From pint-sized to porky – is it a smart play to aim so big? The Smart #5 enters a crowded electric SUV market, facing established players
by Josh Byrnes
April 20, 2024 at 11:57
- The brand known for microcars will soon enter the electric SUV market with its largest model to date, the Smart #5.
- We’ll get a first taste of the car with the presentation of a concept version at this month’s China Auto Show in Beijing.
- The #5 aims to compete with established players like Tesla and the Mini Countryman, targeting China, Europe, and other key markets.
Gone are the days when Smart was synonymous with microcar madness. Today, the electric-only brand is supercharging its ambitions, with a lineup now catering for a vast array of different buyers.
The automaker’s expansion strategy is bolstered by a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and China’s Geely Group, signifying a fresh chapter for the brand. Originally founded in Switzerland by SMH, the company behind the Swatch watch brand, it later moved its headquarters to Ningbo, China, a few years ago.
More: Everything We Know About The 2027 Mercedes-Benz Electric ‘Baby’ G-Class
This week, Smart revealed a teaser of the #5 Concept, which is scheduled to debut at the upcoming China Auto Show in Beijing. Alongside this, we’ve encountered heavily camouflaged prototypes of the production model, offering a sneak peek at Smart’s forthcoming addition to its lineup. Let’s dissect the camouflage and explore further into what awaits us.
A Fusion of Function and Flair
The #5 SUV takes Smart’s current design language and supersizes it to lofty proportions. Aesthetic inspiration is inherited from Mercedes-Benz studios, as proudly announced by the “Styled by Mercedes-Benz” script adorning its B-Pillar.
Frontal styling features ‘stacked’ LED daytime running lights, artistically laid out in two horizontal strips. There is an emphasis on minimalistic elegance, featuring short overhangs and strategically placed wheels that amplify interior space without compromising style.
Adorned with machine-faced alloy wheels that boast gloss black inserts, an upright rear window paired with full-width LED taillights, frameless windows, flush door handles, and an upswept D-pillar, the overall look is a testament to avant-garde aesthetics.
Advanced Architecture Meets Innovative Interior
At its core, the Smart #5 SUV is built on Geely’s SEA architecture, which is shared with Volvo’s EX30 and Zeekr X. The interior adopts an ovoid theme, dominated by a striking, huge infotainment display that covers the passenger-side dashboard, offering occupants a futuristic cabin experience.
The production model will feature a massive screen extending to the passenger side. (Photos Weibo)
Known internally as HY11, it provides ample space with options for five- or seven-seat configurations and will feature heavy use of recycled materials and seating fabrics. Its Smart Pilot Assist 3.0 semi-autonomous driving system enables safety and convenience in specific driving parameters.
A Symphony of Speed and Sustainability
While the powertrain specifics remain shrouded in mystery, sources suggests that it could echo that of the Smart #3 in Pro+ Trim. This configuration sports a rear-mounted electric motor capable of churning out 268 hp (200 kW), powered by a lithium nickel cobalt manganese battery (yes, quite the mouthful), promising a range of between 258-283 miles (415-455 km) on the WLTP cycle. It can be DC fast-charged up to a rate of up to 150 kW.
More: We Peel Off The Camo From The 2026 BMW iX3 Electric SUV
There is also potential for a range-topping Brabus variant. Armed with a dual-motor setup delivering a staggering 422 horsepower (315 kW), it hints at organ-pummelling performance, possibly enabling a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in a mere 3.7 seconds.
Smart has been testing the production #5 in China (Photos Weibo)
Rivals, Reveal, and Road Ahead
While we were expecting to see the production version of the car at this month’s Beijing Auto Show, Smart had other plans as it will be showcasing the concept version instead.
When the actual production car arrives towards the end of this year, it will be positioned to compete with an assortment of electric and combustion rivals like the Mini Countryman, BMW X1, Tesla Model Y, and of course, the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
The #5 represents a pivotal move in Smart’s goal to introduce a new EV every year by 2027 across China, Europe, and other key markets, though notably excluding North America – at least for the time being. Production is set to take place at Smart’s cutting-edge Xi’an facility in China.
That said, do you think Smart should make a comeback in the US with the more appropriately sized #5? Sound off in the comments!
