Smart Forfour W453 EQ (2017 – 2022)

Reliability score : 8.2/10

The Smart Forfour EQ (W453) is the 100% electric version of Smart's four-seater city car, developed in partnership with Renault (technical twin of the Twingo III). Initially launched under the name 'Electric Drive' (ED) in 2017, it was renamed 'EQ' in 2018 when the brand transitioned under the Mercedes-Benz technology label. In 2019, Smart made the radical decision to completely abandon combustion engines in Europe, making the Forfour an exclusively electric model until the end of its career. Equipped with a 60 kW (82 hp) rear-mounted engine and a small 17.6 kWh battery, it shines with its exceptional agility (record turning radius) and liveliness in urban environments. However, its very limited range (around 90 to 110 real km) strictly confines it to the role of a second urban or suburban

✅ Strengths

Unbeatable turning radius (8.65 m), exceptional maneuverability
Lively acceleration from 0 to 50 km/h
Optional 22 kW AC onboard charger allowing a 10 to 80% charge in 40 minutes
Decent interior space for its size (3.49 m)
Overall reliability of the electric powertrain (proven by Renault)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Ridiculous real-world range (often under 100 km in winter or on the highway)
Standard charger limited to 4.6 kW (very slow for public charging)
Very restricted trunk volume (185 liters) and high loading sill (engine underneath)
Firm suspension and light soundproofing at 80 km/h
Aging and sometimes slow multimedia system (Smart Media System / R-Link)

🎯 Verdict

The Smart Forfour EQ is an electric city car full of dynamic qualities for the city, but heavily handicapped by its tiny battery. Its purchase is only justified under two strict conditions: exclusively urban/suburban use with home charging, and the mandatory presence of the 22 kW charger option to take advantage of public stations. Mechanical and electrical reliability is excellent, with major breakdowns being rare (excluding the 12V battery and heating). Given the significant depreciation suffered by this model compared to competitors offering double the range (like the VW e-Up!), it is a car to negotiate fiercely on the used market.

Common issues

Défaillance de la batterie 12V auxiliaire Medium

🔧 30 000 – 80 000 km ou 3-5 ans

💶 150 – 300 €

Vérifier la tension de la batterie 12V régulièrement, la remplacer préventivement après 4 ans.

Problèmes de charge (port ou chargeur embarqué) High

🔧 Variable, peut survenir à partir de 50 000 km

💶 500 – 2 000 €

Tester la charge sur différentes bornes, vérifier les rappels constructeur.

Dysfonctionnement du système de climatisation Medium

🔧 60 000 – 100 000 km

💶 300 – 800 €

S'assurer du bon fonctionnement de la climatisation avant l'achat.

Bugs logiciels / système multimédia Low

🔧 Variable, souvent dès le début ou après mises à jour

💶 0 – 150 €

Vérifier les mises à jour logicielles disponibles et le fonctionnement du système.

Estimated maintenance costs

Complete brakes	£220 – 480
Estimated annual budget	£160 – 350

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.