smart #3 Brabus Review: The Unexpected Rebel

There’s something delightfully cheeky about the Smart #3 Brabus. On paper, it’s a compact electric SUV; hardly the sort of thing that should get your pulse racing. But spend five minutes with it, and you realise this isn’t your average eco-conscious commuter: It’s a small car with a big attitude problem, and frankly, that’s exactly what makes it so likeable.

In Singapore’s landscape of increasingly homogenised EVs, the smart #3 Brabus feels like the one guest at a black-tie event who showed up in bright sneakers… and somehow pulled it off.

Aesthetics

The Brabus badge here isn’t just for show. This is a properly executed package that elevates the car visually and functionally. You get a full bodykit that adds just the right amount of aggression without tipping into boy-racer territory, along with a set of large 19-inch wheels that give the car real presence on the road.

And then there’s that colour - Photon Orange. In a sea of whites, greys, and the occasional half-hearted blue, this shade doesn’t just stand out; it practically glows. It’s the sort of finish that makes you turn back for a second look after parking, which is always a good sign.

The Inside Story

Inside, the smart #3 Brabus continues its alternative approach. The Brabus steering wheel feels purposeful, while the microfibre sports-style seats add both flair and function. More importantly, they’re genuinely supportive - especially up front - holding you snugly in place when you decide to explore the car’s more enthusiastic side.

Build quality is another pleasant surprise. There’s a thoughtful mix of hard and soft plastics, put together in a way that feels solid and built to last. While it doesn’t try too hard to masquerade as a luxury car, there’s enough tactility and robustness here to give it a convincing touch of premium-ness.

It’s the kind of interior that feels like it will age gracefully, rather than fall apart under the pressures of daily use.

And how can I even forget? The #3 Brabus comes standard with Beats sound system. Imagine this: After a long, exhausting day at work, blast your favourite hip-hop/R&B playlist and take the longer route home - that's therapy there...

Driving It

Here’s where things get interesting. Beneath the skin lies a chassis tuned with input from Mercedes-Benz, and it shows in the way the car carries itself.

For something weighing in at 1.9-tonnes, the #3 Brabus is surprisingly eager in the corners. There’s a willingness to change direction, a sense that it actually enjoys being pushed. Throw it into a bend and it responds with composure, holding its line with more confidence than you’d expect from something in this segment.

The suspension is undeniably on the firmer side, but crucially, it remains liveable. Yes, you’ll feel sharper imperfections in the road, but it never becomes uncomfortable or tiring. For everyday driving, it strikes a respectable balance between sportiness and comfort.

Oh, let’s not dance around it: The numbers are properly ridiculous.

With 428 bhp and 543 Nm of torque, the car goes from standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. In real-world terms, that means instant acceleration, effortless overtaking, and the ability to… well, well, well… embarrass cars that look far more serious.

Its compact footprint only adds to the drama. There’s something almost comical about how quickly this small SUV gathers speed, making it feel even faster than the numbers suggest.

The brakes, thankfully, are up to the task. Strong and reassuring, they do a commendable job of bringing everything to a halt; something you’ll be grateful for when you inevitably underestimate just how quickly you’ve reached the next set of traffic lights.

Officially, the #3 Brabus offers a WLTP range of 415 km. In the real world, especially if you’re enjoying what the car has to offer, you’re more likely to see somewhere between 350 and 360 km.

Even so, that’s more than sufficient for daily driving, with enough headroom to accommodate the occasional spirited detour without range anxiety creeping in.

Naturally, comparisons arise. The MINI Aceman JCW is an obvious rival in terms of price and package, promising an almost similar blend of performance and personality. But here’s the thing – smart’s #3 Brabus makes a more compelling case.

It’s quicker, more comfortable, and offers better range. More importantly, it feels like a more complete product; one that balances excitement with everyday liveability in a way that’s genuinely convincing.

In A Nutshell

The smart #3 Brabus is easy to underestimate, and that might just be its greatest strength. It doesn’t shout about its abilities in the conventional sense, but it delivers them in abundance once you get behind the wheel.

It’s fast, surprisingly engaging to drive, and practical enough to live with daily. More importantly, it has character - something that’s becoming increasingly rare in this segment.

Hence if you’re in the market for a new-generation pocket rocket that blends performance with real-world practicality, the Smart #3 Brabus isn’t just worth considering; it might just be the one that makes the most sense.

Photos by Azfar Hashim (@azfar.talks)

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