Smart has launched pre-sales for #5 EHD Suv in China

On September 28, the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely  launched pre-sales for its first plug-in hybrid model: the Smart #5 EHD Super Hybrid. Pre-sales start at 189,900 yuan ($26,674). The launch of the new model marks Smart’s official transition from a pure electric brand to a dual-technology strategy of “pure electric + hybrid” 

On September 28 Smart, the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, opened pre-sales for the Smart #5 EHD in China, joining the ranks of automakers introducing hybrid models with a starting price of 189,900 yuan ($26,674). This is lower than the starting price of 239,900 yuan ($33,697) for the currently available all-electric Smart #5. The Smart #5 EHD marks Smart's first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle model, with an official launch expected in October. 

The vehicle measures 4,705 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,705 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,900 mm, which is 5 mm taller than the BEV variant. The official interior space utilization rate is as high as 85%, and the trunk volume can be expanded to 1,525 L after folding down the rear seats. The powertrain comes from Geely’s NordThor Hybrid 2.0 technology consisting of a 1.5T engine and an electric motor, mated to a 3-speed DHT dedicated hybrid transmission. 

The engine outputs a maximum power of 120 kW (161 hp), and the motor outputs a 200 kW (268 hp). The system efficiently allocates power across three scenarios: low-speed pure electric driving, high-speed cruising, and dynamic acceleration. The vehicle is equipped with a 41.46-kWh battery pack, offering a CLTC battery range of 252 kilometers. With a full tank and fully charged battery, its combined range reaches 1,615 kilometers. Under fast charging, it takes 20 minutes to recharge the battery from 10% to 80%. Coming into the cabin, the layout largely remains the same, and is available in Obsidian Black and Light Honey Brown themes. 

The cockpit is equipped with a dual-color steering wheel, a 10.3-inch full LCD instrument panel, and dual 13-inch AMOLED 2.5K screens (one as the central control screen and the other as the co-pilot entertainment screen), which can be linked to a 25.6-inch AR-HUD display. Chrome trim elements have also been added for decoration to distinguish from the BEV variant. 

Facing competition from mainstream plug-in hybrid SUVs like the BYD Song Plus DM-i and Galaxy L7, the all-new smart #5 EHD emphasizes higher thermal efficiency and Mercedes-Benz design prestige to differentiate itself. Whether the new model can become a fresh growth driver for smart’s sales in China remains to be seen. 

The Smart brand was launched in 1998, targeting the premium compact vehicle market. It was designed by Mercedes-Benz as a solution for urban mobility in megacities. On January 8, 2020, Mercedes-Benz and Geely established a new joint venture based the Smart brand, headquartered in Ningbo, Zhejiang, to advance their electric vehicle transformation. As part of their agreement, Mercedes-Benz designers create Smart vehicles while Geely handles engineering and manufacturing. Beyond the Smart #5, the company currently sells the Smart #1 and Smart #3 in China. 

In early September, the company announced plans to launch the two-seat #2 mini electric vehicle (EV) next year as the successor to its ForTwo model. The all-new Smart #2 will debut in China, Europe, and other overseas markets by the end of 2026, the company said at the time.