Smart launches the #5 EHD plug-in hybrid in China
When Smart was transformed from a small car specialist into a German-Chinese joint venture, the newly founded company positioned itself as a purely electric brand in 2020. The first models, #1, #3 and #5, were full-size SUVs, which fans felt had taken Smart too far away from its roots.
Around three years after the relaunch, the company is already deviating from the direction it communicated at the beginning of this decade: the Smart Fortwo city car is to be re-released as a purely electric vehicle at the end of 2026.
At the same time, rumours began circulating at the beginning of this year that the brand would be adding plug-in hybrids to its range in the future, thereby abandoning its focus as a purely electric brand. The reasons for this are the somewhat sluggish sales figures and the continuing reservations about purely electric cars. Smart is currently falling short of expectations, especially on the European market.
Smart has now unveiled its first plug-in hybrid model in China, which will later be launched in this country and other export markets. The #5 EHD is a modified version of the battery-electric mid-range SUV #5, which has been available in this country since the end of April.
The plug-in hybrid version can now be pre-ordered in China for 189,900 yuan, or approximately £22,700. This makes the hybrid version considerably cheaper than the BEV version of the #5, which starts at 239,900 yuan (approximately £28,700) on the local market. The official market launch is scheduled for October.
The family SUV, which is 4.70 metres long, 1.92 metres wide and 1.70 metres high, has a wheelbase of 2.90 metres and is based on Geely’s ‘Leishen Hybrid 2.0’ hybrid platform. It is powered by an electric motor with a maximum output of 200 kW and a 1.5-litre, 120 kW four-cylinder engine.
The underbody houses a 41.46 kWh battery, which enables a pure electric range of 252 kilometres according to the Chinese CLTC standard. When both the petrol tank and the power storage unit are full, the combined range is 1,615 kilometres. Apart from the powertrain, the #5 EHD differs only slightly from its purely electric sibling. The plug-in hybrid version is also equipped with the ‘Pilot Assist’ driver assistance package, available exclusively in China, including LiDAR and two Nvidia Drive Orin X.
This article was first published by Elias Holdenried for electrive’s German edition
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