news, Vehicle Launches

Armstrong's Welcomes smart to NZ

news Vehicle Launches
12 February 2025
smart

Armstrong’s Welcomes smart to New Zealand: A New Era of Premium Electric Mobility

smart has officially introduced its premium all-electric SUV lineup to New Zealand through a strategic partnership with Armstrong’s, one of the country’s largest independent automotive groups. The smart #1 is priced from NZD $64,990 to NZD $79,990, while the smart #3 ranges from NZD $69,990 to NZD $84,990 (plus on-road costs), with both models available in PRO+, Premium, and BRABUS variants.

Designed by Mercedes-Benz Global Design team, the smart #1 was created as a premium compact urban SUV, while the smart #3 is an SUV coupe. Offering a combination of premium avant-garde style and high-tech features while embodying smart’s dedication to innovation and sustainable urban mobility, the smart #1 and smart #3 have already won the acclaim of customers worldwide.

Less than two weeks since orders in New Zealand began, smart has reported a strong positive response to their stunning range of premium all-electric SUV models. The models have a well-established presence across markets in China, Europe, Malaysia, Singapore, Egypt, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand, among others, and will be gradually rolled out into other global markets throughout 2025.

As part of its ongoing global expansion, smart is excited to announce that the smart #1 and #3 will be available for test drives at Armstrong’s Mercedes-Benz dealerships in East Auckland and Christchurch. Thanks to the innovative Shop-in-Shop smart concept, customers can experience these premium all-electric SUVs at Armstrong’s locations in East Auckland, at 279 Ti Rakau Drive, and in Christchurch, at 6 Detroit Place. This provides an exciting opportunity for potential customers to explore the smart #1 and #3 firsthand and see why they have already garnered enthusiastic feedback worldwide.

Mandy Zhang, Global CMO of smart, said, “We are delighted to introduce smart #1 and #3 to New Zealand through our strategic partnership with Armstrong’s. New Zealand presents excellent growth opportunities for our premium all-electric SUV lineup. This milestone launch reflects our ‘open your mind’ brand mantra as we accelerate our global presence in 2025.”

Troy Kennedy, the CEO of Armstrong’s, said, “smart #1 and #3 are now available to New Zealand customers, with enthusiastic test drive feedback boosting our confidence for smart’s future here. These vehicles blend German precision, European quality and Chinese electric innovation – precisely what today’s eco-conscious customers demand. We’ve chosen to launch smart strategically in East Auckland (Botany) and Christchurch, two key markets that align well with the brand’s innovative spirit and strong growth potential in New Zealand.”

Following its “China-Europe, dual-home” global development strategy, smart continues to strengthen its global position across 37 markets spanning China, Europe, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. The brand is committed to further expanding both its model range and market presence in the coming year.

smart #1
smart #2

The First Models: #1 and #3

Armstrong’s will introduce the smart #1 and smart #3 to the NZ market. These models combine luxury, performance, and sustainability. Each will be available in three trims, with the top being the Brabus edition.

smart #1

The smart #1 is a compact electric SUV with a spacious interior, blending style, technology, and efficiency.

Designed to be both admired and driven, it features intuitive design and intelligence in every detail. With the right pedigree, it is both brains and beauty in one body. It is no wonder that it won the 2023 Red Dot Product Design of the Year and iF Design awards.

Whether your trip is about the journey or the destination, the smart #1 adapts to your needs. From grocery runs to weekend getaways, it delivers flexibility with quick charging and a generous range.

 

Striking Front-End Design
The smart #1 boasts a futuristic front grille, sleek LED headlights, and an aerodynamic shape. Designed to turn heads, this fully electric SUV offers both cutting-edge style and impressive efficiency for the modern driver.
Futuristic Interior with Smart Tech
Combining modern luxury with intuitive technology. Its sleek dashboard and large touchscreen infotainment system provide seamless control, while high-quality materials ensure a premium driving experience.
Dynamic Performance in Motion
The smart #1 delivers agile and exhilarating performance, perfect for both urban commutes and open-road adventures. Its bold design, electric powertrain, and responsive handling make every journey thrilling and efficient.

smart #3

The smart #3 is a premium, all-electric coupe-SUV that seamlessly blends sportiness, elegance, and cutting-edge technology.

As the largest model in the smart lineup, it offers generous cabin space while maintaining a sleek and dynamic profile. Introducing the design language of “Sensual and Sharp,” it creates a new luxury sports aesthetic where performance meets personality.

The smart #3 is not just about looks—it’s engineered for excitement. With an aerodynamic silhouette, advanced electric powertrain, and precise handling, it delivers an engaging and refined driving experience. Its spacious yet sporty design ensures maximum comfort, while state-of-the-art technology keeps you connected on every journey.

Having already garnered international recognition, including a nomination for prestigious design awards, the smart #3 proves that style and substance can go hand in hand. Whether carving through city streets or taking on the open road, this electric coupe-SUV is built to impress, offering both striking aesthetics and exhilarating performance.

The smart #3 brings out your sporty side, offering useful features and stylish details that make it as enjoyable to look at as it is to drive.

Sporty and Stylish Presence
The smart #3 stands out with its bold coupe-SUV design, featuring sleek lines and a dynamic stance. Its athletic look is further enhanced by the contrast roof and aerodynamic contours, making it as eye-catching as it is performance-driven.
High-Tech, Driver-Centric Interior
Step inside the smart #3 and experience a premium, tech-forward cabin. With a large central touchscreen, sporty accents, and high-quality materials, it offers a luxurious yet intuitive driving experience tailored for modern mobility.
Aerodynamic Power in Motion
The smart #3’s sculpted rear design not only looks stunning but also improves efficiency with a low drag coefficient. The sleek LED taillight strip and sporty rear bumper emphasize its performance-focused engineering.

The Ultimate Performance: Brabus Editions

For those who demand the pinnacle of performance and style, the Brabus editions of smart #1 and smart #3 are the ultimate expression of electric driving. Brabus, a name synonymous with high-performance luxury tuning, has transformed these models into thrilling, high-powered machines that deliver an electrifying experience on the road.

The smart #1 Brabus is built for excitement. It turns every trip into a heart-pounding adventure, blending bold styling with impeccable performance. With enhanced power and dynamic handling, it ensures every journey is exhilarating and confident.

The smart #3 Brabus raises the bar even higher. A rush you can rely on, this top-of-the-line model combines aggressive aesthetics with unmatched performance. Designed for those who crave more, it exceeds every expectation, offering an adrenaline-fueled ride with superior agility and precision.

Brabus-tuned smart vehicles are not just about speed—they represent the ultimate fusion of innovation, luxury, and performance. These models deliver a driving experience that is as thrilling as it is sophisticated, setting a new standard in premium electric mobility.

#1 Brabus

Dominating Presence – A True Head-Turner
With its striking blacked-out design, signature Brabus styling, and an aggressive front fascia, the smart #1 Brabus commands attention. The sharp LED lighting, distinctive grille, and aerodynamically optimized bodywork create a vehicle that looks as thrilling as it drives, reinforcing Brabus' reputation for creating high-performance, luxury-tuned machines.
Exclusive Brabus Interior – Sport Meets Luxury
#1 Brabus interior is a masterpiece of performance-driven luxury. Featuring premium sport seats with Brabus branding, red contrast stitching, and a racing-inspired steering wheel, it delivers an immersive and dynamic cockpit experience. The refined details and high-quality materials ensure comfort without compromising on its sporty DNA.
Brabus-Tuned Powerhouse – Performance Redefined
Taking electric performance to another level with aggressive aerodynamics, sportier suspension tuning, and enhanced power delivery. Its wide stance, bold rear diffuser, and custom Brabus elements emphasize its high-performance heritage, making it the ultimate expression of smart’s electric mobility innovation.

#3 Brabus

Bold and Aggressive Road Presence
The smart #3 Brabus' sleek appearance dominates with its powerful stance and aggressive styling. Featuring Brabus-tuned aerodynamics, a low-slung coupe-like profile, and bold accents, this high-performance electric SUV exudes an undeniable aura of speed and sophistication.
Brabus Performance Interior – Race-Inspired Luxury
Inside the smart #3 Brabus, the fusion of sportiness and luxury is on full display. Premium Alcantara seats with signature Brabus embroidery, vibrant red seatbelts, and a race-inspired cockpit deliver an immersive driving experience, while cutting-edge tech ensures seamless control at your fingertips.
Dynamic Rear Design – Speed Meets Style
The sculpted rear of the smart #3 Brabus showcases its performance DNA with a bold diffuser, dual-tone accents, and signature Brabus styling. Enhanced aerodynamics contribute to both efficiency and speed, making it a true statement of high-end electric performance.

About smart

Since the birth of the brand in the 90s, smart has always maintained the vision of exploring the best solutions for future urban mobility. smart was officially established in 2019 with a forward-looking “China-Europe, dual home” global development strategy, and is committed to becoming a world-leading, new-premium, intelligent and all-electric auto brand.

Following the comprehensive renewal of the brand, product and business model, smart will “Sprint to the Next Level” and has updated its brand claim. “open your mind” reflects a commitment to embracing diversity of thoughts, cultures, and beliefs, with an optimistic and open attitude, and making inspiration a reality through innovation. Engineering, research, and development for the new generation all-electric vehicle portfolio is led by the smart R&D team, with the Mercedes-Benz Global design team overseeing vehicle design. smart has introduced three SUV models, namely the #1, #3, and the all-new smart #5, which indicates the brand’s formal foray into the premium mid-size all-electric SUV market segment.

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Armstrong's smart | Auckland
279 Ti Rakau Drive, Botany
Armstrong's smart | Christchurch
6 Detroit Place, Christchurch