The next launch from Smart could be a mid-size saloon that competes with the Tesla Model 3

As we have already reported on previous occasions here at HighMotor, the new strategy of Smart, the Joint Venture created with equal shares between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, no longer focuses solely on marketing vehicles with an urban character. This has been more than confirmed by its most recent launch, the Smart #5, a compact electric SUV measuring 4.7 metres in length.

Smart does not seem, however, to intend to stop there and, according to some British media, it is already working on a new model with which to expand its range of electric vehicles. In this case, everything points to it being a compact saloon, of similar dimensions to the Smart #5, which would compete with rivals such as the Tesla Model 3.

The published reports describe this new model as a four-door saloon with a dynamic design, around 4.7 metres long and 2.1 metres wide. The main selling point of this model would reportedly be its range, thanks to a design with a low drag coefficient aimed at optimising efficiency. As a result, some of the available versions could offer up to 700 km of range under the WLTP homologation cycle, which would make it a genuine distance-eater on the road.

Some other interesting details about the Smart #6

It is also claimed that this new Smart saloon would be based on the technology that Zeekr has used in the 007, which uses the PMA2+ platform. The Zeekr 007 is offered with two different battery packs: a 75 kWh pack with LFP cells and a 100 kWh pack with NMC cells. The first allows up to 688 km to be covered under the Chinese CLTC homologation cycle, while the second extends its range to 870 km CLTC. Furthermore, thanks to the 800V architecture that the new Smart saloon would integrate, it would be capable of accepting up to 400 kW of power at an ultra-rapid charging point, allowing it to recover a large part of its range in just a few minutes.

The PMA2+ platform is precisely the one used by the new Smart #5 electric SUV, so this rumour seems to make complete sense. However, as always, it should be remembered that this is just that, a rumour, and nothing has been confirmed. Smart has not yet commented on future launches from the brand, so only time will tell whether the Smart #6 becomes a reality or not.