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smart #3 vs NIO EL8 comparison

Compare performance (272 HP vs 653 HP), boot space and price (42,000 £ vs 71,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – smart #3 or NIO EL8?

smart #3 vs NIO EL8: Key differences

smart #3

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • markedly more efficient
  • considerably lighter
  • visibly more trunk space
details

NIO EL8

  • substantially more power
  • somewhat more electric range
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
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

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

#3

Costs and Efficiency:

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

smart #3 is considerably cheaper – starting at 42,000 £ , while the NIO EL8 costs 71,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 29,066 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the smart #3 is markedly more efficient: consuming 16.3 kWh/100km compared to 21.2 kWh/100km for the NIO EL8. That’s a difference of about 4.9 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the NIO EL8 offers somewhat more range – reaching up to 510 km, about 55 km more than the smart #3.

EL8

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 EL8 offers substantially more power – delivering 653 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 381 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the NIO EL8 is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.1 s, while the smart #3 takes 5.8 s. That’s about 1.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the NIO EL8 delivers clearly more torque with 850 Nm compared to 384 Nm. That’s about 466 Nm more.

#3

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.

Seats: NIO EL8 offers more seats – 6 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, smart #3 is considerably lighter – 1,810 kg compared to 2,613 kg. The difference is around 803 kg.

Looking at boot space, the smart #3 offers visibly more boot space – 370 L compared to 265 L. That’s a difference of about 105 L.

When it comes to payload, the NIO EL8 carries markedly more – 577 kg compared to 450 kg. That’s a difference of about 127 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The NIO EL8 holds a decisive 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 £71,100
EL8

NIO EL8

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 653 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 21.2 - 22 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 390 - 510 km
details

Frequently compared as well

smart #3
smart #5
VS
smart #3 and smart #5 go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the smart #3 or the smart #5 is the …
smart #1
smart #3
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smart #1 and smart #3 go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the smart #1 or the smart #3 is the …
smart #3
NIO EL8

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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
smart-hashtag3-brabus-photon-orange-exterior-mallorca1
smart-hashtag3-brabus-photon-orange-exterior-mallorca13
smart-hashtag3-brabus-photon-orange-exterior-mallorca21
smart-hashtag3-brabus-photon-orange-interior-mallorca10
smart-hashtag3-brabus-photon-orange-interior-mallorca3
smart-hashtag3-premium-ceramic-cream-interior-mallorca7

Reviews smart #3

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
Ronny
16 Oct 2025, 13:10:59

Handsome design, packed with advanced driver‑assist technology and stellar performance — all at an attractive price. Highly recommended, this car!

NIO EL8

The NIO EL8 feels like a tech-savvy living room on wheels, blending upscale comfort with playful design for buyers who want electric refinement without the clinical vibe. It’s roomy, packed with clever features and a relaxed driving character that turns everyday trips into something a little more fun.

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Reviews NIO EL8

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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NIO EL8

Costs and Consumption
Price
42,000 £
Price
71,100 - 90,800 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.3 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
21.2 - 22 kWh/100km
Electric Range
455 km
Electric Range
390 - 510 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
73.5 - 90 kWh
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
6
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,810 kg
Curb weight
2,613 - 2,633 kg
Trunk capacity
370 L
Trunk capacity
265 L
Length
-
Length
5,099 mm
Width
1,844 mm
Width
1,989 mm
Height
-
Height
1,750 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
810 L
Payload
450 kg
Payload
557 - 577 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
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
272 HP
Power HP
653 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.1 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
200 km/h
Torque
384 Nm
Torque
850 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
200 kW
Power kW
480 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
smart
Brand
NIO
What drivetrain options does the smart #3 have?

The smart #3 is available as Rear-Wheel Drive.

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.