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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.