Smart officially launched #5 EHD in China, its first plug-in hybrid model

On October 28 the Mercedes-Benz and Geely joint venture Smart has launched the Smart #5 EHD in China, the brand's first hybrid model, with a discounted starting price of 169,900 yuan ($23,930) 

On October 28 the Mercedes-Benz and Geely joint venture Smart rolled out the Smart #5 EHD (Electric Hybrid Drive) SUV in China at an event in Hangzhou, with a discounted starting price of 169,900 yuan ($23,930). The price represents a 20,000 yuan reduction, or 10.53 percent, from the 189,900 yuan pre-sales price announced a month prior. Specifically, Smart offers four variants of its first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, with guide prices starting at 189,900 yuan, 199,900 yuan, 219,900 yuan, and 239,900 yuan. 

The Smart #5 EHD is Smart's first PHEV model, measuring 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. It features Smart's proprietary EHD Super Hybrid System PHEV technology, utilizing Geely's Leishen Hybrid 2.0 platform. The powertrain combines a 1.5L engine producing 120 kW (161 hp) and a peak torque of 255 Nm with a front-mounted electric motor delivering 200 kW (268 hp) and 380 Nm. 

The Smart #5 EHD can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in either 7.2 seconds or 6.9 seconds. It offers 20-kWh and 41.46-kWh battery pack options, delivering CLTC battery ranges of 120 km and 252 km respectively. With a full tank and fully charged battery, its combined range reaches 1,483 km and 1,615 km. Under fast charging, recharging the battery from 10% to 80% takes less than 20 minutes. 

Inside, the cockpit is powered by an AMD V2000 chip and features a 10.3-inch full LCD instrument panel and dual 13-inch 2.5K screens, which can be linked to a 25.6-inch AR-HUD. 

As a new powertrain variant, the Smart #5 EHD’s overall Boxy design continues that of the BEV variant. The closed front grille is matched with a stacked headlight design consisting of 328 LED units. At the same time, new design elements are incorporated, such as the redesigned front bumper injected with chrome trims. In the rear, there is a through-type taillight group with the shape of the cluster on both sides echoes the headlights consisting of 196 LED units. The rear bumper has also been redesigned, which is decorated with gray trim, and the exhaust system adopts a hidden layout. At the same time, chrome accents are incorporated throughout the interior. 

Other configurations include an optional Sennheiser audio system, 256-color ambient lights, a 625 L trunk (which can be expanded to 1,525 L after folding down the rear seats), snd seven standard airbags. 

The launch of the all-new smart #5 EHD marks smart’s official transition from a pure electric brand to a dual-technology strategy of “pure electric + hybrid”. 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. 

Launched in 1998, the Smart brand targets the premium compact vehicle market, 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 under the Smart brand, headquartered in Ningbo, Zhejiang, to advance their electric vehicle transformation. Currently, Mercedes-Benz designers design Smart vehicles, while Geely handles their engineering. Beyond the Smart #5, the company currently sells the Smart #1 and Smart #3 models.