smart HY11 (#5) MPV Caught Testing Ahead Of Beijing Auto Show!

The smart HY11 (smart #5?) electric MPV, which has been caught during its road tests in China, is poised to make its debut at the upcoming 2024 Beijing Auto Show. This vehicle, featuring a new exterior design language and a dual-screen interior, is part of smart's rejuvenated lineup as the former German brand transitions to electric vehicles.

Operated through the Mercedes-Benz and Geely joint venture, smart Automobile focuses on the shift from traditional microcars to electric alternatives similar to the Lotus brands transition. With this collaboration, Geely manages engineering and manufacturing while Mercedes-Benz oversees the design elements.

smart’s current lineup comprises the highly popular smart #1 and the smart #3, with the latter poised to be launched in Malaysia in the later half of the year. The smart model line aims to expand its electric car lineup by offering up to seven different models encompassing different vehicle segments by 2027.

The upcoming HY11, which would most likely be marketed as an MPV is set to enter the Chinese market this year, and is anticipated to be a significant addition to the brand's offering looking at the high demand in the small MPV space.

Embracing a distinctive design language, the smart HY11 showcases blocky proportions, short overhangs, and an all new headlight design. The vehicle features blackened pillars, a flat roofline, plus a small rear windscreen akin to the #1. The rear is capped off with a roof spoiler. Notable exterior elements would also include roof racks, as well as #1-esque retractable door handles.

On the mechanical side, the HY11 would seem to adopt a double wishbone suspension setup compared to the McPherson ones in the smart #1 and smart #3. Though no mention regarding its powertrain setup, we can expect the #5 to be offered with both single- and dual-motor setups, just like its smaller siblings.

Stepping inside, the smart HY11 would feature an all new dash design language which is more fitting to its MPV body style, featuring two large digital displays on the centre console for both drivers and passengers.

Other notable interior highlights include an integrated LCD instrument cluster with a heads-up display (HUD), a three-spoke steering wheel with the Mercedes like steering column mounted gear selector.

Furthermore, the smart HY11 centre console would seem to house a couple of cup holders and wireless phone charging pads while all the other design elements have been covered out in the test mule. The front seats on this particular model pictured are wrapped in fabric, while the door card is adored by wooden panels, unique door handles, and switches for the powered seat.

Although not explicitly mentioned by the automaker, it would be safe to assume that the HY11 would be developed on the same Geely SEA architecture as the #1 and #3, granting it with an 800V charging capability and Smart Pilot Assist 3.0.

We can expect to learn more about this new MPV especially with regards to the battery size and motor as we get close to the 2024 Beijing Auto Show this coming April.

Source: CarNewsChina