Smart's Electric Journey Continues With Concept #5, An Adventure-Ready SUV
by AutoExpert | 23 April, 2024
At the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, Smart will present Concept #5, the next addition to its product lineup. It is a sneak peek at Smart's next biggest, roomiest, and most ruggedly handsome model. Expected to enter production in the second part of the year, this all-electric SUV sits above the Smart #1 and #3 crossovers.
Smart Concept #5 breaks away from the gentler visual style of its #1 and #3 stablemates. Geely's SEA platform will likely mount the Smart #5 and equip it with two electric motors to achieve its claimed all-wheel drive capabilities.
A combination of off-road tires, skid plates, ropes attached to the hood, and a roof rack with built-in LEDs make this concept adventure-ready. The #5's WLTP range will be more than 341 miles, according to Smart, since the battery capacity is more than 100 kWh. Unlike the smaller #1 and #3, which employ 400-Volt technology, the compact-size SUV will use an 800-Volt design.
As a result, it will only take 15 minutes to charge from 10 to 80%. The firm has not disclosed the power of the electric motor, but the #5 will feature five driving modes optimized for various types of roads. Just like all of Geely's other designs, this one will include lots of ADAS features. A digital instrument cluster and two enormous OLED screens for the infotainment system make up the three-screen arrangement within the tech-filled cabin.
The ergonomic chairs have built-in airbags, a reclining leg rest, massaging capabilities, heating, and ventilation. The glass boot floor, a portable speaker in the center console, and ambient lighting resembling stars on the doors are among its other distinctive features. Cerence, an AI expert, may also incorporate an AI "state-of-the-art tool" into the SUV.
With this technology, passengers may have conversations with the virtual in-car assistant. It can also provide "accurate and relevant answers to almost any question imaginable."
“For more than a quarter of a century, smart has made a significant impact by pioneering models and mobility solutions for the urban space and beyond,” said Dirk Adelmann, CEO of smart Europe GmbH. “The smart Concept #5 is the most unexpected and versatile car that our brand has ever created. With this vehicle, we leave all boundaries behind and open up a new segment for customers in Europe and worldwide.”
The Beijing Auto Show, which takes place on April 25, will be the first public appearance of the Smart Concept #5. Smart has scheduled the unveiling of the production version for the latter part of 2024.
