There’s a bunch of interesting new city cars set to arrive in Australia soon, from smart Automobile via LSH Auto Australia. We’ll get the smart #1 and smart #3, with a performance Brabus version of each for sporty enthusiasts.
LSH Auto will be the official retailer for the new smart lineup, with showrooms planned for Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. The company aims to offer local customers an entry point into the luxury end of electric vehicles.
Local specifications are yet to be confirmed, but the order books are scheduled to open in July with the first deliveries commencing in September. Demo cars will be available for viewing in showrooms and other locations from August. Speaking about the arrival, LSH Auto managing director, John Good, said:
“We know there is a growing Australian demand for urban EV motoring. The opportunity presented by a German-designed premium EV was a perfect fit with our focus on delivering excellence at all levels. We look forward to providing a smart option to our substantial existing customer base and to welcoming many new members to the LSH Auto family through the smart brand.”
For those unaware, smart Automobile is a company jointly operated by Mercedes-Benz AG and Geely Holding. The vehicles are described as “German designed and engineered” and built in China.
Overseas, the smart #1 features a 66kWh battery that delivers a range of 420-440km, with up to 22kW in AC charging and 150kW with DC charging. Buyers have the option of a single- or dual-motor configuration, with power outputs of 200kW or up to 315kW for the Brabus version.
The smart #3 features the same battery in a slightly larger vehicle. It offers the same range and charging rates, with the same 200kW output or up to 315kW for the Brabus version.
Prices are yet to be confirmed but LSH says the prices will be “highly competitive with current non-premium EV offerings of similar size”, which suggests they could start at around the $60-70k mark. Stay tuned for updates.
