In a dramatic transformation that would make Cinderella’s fairy godmother proud, Smart, the brand once known for tiny urban runabouts is making a grand entrance into New Zealand’s luxury electric vehicle market. Smart, the former purveyor of diminutive two-seaters, has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis into a premium electric SUV manufacturer that’s about to shake up the Kiwi automotive landscape.
“Gone are the days of Smart as just the compact city car champion,” declares Arek Zywot, Smart’s General Manager in New Zealand, with a glimmer of pride. “We’re not just going bigger – we’re going bolder, faster, and decidedly more luxurious.”
The new Smart lineup reads like a tech enthusiast’s wish list. Imagine Mercedes-Benz design prowess married to Brabus performance engineering, topped off with a Beats audio system that would make any audiophile weak at the knees. The cherry on top? An AI-powered avatar that turns your car into a sophisticated conversation partner. For those keeping score, that’s a hat-trick of prestigious accolades – Red Dot and iF Design awards, plus five-star ANCAP & ENCAP safety ratings.
The range introduces two head-turners: the Smart #1 urban SUV and the Smart #3 coupe SUV, each available in three distinct flavors. With over 50 possible combinations of colors, roof designs, and interior options, it’s like having a bespoke tailor for your electric vehicle. The Brabus-enhanced variant particularly catches the eye, sprinting from 0-100km/h in a neck-snapping 3.7 seconds – proving that “Smart” now means “swift” too.
For the environmentally conscious who refuse to compromise on luxury, these new Smart models deliver up to 455km of WLTP range, ensuring your zero-emission journey doesn’t include unwanted charging stops. The elevated SUV stance isn’t just for show – it provides commanding visibility while a comprehensive suite of ADAS features keeps you safer than a vault at Fort Knox.
This isn’t just another electric vehicle launch; it’s a statement of intent from a joint venture between automotive giants Mercedes-Benz and Geely. With over 100,000 new-generation units delivered globally across 28 markets, Smart has already proven its mettle in Europe, China, the Middle East, South America, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.
For Kiwi drivers eager to join the Smart revolution, the brand has launched its digital presence at nz.smart.com, where prospective owners can register their interest. While pricing and specifications are still under wraps, one thing’s certain – Smart’s transformation from city car specialist to premium electric SUV manufacturer is anything but small news.
As Mr. Zywot aptly puts it, “Smart is a bold and distinctive brand that challenges conventions.” In a world where electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common, Smart isn’t just joining the parade – it’s leading it with style, substance, and a healthy dose of sophistication.
