Beijing Auto Show

Smart shows off the #5, its biggest model to date

Smart Concept #5
The Concept #5 has styling features to give the SUV the look of a tough off-roader, with chunky tires, roof-mounted lights, and front and rear skid plates. (SMART)
April 23, 2024 10:35 AM

Smart has previewed its new, long-range midsize full-electric SUV with a battery size of more than 100 kilowatt hours capable of traveling up to 550 km (340 miles) on a single charge.

Smart released the first pictures of the Concept #5 ahead of its unveiling on Thursday at the Beijing auto show.

The production version of the #5 is due to be unveiled in the second half and will go sale next year, joining the #1 and #3.

The #5 is 4600 mm long, making the biggest model ever built by the brand which was launched by Mercedes-Benz in 1994 to sell minicars. Smart is now owned by a 50-50 joint venture between Mercedes and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.

The Concept #5 uses an 800-volt electrical architecture that Smart says will speed up charging. It says the car can top up its large 100 kWh battery to 80 percent from 10 percent in just 15 minutes.

The car's long range is a big step up from that offered by the #1 and #3, which are rated to travel between 400 and 440 km (250 to 275 miles) on a full charge of their biggest 66-kWh battery with nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistry.

The concept has additional styling features to give the SUV the look of a tough off-roader, with chunky tires, roof-mounted lights, front and rear skid plates to minimize off-road damage and a hidden winch.

Smart Concept #5
Smart Concept #5 "Smart Concept #5" (SMART)

Beneath the Concept #5's off-road styling touches, which are unlikely to make production, is a newly updated design language for Smart, Dirk Adelmann, Smart's Europe CEO, said in a video conference last month.

"You will definitely recognize the style from the Mercedes-Benz design team that have designed all the Smarts so far," he said.

Smart Concept #5 interior
Smart Concept #5 interior Smart Concept #5 interior (SMART)

The Concept #5's interior has two large, high-definition embedded touchscreens, one centrally located and the other aimed at the passenger.

Smart said it had designed a new human machine interface (HMI) layout, suggesting the company has responded to feedback. Some customers of the #1 and #3 have criticized the usability of the screen menus.

The concept uses what Smart calls a "zero-gravity" front passenger seat that claims offer a combination of comfort and safety, integrating features such as heating, ventilation, massage functions and a leg rest.

Smart also touted an AI-driven voice control powered by software from Cerence. The system allows occupants to participate in "entertaining conversations" with the virtual in-car assistant, Smart said.

The #5's rivals will include Mini's new, larger Countryman compact SUV that includes an all-electric model for the first time, as well as Kia's new angular-styled EV5

Smart's new full-electric models have yet to reach significant sales in Europe.

Smart sold 2,992 #1s through March and the recently launched #3 accounted for a volume of 1,016, figures from Dataforce show. The ForTwo was Smart's best-seller in Europe in the first quarter, with 3,259 units sold.

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