Smart reveals its biggest car to rival BMW 3 Series
What's the story
Smart (a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely) has unveiled its first-ever sedan, the #6, a plug-in hybrid that is also the brand's biggest model ever. The car will take on the likes of BMW 3 Series, primarily in China, with potential for European markets. It comes with a combustion engine and an electric motor, but in a bigger body with a long wheelbase of 2,926mm. The #6 is nearly as long as two first-generation ForTwo city cars put together.
Design
Design and specifications
The #6 measures 4,906mm in length, 1,922mm in width, and 1,508mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,926mm. The car features an active rear spoiler and roof-mounted LiDAR. It rides on large 20-inch wheels with an intricate spoke design. The total driving range is also impressive with Smart claiming the #6 will cover up to 1,811km on a full tank of petrol and battery charge.
Engine specs
Hybrid powertrain and performance
The #6 uses Geely's NordThor Hybrid 2.0 system, which combines a 161hp, turbocharged 1.5-liter, four-cylinder, petrol engine with an electric motor. The power is transmitted through a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). Smart claims a combined output of up to 429hp from this setup. A lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery supplied by SVOLT and CATL provides an estimated range of up to 285km on electric-only mode.
Platform
Platform and future plans
The #6 is built on Geely's PMA2+ platform, which supports both 400V and 800V electrical systems as well as ultra-fast DC charging up to 400kW. A fully electric version of the #6 will be launched in China next year with a choice of a 75kWh LFP or a 94kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery. Smart has not confirmed UK sales for the #6 but plans to export it as part of an effort to boost sales amid declining EV interest worldwide.