On the evening of September 28th, the all-new smart#5 EHD plug-in hybrid model officially opened for pre-sale, with a starting price of 189,900 CNY. It is expected to be launched in October.
The smart#5 EHD is positioned as a mid-size SUV and is equipped with EHD Super Electric Hybrid Technology. It features a plug-in hybrid power system consisting of a 1.5T engine and a drive motor. This is the first plug-in hybrid vehicle under the smart brand and also the largest model in terms of size. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4705 mm in length, 1920 mm in width, and 1710 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2900 mm, surpassing the Mercedes-Benz GLB. For comparison, the Mercedes-Benz GLB measures 4638 mm in length, 1834 mm in width, and 1687 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2829 mm. Additionally, the pure electric version of the smart#5 has a length of 4705 mm, width of 1920 mm, and height of 1705 mm, with a wheelbase of 2900 mm. The new model is 5 mm taller, while the other dimensions remain unchanged.
In terms of exterior design, the new model maintains a similar overall design to the pure electric version but with some upgraded details. The front features a closed grille design, and the headlights consist of a continuous LED light strip combined with an interrupted LED light group, giving it a unique and highly recognizable look. The front bumper has been redesigned with matte brushed trim, giving the car a more refined appearance.
On the side, the vehicle retains a square shape with hidden door handles, 19-inch low-resistance wheels, and a roof rack, giving it an off-road vibe. In terms of color, the new model offers five color options: (Cangyan Gray), (Star Swirl Blue), (Flowing Sand Gold), (Particle White), and(Cyber Silver), with Cangyan Gray and Star Swirl Blue being new additions. At the rear, the car adopts capsule-style, through-type tail lights, with a redesigned rear bumper. The rear is decorated with gunmetal trim, providing a more refined visual effect. The car also features hidden exhaust pipes to enhance its sporty look.
Inside, the new model offers two interior color options: (Light Honey Brown) and(Obsidian Black). The cabin is decorated with chrome accents, creating a fashionable and modern feel. It features a wraparound cockpit design, a double-layer central island layout, a 10.3-inch fully digital instrument panel, dual 13-inch AMOLED ultra-clear 2.5K screens, and a 25.6-inch AR-enhanced heads-up display. The vehicle is powered by an AMD V2000 chip and is the first production car to feature the Doubao AI large model. Other features include a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and a shift-by-wire transmission system, contributing to a high-tech feel. The seating layout consists of 5 seats, all of which are heated.
In terms of power, the new model uses the EHD Super Electric Hybrid Technology, consisting of a 1.5T hybrid engine and a drive motor. The engine produces a maximum power of 120 kW, while the motor delivers 200 kW. It is paired with a three-speed DHT electric hybrid-specific gearbox. The battery, supplied by CATL, has a capacity of 41.46 kWh and provides a CLTC electric range of 252 km. Additionally, the model will offer a version with a 20 kWh battery, providing a pure electric range of 100 km according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
Smart, the brand behind the car, was established in December 2019 by Geely Automobile Group and Daimler AG, with both companies holding a 50% stake. The design of its products is handled by Mercedes-Benz’s global design team, with engineering support from Geely’s global R&D center.
As of now, smart offers three models: the smart#1, smart#3, and smart#5. The smart#5, designed by the Mercedes-Benz team and produced by Zhejiang Haoqing Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd., is a 5-seat pure electric mid-size SUV, and the largest model in the smart lineup. It is expected to be launched in October 2024, with a price range of 229,900 CNY to 368,000 CNY. The smart#5’s design is highly personalized, and it is built on an 800V architecture, offering single-motor, dual-motor, and BRABUS performance versions, competing mainly with the Zeekr 7X, Avita 07, and ZhiJie R7 models.
According to retail data, the smart#1 was the best-selling model from smart, with a cumulative sales of 14,289 units in the first eight months of this year. The smart#3 and smart#5 sold 2,928 and 2,574 units, respectively.
The smart#5 EHD, which is the first plug-in hybrid vehicle from the brand, is expected to compete with models like the Tesla Model Y, Lynk & Co 08 EM-P, and Avita 07 extended-range version after its official launch. Whether it can carve out a successful place in the market remains to be seen.
