smart #3 vs Polestar Polestar 4

The smart #3 starts from $57,900 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 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.

Both the smart #3 and Polestar Polestar 4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the smart #3 and 92% for the Polestar Polestar 4.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Polestar 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 Polestar 4. The Polestar Polestar 4 adds a 360-degree camera that the smart #3 misses.

The smart #3 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Polestar Polestar 4 gets a 15.4-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Polestar 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.

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 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 Polestar 4), giving WLTP ranges of 435km and 620km. DC fast charging peaks at 130kW (smart #3) vs 200kW (Polestar Polestar 4).

The smart #3 measures 4,400mm long on a 2,785mm wheelbase, 440mm shorter than the Polestar Polestar 4 at 4,840mm (2,999mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Polestar Polestar 4 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 260L in the smart #3 and 526L in the Polestar Polestar 4, giving the Polestar 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.

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 Polestar 4). Both match on warranty length.