malaysia representatives will be at Hall A2 (Premium Hall), MAEPS, Serdang.