smart #3 vs Polestar 4
Two electric SUV Coupes go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The smart #3 starts from $57,900 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 4 opens at $78,500. That makes the smart #3 the more affordable entry point by $20,600.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $63,690 and $86,350 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the smart #3 and Polestar 4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the smart #3 and 92% for the Polestar 4.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Polestar 4 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 8 in the smart #3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the smart #3 and 7 in the Polestar 4. The Polestar 4 adds a 360-degree camera that the smart #3 misses.
Feature Showdown
The smart #3 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Polestar 4 gets a 15.4-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Polestar 4 counters with ventilated seats and Bowers & Wilkins audio that the smart #3 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The smart #3 uses a Electric producing 200kW and 343Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds.
The Polestar 4 responds with a Electric Motor making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the smart #3 is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 66kWh (smart #3) vs 100kWh (Polestar 4), giving WLTP ranges of 435km and 620km. DC fast charging peaks at 130kW (smart #3) vs 200kW (Polestar 4).
Space & Comfort
The smart #3 measures 4,400mm long on a 2,785mm wheelbase, 440mm shorter than the Polestar 4 at 4,840mm (2,999mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Polestar 4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 260L in the smart #3 and 526L in the Polestar 4, giving the Polestar 4 a 266L advantage.
For towing, the smart #3 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.5m to 11.6m
Based on 11.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 150,000km (smart #3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 4). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the smart #3 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Polestar 4 if: You need more boot space, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Polestar 4 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Polestar 4 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, smart #3 and Polestar 4?
The smart #3 is the cheapest at $57,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Polestar 4 by $20,600.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Polestar 4 has the most range at 620km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Polestar 4 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 200kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — smart #3 and Polestar 4 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Polestar 4 has the largest boot at 526L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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