Smart, the collaborative venture between Mercedes-Benz and China’s Geely, is carving out a new chapter in its SUV journey with the introduction of the Smart #5 Electric Hybrid Drive (EHD).
The new Smart #5 EHD isn’t just another SUV it’s a range-extending hybrid built to challenge expectations. With a pure electric range of approximately 155 miles and a total driving range close to 1,000 miles, this plug-in hybrid is built for both urban travel and extended road trips. More impressively, the real-world electric-only driving range hovers around 250 miles, supported by a charging capability that allows recharging in under 15 minutes.
At its core, the hybrid version is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine delivering 161 horsepower, which doesn’t drive the wheels directly but instead functions primarily as a generator. It works in tandem with a lithium iron phosphate battery from CATL, boasting over 40 kWh of energy capacity, although Smart has yet to release full battery specifications. Fuel efficiency is pegged at around 53 miles per gallon, a strong figure for a vehicle of this size and configuration.
In essence, the Smart #5 EHD is still an electric-driven SUV, but with a hybrid drivetrain completely distinct from its all-electric counterpart. The inclusion of a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor hints at sophisticated driver-assistance features such as lane centering, adaptive cruise control, and enhanced safety systems.
Before the EHD’s debut, the Smart #5 had already made waves as a battery electric SUV, available in five distinct trims. Rear-wheel-drive versions deliver 335 or 358 horsepower, equipped with 76 or 100 kWh batteries, offering ranges of 354 to 460 miles, depending on configuration. An all-wheel-drive variant includes a 221-horsepower front motor, paired with the 100 kWh battery for a range of 360–361 miles.
Despite the technological leap, Smart faced challenges in its domestic market. Sales in China declined by 19.37% in 2024, totaling 33,427 units—a significant shortfall from its target of 50,000 units. Yet, the company is not standing still. As the report noted, “despite the setback, the Chinese-German brand continues to invest in new models and technologies to regain momentum.”
Smart’s latest sales snapshot from March 2024 showed the Smart #1 leading the pack with 1,659 units, followed by the Smart #3 at 568 units, and the then-new Smart #5 at 344 units, numbers that reflect early adoption stages rather than stagnation.