Smart’s highly anticipated electric MPV was recently spotted on the streets of China. Heavily camouflaged, the vehicle sports a discreetly placed Mercedes-Benz badge on the B-pillar, and it provides a glimpse into the brand's future plans, with a planned release slated for 2024. Smart, now a collaborative venture between Geely Group and Mercedes-Benz, emerged under new ownership in 2019 and is headquartered in Ningbo, a bustling Chinese port just south of Shanghai. The manufacturing aspect is handled by Geely, operating from its state-of-the-art Xi'an facility, which commenced production in 2021, while Mercedes-Benz spearheads the design efforts.
Originally recognized for producing
compact ICE microcars, Smart underwent a radical transformation under new
owners, pivoting towards becoming an EV-focused brand with a primary emphasis
on full-size vehicles. Local media outlet Zaker managed to secure exclusive spy
shots of the electric MPV (multi-purpose vehicle), portraying a distinctively
boxy design, a departure from Smart's current conventional styling. Notably,
the vehicle's dimensions surpass those of Smart's #3 SUV, hinting at an increased
size for this upcoming model. Looking at the images, it becomes quickly evident
that sliding doors will not be part of its feature set.
The upcoming MPV is set to incorporate
advanced features, such as 800V fast-charging capabilities, and the latest
iteration of Smart's Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), known as Smart
Pilot Assist 3.0. Smart's current offering in China, the #3, is available in a
price range of RMB 209,900 to RMB 289,900 (€ 27,500 – € 37,900).
The entry-level Pro+ variant boasts an impressive 555 km CLTC range, powered by
a 66 kW battery and a single 200 kW electric motor. Meanwhile, the top-tier
Brabus version boasts all-wheel drive, dual motors, and an impressive total
output of 315 kW (equivalent to 428 hp), capable of accelerating from 0 to 100
km/h in a mere 3.6 seconds.
Smart's current lineup in China consists
of two models: the #1 and #3. In Europe, Smart #1 made its debut in September,
with the #3 set to make its entrance in early 2024. As part of Smart's global
expansion strategy, Malaysia has recently welcomed Smart #1, marking the
brand's latest international market entry in November. The just-spotted MPV
fits perfectly within Smart’s ambitious plan to introduce at least one new
electric vehicle annually. The company aims to have an impressive portfolio of
6-7 models on the road by 2027.
