Smart #3 EV: A Surprising Off-Road Adventure in the Gobi Desert

Think of a vehicle that could tackle the vast, challenging terrain of the Gobi Desert. Chances are, an electric coupe-SUV like the smart #3 wouldn't be your first pick. But guess what?

With a few clever tweaks and a dash of bravery, this unlikely EV has just made an impressive journey across the Gobi Desert in China, as per Geely, its parent company.

The automaker recently shared photos of the smart #3's desert escapade on social media, highlighting the significant modifications that made this feat possible.

The star of the show? A set of rugged 18-inch all-terrain tires, mounted on bold white off-road steel wheels. These upgrades were crucial for navigating the sandy dunes, while an enhanced suspension system ensured the vehicle could withstand the rough landscape.

But it's not just about conquering dunes. The smart #3's functionality got a boost with the addition of a roof rack and camera equipment mounts, ideal for documenting its desert journey. The vehicle's white bodywork now sports "Speedsters" decals, a nod to the Chinese YouTube Channel behind this adventurous build. Complementing the rugged look are striking blue and teal graphics and special stickers celebrating smart’s 25th anniversary.

On the technical side, the smart #3 comes in variants with either single or dual electric motors, the latter being a Brabus version with up to 422 hp. The model showcased, however, seems to be the rear-wheel drive version, lacking the Brabus-specific styling. Even with its 440 km WLTP range, courtesy of a 66 kWh battery, the smart #3 would have needed a few recharging stops to traverse the Gobi's vast 1,500 km expanse.

The Gobi Desert, stretching across parts of China and Mongolia, offers a backdrop of dunes, mountains, and ice fields, making it an extraordinary setting for an adventurous YouTube video. We're on the lookout for more details and footage of this epic journey, promising to keep you updated as Speedsters or the automaker shares more.