Smart #5: Winning over customers in the premium mid-range with 800 volts

Smart unveiled its new premium flagship in Australia today. Following its debut in China – expected at the end of 2024 – the five-seater will launch in Europe in early 2025. After the compact SUV #1 and the corresponding SUV coupé #3, the mid-size SUV is the third model of the newly established brand. As is well known, Smart is now a joint venture between the Geely Group and Mercedes-Benz and manufactures purely in China. With the #5, Smart is fishing for customers in the mid-size SUV segment for the first time. And even Mercedes might be tempted to take a step back, as the new Smart’s technical data sheet is a real eye-opener.

At the heart of the car is Geely’s PMA2+ platform with 800 volts and a 100 kWh battery installed in the underbody. There is also a choice of variants with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive – specifically, there are four power variants: two rear-wheel drive models with 250 or 267 kW or two all-wheel-drive models with 432 or 475 kW. The front engine always delivers 165 kW in the twin-engine variants, while the rear unit makes the difference. In the top model, it contributes 310 kW; in the other case, it contributes 267 kW. To date, Smart has only given a best-ever range of 740 kilometres, according to CLTC, without going into further detail. The top speed is 200 kph, with the top variant reaching 210 kph.

According to the manufacturer, the battery supports a charging rate of 4C, corresponding to a DC charging capacity of 400 kW with an energy content of 100 kWh. It takes just 15 minutes to charge the battery from 10 to 80 per cent. In addition, the #5 has an AC charging capacity of 22 kW as standard. With many competitors, the 22 kW is only available as an option—if at all.

Smart did not mention at the world premiere whether there will also be a 400-volt version of the #5 and/or a smaller battery to choose from at a later date. According to China’s registration application, the five-door model’s single-engine variants will have an LFP battery. In contrast, an NMC battery will be standard for the all-wheel drive models. It suggests Smart could offer a smaller LFP battery in addition to the 100 kWh battery with NMC chemistry. As our colleagues at InsideEVs write, a photo of the instrument display of the #5 study also suggests that there could be another version with a shorter range.

There is no official information on this. Instead, the overall package can be seen in Australia, with Geely primarily contributing the technology and Mercedes the design. The short overhangs, which result from a 2.90 metre wheelbase with an overall length of 4.70 metres, are striking. The other dimensions are 1,920 mm wide and 1,705 mm high in accordance with Chinese homologation. The boot capacity is 1,530 litres with the rear seats folded down. Smart creates additional storage space in the #5 in a 72-litre frunk.

On the way from the concept to the production model, Smart has slimmed down in terms of appearance. The Smart Concept #5 was unveiled at Auto China in April 2024. The market-ready #5 is noticeably more angular. With a bulky rear end, wheel arches, and striking underbody protection, the electric SUV has a wide-legged appearance. The interior features two integrated OLED screens in the cockpit, which are powered by an AMD V2000 chip and offer access to numerous functions. That also includes artificial intelligence, specifically from the generative AI specialist Cerence. The AI tool is designed to enable the driver and passengers to engage the virtual assistant in the vehicle in ‘entertaining conversations’.

“With this new vehicle, we are expanding into a new market segment, reflecting our commitment to quality, innovation, and addressing the evolving needs of our customers,” said Dirk Adelmann, CEO of Smart Europe. “As we continue to broaden our product lineup, we remain focused on providing diverse mobility solutions that cater to different lifestyles and preferences in Europe and around the globe. This vehicle represents not only a new level of premium for smart but also an opportunity to explore new possibilities in the realm of electric mobility.”

Smart is still keeping a lid on the price. However, the manufacturer held out the prospect of an entry-level price of less than 50,000 euros at Auto China. However, it is likely that this will not be the 800-volt version of the five-seater, but rather a single-motor variant with 400-volt architecture and an LFP battery that does not charge quite as quickly.

Update 23 September 2024

Smart has started pre-sales of its new Smart #5 model in China. The electric car is available from 245,000 yuan (around 31,000 euros). At launch, the Smart #5 is available in eight colours: Saturn Beige, Terra Green, Pulsar Ruby, Meta Black, Grain White, Cyber Silver, Laser Red, and Future Brown. The D-pillar features a luminous logo. The carmaker also offers outdoor adventure kits, including a roof-mounted laser searchlight, a roof rack, two small side rucksacks, and climbing ladders on the left and right-hand sides. Moreover, the biggest Smart to date can haul up to 1.6 tonnes.

Following the pre-sale, the Smart #5 will go on sale in China at the end of October. It will hit the road in Europe at the beginning of 2025; the prices are still unknown. The car will only be built in China, so it could be subject to special duties. However, it is still not certain that these will even pass.

media.smart.com, carnewschina.com (pre-sales)