VS

NIO ET5 vs smart #3 comparison

Compare performance (490 HP vs 428 HP), boot space and price (40,700 £ vs 34,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – NIO ET5 or smart #3?

NIO ET5 vs smart #3: Key differences

NIO ET5

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • moderately more power
  • markedly more electric range
  • only slightly more trunk space

smart #3

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly cheaper
  • slightly more efficient
  • barely quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly lighter

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

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

ET5

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

smart #3 is slightly cheaper – starting at 34,700 £ , while the NIO ET5 costs 40,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 6,009 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the smart #3 is slightly more efficient: consuming 16.3 kWh/100km compared to 18.6 kWh/100km for the NIO ET5. That’s a difference of about 2.3 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the NIO ET5 offers markedly more range – reaching up to 590 km, about 135 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 NIO ET5 offers moderately more power – delivering 490 HP compared to 428 HP. That’s roughly 62 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the smart #3 is barely quicker – completing the sprint in 3.7 s, while the NIO ET5 takes 4 s. That’s about 0.3 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the NIO ET5 is barely faster – reaching 200 km/h, while the smart #3 tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 20 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the NIO ET5 delivers moderately more torque with 700 Nm compared to 584 Nm. That’s about 116 Nm more.

ET5

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 visibly lighter – 1,780 kg compared to 2,215 kg. The difference is around 435 kg.

Looking at boot space, the NIO ET5 offers only slightly more boot space – 386 L compared to 370 L. That’s a difference of about 16 L.

For maximum load capacity, the smart #3 offers barely more capacity – up to 1,160 L, about 25 L more than the NIO ET5.

When it comes to payload, the NIO ET5 carries barely more – 475 kg compared to 450 kg. That’s a difference of about 25 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The NIO ET5 holds a solid overall lead 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 £40,700
ET5

NIO ET5

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 490 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 18.6 - 18.9 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 456 - 590 km
NIO ET5
smart #3

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

NIO ET5

NIO ET5 arrives with sleek, minimalist lines and a cabin that feels more like a calm lounge than a dashboard, delivering a composed drive that keeps motorway monotony at bay. Tech is smart rather than showy, and the brand’s novel ownership options make it an appealing choice for buyers who want electric convenience without the usual headaches — plus it brings enough personality to make charging stops less boring.

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
NIO ET5
smart #3

Costs and Consumption

Price
40,700 - 58,700 £
Price
34,700 - 45,800 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
18.6 - 18.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.3 - 17.6 kWh/100km
Electric Range
456 - 590 km
Electric Range
325 - 455 km
Battery Capacity
73.5 - 90 kWh
Battery Capacity
47 - 62 kWh
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
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
2,215 - 2,235 kg
Curb weight
1,780 - 1,910 kg
Trunk capacity
386 L
Trunk capacity
370 L
Length
4,790 mm
Length
4,400 mm
Width
1,960 mm
Width
1,844 mm
Height
1,499 mm
Height
1,556 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,135 L
Max trunk capacity
1,160 L
Payload
455 - 475 kg
Payload
419 - 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
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
490 HP
Power HP
272 - 428 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.7 - 5.8 s
Max Speed
200 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
700 Nm
Torque
343 - 584 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
360 kW
Power kW
200 - 315 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2,023
Model Year
2,023 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
NIO
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.