Smart, the once-compact urban mobility brand co-owned by Mercedes-Benz and Geely, is accelerating its transformation into a serious contender in the global SUV and new energy vehicle market. On October 28, the company unveiled its first-ever plug-in hybrid SUV — the Smart #5 EHD — signaling a major expansion beyond its purely electric roots.
Launched officially in China, the Smart #5 EHD is available in four trim levels with prices ranging from 189,900 to 239,900 yuan (approximately USD 26,700 to USD 33,800). The model represents Smart’s entry into the hybrid SUV segment, where performance, efficiency, and advanced driver assistance converge.
The Smart #5 EHD is powered by Geely’s NordThor Hybrid 2.0 system and offers two battery options — 20 kWh and 41.46 kWh, delivering pure electric ranges of 120 km and 252 km, respectively. When combined with the gasoline engine, total range extends to 1,483 km and 1,615 km, making it one of the most efficient plug-in hybrids in its class.
Smart Reinvents Itself for the Hybrid Generation
For most of its existence, Smart was synonymous with compact city cars like the iconic Fortwo — agile, urban-focused, and unmistakably European. But under Geely’s majority ownership since 2020, Smart has been undergoing a radical reinvention.
The launch of the Smart #1 and Smart #3 marked its shift toward the electric SUV market. Now, the Smart #5 EHD takes the brand into a new hybrid frontier, blending electrification with extended practicality — an especially strategic move given China’s growing preference for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) amid range anxiety concerns and limited public charging infrastructure in some regions.
“Smart is no longer just about compact urban commuting — it’s about intelligent, sustainable, and versatile mobility,” said a Smart spokesperson at the launch event. “The #5 EHD represents our vision of balancing electrification with the freedom of long-distance driving.”
Design: Urban Sophistication Meets SUV Boldness
The Smart #5 EHD continues the design evolution first seen in its BEV sibling, the Smart #5 EV, but with subtle distinctions that enhance its rugged appeal. The SUV’s dimensions of 4,705 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,710 mm in height, with a 2,900 mm wheelbase, make it Smart’s largest model to date — officially elevating the brand into the mid-size SUV segment.
Its exterior design fuses European minimalism with Geely-inspired technological expression. The front end features a closed-off grille, flanked by headlights containing 328 individual LED units capable of adaptive illumination. These lights dynamically adjust their range and intensity based on data from the vehicle’s advanced driver assistance sensors, ensuring optimal visibility without blinding oncoming traffic.
At the rear, the taillights comprise 196 ultra-red LEDs with a 625 nm wavelength, creating a sharp, futuristic signature. The body’s balanced proportions, pronounced wheel arches, and gently tapering roofline give the SUV a sleek, aerodynamic stance that distinguishes it from the more rounded silhouettes of earlier Smart models.
Hybrid Powertrain: Geely’s NordThor 2.0 Sets New Standards
Underneath the sleek design lies one of the most advanced plug-in hybrid systems on the market — Geely’s NordThor Hybrid 2.0. The system combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, paired with Geely’s 3DHT Evo transmission.
The gasoline engine produces 120 kW (161 hp) and 255 Nm of torque, while the electric motor adds 200 kW (268 hp) and 380 Nm, giving the SUV a robust combined output that ensures both efficiency and performance.
This configuration allows the #5 EHD to deliver rapid acceleration, smooth transitions between electric and hybrid modes, and impressive fuel economy — qualities that will appeal to both urban drivers and long-distance commuters.
Buyers can choose between two battery packs supplied by CATL:
20 kWh pack providing 120 km pure electric range
41.46 kWh pack offering 252 km pure electric range
Together with a 60-liter fuel tank, the combined range stretches to up to 1,615 km under CLTC standards — positioning the Smart #5 EHD as one of the most travel-capable hybrids in the Chinese market.
Under DC fast charging, the battery can recharge from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes, providing remarkable convenience for those transitioning from pure ICE vehicles to electrified mobility.
Advanced Driver Assistance and Safety Systems
Beyond its impressive powertrain, the Smart #5 EHD distinguishes itself with an exceptional array of safety and autonomous driving technologies — a hallmark of Geely’s engineering collaboration with Huawei and other suppliers.
The SUV’s Smart Pilot Assist system integrates a roof-mounted LiDAR unit, 12 cameras, five millimeter-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic radars. Together, these sensors enable highway and urban navigation-on-autopilot (NOA) without relying on preloaded high-definition maps — a significant leap forward for real-world usability.
This sensor suite empowers the vehicle to perform tasks such as lane changes, traffic jam assist, and obstacle avoidance with minimal driver intervention, representing a step closer to Level 3 autonomous capabilities.
Safety-wise, the Smart #5 EHD comes equipped with seven airbags, 360° parking cameras, collision mitigation systems, and adaptive cruise control, reinforcing the brand’s shift from compact novelty to serious safety-conscious SUV maker.
Interior: Tech-Luxury in a Compact Form
Inside, the Smart #5 EHD embodies digital sophistication. The cabin is powered by an AMD V2000 chipset, ensuring high-speed processing for infotainment, driving data, and visual rendering.
The driver is greeted by a 10.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster, complemented by dual 13-inch 2.5K displays on the center console. These displays can seamlessly link to a 25.6-inch augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD), providing contextual driving data such as navigation cues, speed, and ADAS alerts directly within the driver’s field of view.
Designers have incorporated chrome accents across the dashboard and door panels, alongside 256-color ambient lighting, creating a warm and futuristic interior environment. Optional upgrades include a Sennheiser audio system, transforming the cabin into a high-fidelity acoustic space.
Functionality hasn’t been overlooked. The SUV offers 625 liters of trunk space, expandable to 1,525 liters with the rear seats folded — demonstrating Smart’s focus on practicality. The five-seat configuration ensures generous headroom and legroom for all passengers, a significant improvement over previous Smart generations.
Market Context: Smart’s Strategy in the Hybrid Boom
The timing of the Smart #5 EHD’s debut is no coincidence. China’s plug-in hybrid market has been experiencing explosive growth, led by models like BYD’s Song L DM-i and Li Auto’s L6 series. Consumers are increasingly drawn to PHEVs for their balance of long-range capability, charging convenience, and affordability.
By introducing a hybrid model under the Smart brand, Geely is strategically positioning itself to tap into this demand, leveraging the brand’s European cachet while integrating Chinese powertrain innovation.
Analysts suggest that Smart’s shift to hybrids could also strengthen its position in overseas markets — particularly in Europe and Southeast Asia, where hybrid infrastructure and incentives are becoming more favorable.
“Smart’s expansion into the hybrid space is a logical evolution,” said automotive analyst Chen Ming of Sino Auto Insights. “The brand can now serve as a bridge between electric and internal combustion markets, appealing to both progressive and practical consumers.”
Competitive Outlook
In China’s mid-size hybrid SUV segment, the Smart #5 EHD will face formidable competition. Direct rivals include the BYD Song Plus DM-i, Aito M5 EREV, and Changan Deepal S7 EREV. However, Smart’s unique blend of Geely’s hybrid technology, CATL battery systems, and European design sensibility could give it a distinct identity.
At a base price of 189,900 yuan, the Smart #5 EHD undercuts some of its rivals while offering comparable — or even superior — performance and range. The top-tier version, priced at 239,900 yuan, provides high-end tech features like LiDAR-assisted driving, premium audio, and a large-format AR display, solidifying its position as an affordable luxury option within the hybrid landscape.