German tuning expert Brabus is no stranger to tweaking cars from the Smart brand. Its latest upgrades aren’t for a two-seat city car, low-slung roadster or energetic hot hatchback though, but instead a series of parts for the Smart #3 SUV.
If you’re reading between the lines, you’ll note no mention of extra power there. That’s because there’s already a Brabus variant of the Smart #3, and it already makes a hefty 422bhp – the kind of output you might have seen from some of the brand’s Autobahn-storming tuned Mercedes back in the day.
Instead, this is simply a package of upgrades for the existing Brabus-badged car, giving the #3 more visual attitude to go with its ample (0-62mph in 3.7 seconds) performance.
Working from front to back, Brabus adds a lower lip spoiler to the existing front bumper, claimed to reduce high-speed lift, and a couple of trim elements to the side grilles. The side skirts are unchanged, but Brabus has always been a proponent of an eye-catching alloy wheel, and offers either 20-inch or 21-inch ‘Monoblock Z’ designs, in place of the standard 20-inch alloys. The 21-inch versions are forged and have a racing-style centre-lock cover for the hubs. Both wheel options get a choice of Continental, Hankook, or Yokohama tyres.
Brabus also fits sports suspension which lowers the ride height by 35mm, while around the back there’s a new tailgate spoiler, and a diffuser element for the rear bumper. The overall effect, in pictures at least, is quite convincing – from some angles you could almost kid yourself it’s a slick-looking hot hatchback, rather than a portly 1,800kg SUV.
The Brabus upgrades continue inside, with backlit Brabus scuff plates in each door sill, black floor mats, a velour boot liner, aluminium pedals, and embroidered Brabus logos and red piping as far as the eye can see.
The #3’s upgrades join a package of similar visual tweaks for the shorter Smart #1. All prices for the Brabus parts are ‘on request’, while the standard Smart Brabus #3 currently starts at £45,450 on the road.
Brabus Customization For The Smart #3: A Closer Look
While BRABUS is normally known for over-the-top customizations of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, another brand related to Mercedes-Benz that BRABUS is known for giving its signature spin to is Smart. BRABUS has created iconic custom cars based on the classic Smart car, as well as the Smart Roadster and other new models. Most recently, however, Brabus has created a new Individualization Program for the Smart #3, the brand’s new small, all-electric coupe SUV model.
Sportier Styling And A Touch Of Luxury
Imbuing the nimble electric city car with its signature “1-Second-Wow” effect, the new BRABUS-customized Smart #3 features a body kit, custom wheels, a revised interior, and more. The body kit enhances the car’s look, giving it a distinctly sportier feel. It also enhances its aerodynamic performance, reducing front axle lift at high speeds. With ten-spoke Monoblock Z wheels, customers can choose between the dramatic look of a 20-inch or 21-inch set.
The suspension of the Smart #3 can be revised with the new Individualization Program, as well. BRABUS provides a set of sports springs, lowering the ride height of the car by 1.4 inches and working in harmony with the car’s OEM shock absorbers. The interior is also available with BRABUS refinements, ranging from sill plates with backlit BRABUS logos to new floor mats, a velour trunk liner, and aluminum pedal pads for a sportier feel. If you want a practical compact electric car but refuse to let it be boring, BRABUS provides its signature head-turning effect in a small Smart car package.
A Sporty Transformation For The Smart #3
Starting with the aero parts, they include a front spoiler lip, side vent trims, a roof spoiler and a diffuser-shaped add-on for the rear end. The company claims that, aside from just looking good, the set improves downforce at higher accelerations and ensures stability in corners.
Buyers can choose from two wheel designs – the standard 20-inch Monoblock Z set and the deluxe 21-inch “Platinum Edition” set CNC-machined to be as robust and lightweight as possible. In either case, dropping the suspension height by roughly 35 mm (1.4 inches) is advised for better handling.
Last but not least, the interior gets branded floor mats, aluminum pedal pads and other styling upgrades.
Brabus Smart #3: Price And Availability
Brabus has not yet released pricing information for its Smart #3 customization package. However, it is expected to be available for order soon. If you’re looking to give your Smart #3 a touch of Brabus flair, be sure to contact your local Brabus dealer for more information.
A Refined And Refined Design
The new Brabus Smart #3 is a sleek and stylish crossover that is sure to turn heads. With its sporty body kit, custom wheels, and luxurious interior, the Brabus Smart #3 is a great choice for those who want a unique and refined driving experience.
