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CUPRA Born vs smart #3 comparison

Compare performance (326 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (34,300 £ vs 42,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – CUPRA Born or smart #3?

CUPRA Born vs smart #3: Key differences

CUPRA Born

3.9 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably cheaper
  • moderately more power
  • somewhat more efficient
  • markedly more electric range
  • very slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • marginally more trunk space
details

smart #3

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • very slightly lighter
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Born

The automotive landscape is rapidly evolving, with electric vehicles (EVs) leading the charge towards sustainability. Two notable contenders in this arena are the CUPRA Born and the smart #3. While both brands boast cutting-edge technology and impressive electric performance, they cater to different preferences and styles. In this comparison, we will delve into their technical specifications, innovations, and features that make each vehicle unique.

#3

Design and Usability

The CUPRA Born is a hatchback that embodies a sporty visage, with sharp lines and an athletic stance that promises excitement behind the wheel. Measuring 4,324 mm in length, 1,809 mm in width, and 1,540 mm in height, it presents a compact yet dynamic appearance that enhances its agility.

On the other hand, the smart #3, classified as an SUV, caters to those seeking a more robust and spacious experience. Its dimensions of 4,400 mm in length, 1,844 mm in width, and 1,556 mm in height reflect a more commanding road presence. Despite the differences in body type, both models share a five-seat configuration, ensuring comfort for passengers.

Born

Performance and Efficiency

Under the hood, the CUPRA Born delivers an exhilarating experience with power options ranging from 231 HP to a thrilling 326 HP. Its electric heart translates to impressive torque figures of up to 545 Nm. With a rear-wheel drive setup and an acceleration time of just 5.6 seconds from 0-100 km/h for the top variant, the Born is not just about good looks but performance too. It boasts an electric range of up to 555 km, courtesy of battery options between 60 kWh and 79 kWh, alongside an energy consumption of 14.9-15.9 kWh/100 km.

Meanwhile, the smart #3 offers two power variants up to 428 HP, partnered with an aggressive torque of up to 584 Nm. For thrill-seekers, the addition of an all-wheel-drive setup enhances handling capabilities, achieving a remarkable 0-100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. With battery capacities of 47 kWh and 62 kWh, it features a max electric range of 455 km, with energy consumption slightly higher at 16.3-17.2 kWh/100 km.

#3

Technology and Innovations

When it comes to technological advancements, both cars shine in their own right. The CUPRA Born comes equipped with an intuitive infotainment system that integrates seamlessly with smartphones, offering cutting-edge connectivity features. The brand emphasizes performance-oriented settings, allowing drivers to personalize their driving experience extensively.

In contrast, the smart #3 focuses heavily on smart technologies and urban usability. It incorporates advanced driver assistance systems, making city driving less stressful and more intuitive. The vehicle is also designed for efficient charging, ensuring that urban dwellers can maximize their EV experience.

Born

Interior and Comfort

The interiors of each vehicle reflect their design ethos. The CUPRA Born features sporty aesthetics with premium materials, presenting an engaging cockpit for enthusiasts. The trunk capacity of 385 L ensures ample storage space for daily needs, further enhancing its practicality.

Meanwhile, the smart #3 embraces a more utilitarian approach, with a trunk capacity of 370 L, still ensuring it meets the demands of a bustling lifestyle. Its cabin is designed for comfort and technology integration, providing an ergonomic environment for both drivers and passengers.

#3

Final Thoughts

The CUPRA Born and smart #3 cater to different tastes within the EV market. The Born stands out as a sporty hatchback with a focus on performance and driving dynamics, while the smart #3 excels in practicality and urban adaptability with its SUV stature. Ultimately, your choice will reflect your driving preferences, lifestyle, and the features that matter most to you in the transition to electric mobility.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Born

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

CUPRA Born is noticeably cheaper – starting at 34,300 £ , while the smart #3 costs 42,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 7,714 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the CUPRA Born is somewhat more efficient: consuming 14.1 kWh/100km compared to 16.3 kWh/100km for the smart #3. That’s a difference of about 2.2 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the CUPRA Born offers markedly more range – reaching up to 630 km, about 175 km more than the smart #3.

#3

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the CUPRA Born offers moderately more power – delivering 326 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 54 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the CUPRA Born is very slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.6 s, while the smart #3 takes 5.8 s. That’s about 0.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the CUPRA Born delivers clearly more torque with 545 Nm compared to 384 Nm. That’s about 161 Nm more.

Born

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, smart #3 is very slightly lighter – 1,810 kg compared to 1,899 kg. The difference is around 89 kg.

Looking at boot space, the CUPRA Born offers marginally more boot space – 385 L compared to 370 L. That’s a difference of about 15 L.

When it comes to payload, the CUPRA Born carries only slightly more – 461 kg compared to 450 kg. That’s a difference of about 11 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The CUPRA Born is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £34,300
Born

CUPRA Born

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 190 - 326 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 14.1 - 14.4 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 484 - 630 km
CUPRA Born
smart #3

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

CUPRA Born

The CUPRA Born blends sharp, athletic styling with a playful electric character, delivering hatchback agility and hot-hatch attitude whether you're darting through the city or cruising the open road. Inside, the cabin punches above its weight with smart materials and practical space, making it a compelling pick for buyers who want electric motoring without surrendering the grin.

details

smart #3

The Smart #3 turns the brand's cheeky city-car attitude into a grown-up compact SUV, pairing sleek styling with a surprisingly roomy, well-made interior. It's a brilliant pick for buyers who want electric ease without dullness — practical enough for daily life, but still lively enough to make parking and grocery runs feel a little fun.

details
CUPRA Born
smart #3

Costs and Consumption

Price
34,300 - 43,700 £
Price
42,000 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.1 - 14.4 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.3 kWh/100km
Electric Range
484 - 630 km
Electric Range
455 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,899 - 2,004 kg
Curb weight
1,810 kg
Trunk capacity
385 L
Trunk capacity
370 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,809 mm
Width
1,844 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
426 - 461 kg
Payload
450 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
190 - 326 HP
Power HP
272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.6 - 8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
350 - 545 Nm
Torque
384 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
140 - 240 kW
Power kW
200 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
CUPRA
Brand
smart
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.