- The production version of the Smart #5 made an early appearance in China.
- The SUV measures 4,705 mm (185.2 inches) long and has a 2,900 mm (114.2 inches) wheelbase.
- There will be four powertrain options, RWD and AWD, ranging from 335 hp to 637 hp.
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 (185.2 inches) long, 1,920 mm (75.6 inches) wide, and 1,705 mm (67.1 inches) tall, with a 2,900 mm (114.2 inches) wheelbase. This makes it a full 265 mm (10.4 inches) longer than the #3 coupe-SUV that is currently the biggest model in Smart’s lineup.
More: EU To Apply Up To 38% Tariffs On Chinese Cars, Tesla Gets Special Treatment
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.
The smart Concept #5 (left) compared to the production version (right)
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.
Four Powertrain Options
The fully electric SUV will offer four powertrain options. The RWD variants will generate either 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS) or 358 hp (267 kW / 363 PS) 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 (165 kW / 224 PS) front-mounted electric motor with either 358 hp (267 kW / 363 PS) or 416 hp (310 kW / 422 PS) from the rear-mounted units. Combined, the Smart #5 AWD will deliver up to 637 hp (475 kW / 646 PS), 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 341 miles (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.
