Smart reinvents itself at Beijing Auto Show with #1, #3, #5 and Brabus versions

At the Beijing auto show, journalists from 32CARS captured several smart models: the compact #1, the coupe-like #3, and the larger #5, including Brabus versions. Based on the display, the brand has completely moved away from its image of small city cars and is now focusing on electric crossovers with bold design, large screens, and sport packages.

The main visual highlight is the smart #5 Brabus. Its black body, red accents, aggressive front bumper, large wheels, and contrasting trim immediately set it apart from standard versions. The car looks less like a niche urban EV and more like a full-fledged family SUV with dynamic aspirations.

Alongside it are the smart #1 Brabus and smart #3. The #1 retains a more compact format but gets characteristic Brabus black-and-red details, sporty wheels, and bright trim. The smart #3 sits lower and looks sportier—it's not a classic SUV but a coupe-crossover with a longer silhouette.

Inside, smart models emphasize digitalization. The publication's experts note large central screens, a separate digital instrument cluster, a compact steering wheel, minimal physical buttons, and ambient lighting. In Brabus versions, the cabin is noticeably more aggressive: dark materials, red stitching, sporty accents, and bolder interface graphics.

The smart #5 stands out not only in looks but also in interior space: more room inside, a higher dashboard, and a bulkier center console. That's a significant shift for a brand once associated with ultra-compact cars. Now, smart effectively competes with electric crossovers like the Zeekr, Mini Countryman Electric, and Volvo EX30.

The Beijing display confirms that smart has completely reinvented itself. It's no longer a compact city experiment but a full lineup of EVs with crossovers of various sizes. And the Brabus versions help smart avoid being just another Chinese EV, positioning it instead as a more emotional alternative in an overheated segment.