Smart, the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, has officially introduced its first hybrid model — the Smart #5 EHD — in China, marking a major step in the brand’s expansion beyond all-electric vehicles. The Smart #5 EHD SUV was unveiled at a launch event in Hangzhou on Tuesday, with a limited-time discounted starting price of RMB 169,900 ($23,930).
The introductory price reflects a RMB 20,000 reduction, or about 10.5%, from the RMB 189,900 pre-sale figure announced a month earlier. Smart is offering the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in four trims, with official guide prices ranging from RMB 189,900 to RMB 239,900 before discounts.
See also: Smart Confirms Next-Generation ForTwo, Rules Out Four-Door Successor
Measuring 4,705 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,705 mm in height, with a 2,900-mm wheelbase, the Smart #5 EHD is positioned as a midsize SUV within the brand’s lineup. It is powered by Smart’s proprietary EHD Super Hybrid System, built on Geely’s Leishen Hybrid 2.0 platform. The powertrain pairs a 1.5-liter engine generating 120 kW with a front-mounted electric motor producing 200 kW, enabling 0–100 km/h acceleration in 6.9–7.2 seconds depending on the configuration.
Customers can choose between 20-kWh and 41.46-kWh battery packs, which deliver all-electric CLTC ranges of 120 km and 252 km, respectively. When combining a full battery and fuel tank, the #5 EHD offers an extended range of up to 1,615 km, positioning it as one of the most efficient plug-in hybrids in its segment.
The SUV also features Smart’s Pilot Assist intelligent driving system, powered by dual Nvidia Drive Orin X chips and a LiDAR sensor. The system supports advanced features such as navigation-based pilot assist without high-definition maps and memory parking, underscoring the vehicle’s focus on safety and convenience.
See also: Smart Confirms Next-Generation ForTwo, Rules Out Four-Door Successor
Smart, originally launched by Mercedes-Benz in 1998 as a premium compact urban mobility brand, has evolved under the Mercedes-Benz–Geely partnership formed in 2020. Headquartered in Ningbo, Zhejiang, Smart’s vehicles are designed by Mercedes-Benz while engineering is handled by Geely.
The brand currently sells the all-electric Smart #1 and #3 models in China, with plans to introduce the two-seat Smart #2 mini EV next year — a spiritual successor to the iconic ForTwo. The introduction of the #5 EHD marks Smart’s entry into the hybrid market and signals its strategy to diversify powertrains while maintaining its focus on intelligent, design-driven mobility solutions.
