It’s only been a few weeks since the debut of the Smart Concept #5 at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, yet photos and specifications of the production version have already emerged. Predictably, the Smart #5 loses some of the ruggedness of the concept but retains its boxy stance, making it the automaker’s largest and most spacious offering yet. According to the filing with China‘s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the production version of the Smart #5 measures 4,705 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,705 mm tall, with a 2,900 mm wheelbase. This makes it a full 265 mm longer than the #3 coupe-SUV that is currently the biggest model in Smart’s lineup.
The Smart #5’s footprint is akin to the
new Honda CR-V, albeit with an 8-inch longer wheelbase. In fact, it rivals
vehicles like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Mercedes GLC, approaching the dimensions
of the Tesla Model Y. The production version has a noticeably lower ground
clearance compared to the concept car, trading its all-terrain tires for a more
conventional setup. It also loses features like the roof rack, the suicide
doors, and the fender-mounted screens for the suspension. Nonetheless, the
fancy LED headlights and taillights have been largely carried over, along with
the flush door handles and the majority of the bodywork.
The bumpers are slightly different as
well, with an oversized skid plate incorporating the lower intake at the front.
The photos display various trim versions of the Smart #5, including a
sporty-looking derivative with red accents and matching brake calipers,
typically found in the flagship Brabus trims of Smart EV models. Apart from the
alloy wheel designs, there are also variations in the front and rear fascias,
as well as the side moldings. There are no photos of the interior available,
but it’s speculated that it could be similar to the concept. The latter
featured a triple-screen layout on the dashboard, boasting plenty of
technology. Unlike the four-seater concept, the production model has a
five-seater layout, emphasizing practicality.
The fully electric SUV will offer four
powertrain options. The RWD variants will generate either 335 hp or 358 hp from a single, rear-mounted electric motor. In
both configurations, energy will be drawn from a lithium iron phosphate (LFP)
battery. There will also be an equal number of AWD variants, albeit with nickel
manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries. These will pair a 221 hp front-mounted electric motor with either 358 hp or 416 hp from the rear-mounted units. Combined, the Smart #5 AWD will
deliver up to 637 hp, suggesting at some serious performance
capabilities.
Note that the Smart #5 concept utilized an
800-Volt architecture sourced from parent company Geely. Consequently, the
battery pack, boasting a capacity of over 100 kWh, can recharge from 10-80% in
just 15 minutes. The company also claimed a WLTP range exceeding 549
km. Anticipate comparable figures for the production version, particularly for
the flagship trim. Smart, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, has
confirmed that the production-ready #5 will debut in the second half of 2024.
Besides China, the model is also expected to be offered in Europe.
