A serious competitor to the Model Y, the Smart #5, an electric SUV with imposing dimensions and interesting performance, makes an appearance.
There you go, we know #5. Indeed, Smart #5, the new electric SUV from Geely (Volvo, Lotus and Polestar) and Mercedes-Benz, has been approved by the Chinese regulator. We had seen it in concept car. With its imposing dimensions and astonishing performance, this newcomer to the electric car market has enough to overshadow the competition.
As a reminder, Smart has already marketed its new #1, a small compact SUV based on the SEA platform developed by the Chinese group and shared with the Volvo EX30 that we recently tested. Then last year it was the turn of #3 to see the light of day, with more imposing dimensions and a coupe silhouette.
But the manufacturer, which therefore only sells electric cars, wants to further develop its range over the coming years. In addition to a small, affordable city car, Smart also believes in more massive models… hence #5.
Imposing dimensions
The Smart #5 is therefore not a small SUV. It still measures 4.7 m long, which is rather long for a mid-size SUV. Its wheelbase is 2.9 m, which should give it good stability on the road.
Smart #5
Smart #5
Smart #5
Smart #5
Smart #5
Smart #5
Smart #5
It is a 5-door, 5-seater that can be equipped with wheels from 18″ to 21″. The weight of the car is 2,450 kg for the top trim level with 638 horsepower. Suffice it to say that Smart #5 has arguments to make against Tesla’s Model Y.
Four powertrain options
The Smart #5 has four powertrain options for complete range. The RWD propulsion version with a single engine develops a power of 250 kW (335 hp) or 267 kW (358 hp).
Versions with AWD all-wheel drive, on the other hand, are equipped with two motors: a front motor of 165 kW (221 hp) and a rear motor of 267 kW (358 hp) or 310 kW (416 hp), for a combined power 432 kW (579 hp) or 475 kW (638 hp).
RWD versions are equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batterieswhile the AWD versions will have a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery.
Fast charging and interesting autonomy
Smart #5 will be equipped withan 800 V architecture and D’a 4C charge. The “4C” refers to the charging rate, which indicates the maximum charging power that the battery can handle in relation to its capacity. Here it means that Smart #5 can be fully charged in 15 minutes. An impressive performance that should appeal to drivers who are in a hurry and do a lot of long highway journeys.
The largest battery is 100 kWh, which would give a CLTC cycle autonomy of 700 km. Allow 10 to 15% less for conversion to WLTP cycle, or around 600 km.
Serious competition for the Model Y?
With its imposing dimensions and performance, the Smart #5 has everything to compete with Tesla’s Model Y. Let’s wait for a formalization in Europe, especially since the new European customs taxes are causing more than one Chinese manufacturer to shy away. Which gives us the best news for Geely if they really want to compete with the Model Y, given that the latter is made in Germany.