Smart has officially launched pre-sales in China for its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the #5 EHD (Electric Hybrid Drive). It marks a significant shift for a brand once committed to being BEV-only. Prices start at 189,900 yuan (some €24,000), and deliveries are expected before year’s end.
The Smart #5 EHD had already been listed in MIIT’s vehicle catalog earlier this summer, but with pre-sales now open, full specifications have been confirmed. The SUV combines a 1.5-liter turbo engine (120 kW / 161 hp) with a 200 kW (268 hp) electric motor, all built on Geely’s new NordThor Hybrid 2.0 platform.
Power is provided by a 41.5 kWh LFP battery (CATL), offering a pure electric range of 252 km (CLTC). In hybrid operation, the car achieves a fuel consumption of 4.4 l/100 km and a total driving range of up to 1,615 km on a single refueling and charge. Fast charging takes the battery from 0 to 80% in about 20 minutes.
The #5 EHD retains the same proportions as its BEV sibling (4,705 × 1,920 × 1,710 mm, with a 2,900 mm wheelbase), although its curb weight increases to 2,190 kg. Design differences are subtle but include a revised bumper, hidden exhaust, and a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, indicating advanced driver-assistance features.
Technology inside
The interior mirrors that of BEV #5, featuring dual 13-inch AMOLED 2.5K displays, a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 25.6-inch AR-HUD, and a 20-speaker Sennheiser audio system. The ADAS package uses 12 cameras, five radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and dual NVIDIA OrinX chips, supporting high-level driver assistance without reliance on HD maps.
With rear seats folded, luggage space grows to 1,525 liters, confirming Smart’s shift into practical, family-oriented territory.
BEV base version with 465 km range
In Europe, the fully electric #5 BEV is just arriving in showrooms. The base Pro version (€46,700 in Belgium) is powered on a 400 V platform, featuring a 250 kW (335 hp) motor and a 76 kWh LFP battery, which provides a 465 km range (WLTP).
The Brabus range-topper adds AWD, 475 kW (636 hp), and 710 Nm of torque for a 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds — all starting at €61,700. We tested it in Portugal earlier this year and found it both overpowered and great fun, though certainly not cheap.
No PHEV for Europe?
For now, Smart insists the #5 EHD is China-only, keeping Europe a BEV-exclusive market. However, given that rivals like BYD and Li Auto are aggressively promoting PHEVs, and with EU tariffs looming on Chinese EVs, some analysts speculate that Smart might eventually reconsider.
That would, however, create tensions with Mercedes-Benz, which co-owns the brand with Geely and sells Smart models in the same showrooms across Europe. For now, Europeans will have to stick with the battery-electric #5.
