Smart #6 unveiled as plug-in hybrid saloon to rival BMW 3 Series
Indeed, this is not only the largest Smart yet but also one of the longest vehicles built on Geely’s PMA2+ platform. Its dimensions push it directly into a saloon segment dominated by the BYD Seal DM-I and Xiaomi SU7 in China.
The new #6 adopts Geely’s NordThor Hybrid 2.0 system, which pairs a 161bhp turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. Power is sent through a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). Smart quotes combined output of up to 429bhp.
A lithium iron phosphate battery supplied by SVOLT and CATL delivers a claimed 177 miles of electric range on the generous CLTC cycle and an overall range of 1125 miles in combination with combined fuel consumption of 72.4mpg, says Smart.
The PMA2 platform used by the #6 supports both 400- and 800-volt electrical systems and ultra-fast DC charging up to 400 kW.
A performance-oriented Brabus model is expected to follow.
The fully electric #6 is understood will be offered with either rear- or all-wheel drive, power up to 638bhp under a Brabus badge, and a range that will be close to the Tesla Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive’s 436 miles.
Founded by Mercedes-Benz in 1994 as a dedicated German city-car brand, Smart is now headquartered in Hangzhou, China, in a three-way joint venture operated by Mercedes-Benz and Geely and Tianqi Lithium, China’s largest miner of lithium.
