The EHD plug-in hybrid version of the Smart #5 is already on sale in the Chinese market

Smart reinvented itself in 2020 as an exclusively electric brand, the result of the alliance between Mercedes-Benz and the Chinese giant Geely. The complicated situation the electric vehicle market is going through worldwide has, however, forced the company to change its strategy, finally also filling a gap in its line-up with models featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The first rumours about the possible launch of plug-in hybrid models from the brand emerged at the beginning of this year, and now they are taking shape with the debut in China of the Smart #5 EHD, the first model with this powertrain. This version is expected to reach other markets soon, including Europe.

As expected, the Smart #5 EHD is based on the electric version of this compact SUV that we already know, available in Europe since last April. In China, it can already be reserved for 189,900 yuan, which amounts to around 22,680 euros at current exchange rates. This is notably less than the fully electric version, which in the same market is available from 239,900 yuan, just under 28,700 euros at current exchange rates.

If everything goes to plan, the first Chinese customers who now reserve this new version of the Smart compact SUV will be able to take the wheel of their new vehicle before the end of October, the month we are currently in.

The Smart for the whole family

At 4.70 metres long, 1.92 metres wide, 1.70 metres high and with a wheelbase of 2.90 metres, the Smart #5 is the largest vehicle with the most interior space in the entire brand line-up. This model is based on Geely’s ‘Leishen Hybrid 2.0’ hybrid platform, which has made it possible to launch this plug-in hybrid version alongside the pure electric version already on sale.

The Smart #5 EHD combines a 200 kW electric motor with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine capable of delivering up to 120 kW. The battery pack has a capacity of 41.46 kWh, making it possible to travel, according to the manufacturer, up to 252 kilometres without using a single drop of petrol. This is under the CLTC homologation cycle. With the battery fully charged and the fuel tank full, total range stretches to an impressive 1,615 km.

Finally, it is worth noting that beyond its powertrain, the Smart #5 EHD is practically identical to the electric version of this compact SUV. Notably, its equipment includes the ‘Pilot Assist’ driver assistance package, exclusive to the Chinese market, with LiDAR technology and two Nvidia Drive Orin X processors.