A few weeks have passed since the Smart Concept #5 was showcased at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, and now, details and images of the production model have emerged. The production version, while losing some of the concept's rugged elements, maintains its distinctive boxy design, making it the largest and most spacious vehicle Smart has ever produced.
In terms of size, the Smart #5 dimensions place it in the same category as the BMW X3 and Tesla Model Y. According to information filed with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the production Smart #5 is 4,705 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,705 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,900 mm. This means it is 265 mm longer than the #3 coupe-SUV, which was previously the largest model in Smart’s lineup.
The production Smart #5 has a lower ground clearance than the concept version and has replaced the all-terrain tires with a more standard setup. Additionally, it has dropped some of the concept’s features, such as the roof rack, suicide doors, and fender-mounted suspension screens. However, it retains the sophisticated LED headlights and taillights, flush door handles, and much of the bodywork design from the concept.
The bumpers have been slightly modified, featuring an oversized skid plate that incorporates the lower intake at the front. Photos show various trim levels of the Smart #5, including a sporty version with red accents and matching brake calipers, which are typical of the flagship Brabus trims in other Smart EV models. There are also different alloy wheel designs and variations in the front and rear fascias and side moldings.
While there are no available photos of the interior, it is speculated that it could resemble the concept’s, which featured a triple-screen dashboard layout filled with advanced technology. Unlike the four-seater concept, the production model is expected to have a five-seater layout, emphasizing practicality.
The all-electric Smart #5 will come with four powertrain options. The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variants will produce either 335 hp or 358 hp from a single, rear-mounted electric motor, powered by a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. There will also be all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants with nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries, combining a 221 hp front-mounted electric motor with either 358 hp or 416 hp from the rear-mounted motors. This setup will give the Smart #5 AWD up to 637 hp, indicating substantial performance potential.
The Smart #5 concept utilized an 800-Volt architecture from parent company Geely, featuring a battery capacity of over 100 kWh, which can recharge from 10-80% in just 15 minutes. The company claimed a WLTP range exceeding 549 km, and similar figures are expected for the production version, especially for the flagship trim.
Smart, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, has announced that the production-ready Smart #5 will debut in the second half of 2024. Besides being available in China, the model is also expected to be offered in Europe, expanding its market reach.