Smart was once exclusively associated with tiny urban vehicles, but times have changed, leading to an expanding product portfolio for the brand. The Concept #5, set to be unveiled at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, previews the largest, most spacious, and most rugged-looking model from Smart yet. This fully electric SUV is set to enter production in the second half of the year, positioned above the Smart #1 and #3 crossovers. While Smart describes it as a ‘premium mid-size SUV,’ without providing specific dimensions, the #5 will be sized somewhere between the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLB compact SUVs.
The Smart Concept #5 adopts a boxier and
more upright stance, departing from the softer design language found in its #1
and #3 stablemates. The proportions bear a resemblance to those of the
Mercedes-Benz GLB/EQB, which is not a coincidence, as Smart products are
designed by the Mercedes design studio. However, unlike the German SUV, the
Smart #5 is expected to ride on Geely’s SEA platform, likely featuring dual
electric motors for the advertised AWD capability.
The concept is equipped with off-road
tires, skid plates, hood-mounted ropes, and a sophisticated roof rack with
integrated LEDs, enhancing the “outdoor-inspired” design. While these features
are expected to be toned down in the production version, other elements like
the generous ground clearance, fender-mounted displays for the suspension, and
fold-out rear step for roof access could find their way into the production
model, possibly in a higher-end trim. As a nod to the playful nature of smart
products, the interconnected lighting units will offer animated LED graphics.
Smart confirmed that the #5 will offer a
WLTP range of over 549 km, thanks to a battery capacity of more
than 100 kWh. The compact-size SUV will use an 800-Volt architecture instead of
the 400-Volt technology found in the smaller #1 and #3. As a result, it will be
able to charge from 10-80% in just 15 minutes when connected to the right plug,
effectively halving waiting times. The company has not announced the power
output of the electric powertrain, but they mentioned that the #5 will offer
the option between five driving modes tailored for different road conditions.
Additionally, there will be plenty of ADAS features, as with other
Geely-engineered products.
The tech-filled interior has a
triple-screen layout comprising a digital instrument cluster and two large OLED
displays for the infotainment system. The comfort-oriented seats offer heating,
ventilation, and massage functions together with a reclining leg rest and
integrated airbags. While the concept comes with a four-seater layout, the
production version will likely offer a more conventional five-seater
configuration. Other notable features include the star-like ambient lighting on
the doors, the portable speaker mounted in the center console, and the glass
boot floor.
The SUV will also have the potential of
integrating Artificial Intelligence with a “state-of-the-art tool” by
AI-specialists Cerence. This technology will allow occupants to engage in
“entertaining conversations” with the virtual in-car assistant, who will
provide “accurate and relevant answers to almost any question imaginable”
besides doing its main job which is helping in everyday tasks.
The first public outing of the Smart
Concept #5 will take place at the Beijing Auto Show on April 25. Smart
confirmed that the production version will be unveiled sometime in the second
half of 2024, so we expect a rollout in Europe before the end of the year. Rivals
in the electric compact SUV segment should include the likes of the Mini
Countryman Electric, the BMW iX1, Mercedes EQA/EQE, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Volvo
EX40, depending on pricing and specifications.
