Smart Concept #5 Previewed – Brand’s Largest, Most Rugged EV Yet

Previewed ahead of it debut at Auto China 2024 is the new smart Concept #5 EV SUUV - the Geely-runned smart Automobile brand's largest and most rugged creation yet.

Set to be showcased at this week’s Auto China 2024 show in Beijing, the smart Concept #5 is a clear signal of the Sino-German brand’s aspirations at moving away from its past image as a maker of tiny urban cars.

Standing as its largest, most spacious and – aptly – most rugged-looking creation yet, the Concept #5 is set to spawn a production version slated for debut and market entry in the second half of this year. No dimensions were disclosed, but smart did confirm plans of slotting this ‘premium mid-size SUV’ above its existing #1 and #3 models.

Unlike the #1 and #3, the Concept #5 appears more squared and upright. It also bears plenty of resemblances with the Mercedes-Benz GLB/EQB - the concept is styled by said three-point start marque, in fact.

At a glance, it’s easy to see that the Concept #5 adopts a more squared and upright stance. This is a stark contrast to the softer and more rounded looks of the #1 and #3. In fact, the proportions of this concept bear close resemblances to the Mercedes-Benz GLB/EQB, which you can call its not-so-distant cousin.

Like the #1 and #3, this is no coincidence given the fact that the Concept #5 is styled by said three-point star marque’s design studio. However, unlike any of Mercedes’ current – and upcoming – crop of EVs, the Concept #5 and its eventual production version underpins the SEA platform from Chinese co-parents Geely.

The coach-doors is one of many novelties primed in this concept, though it may not be retained in the eventual production version planned.

Other novelties primed include skid-plates, hood-mounted ropes, a sophisticated roof rack with LED auxiliary lights, and wheel arch-mounted digital ride height readout.

The latter will likely enable the Concept #5 to adopt dual e-motors and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup, the latter being strongly hinted through the images featured. Bolstering that is the concept’s choice of chunky off-road tyres, adoption of rugged skid plates, hood-mounted ropes, as well as a sophisticated roof rack with integrated LED auxiliary lights.

Whilst much of what we just detailed in the last para will likely be toned down in the production version, others might be retained. This *MIGHT* include elements like the high ground clearance, wheel arch-mounted digital ride-height display, and perhaps the fold-out rear step for easier roof access too – all likely reserved for a higher-end trim.

And just like the #1 and #3, the Concept #5’s interconnected lighting units will feature novel animated graphics.

Underpinning the Geely SEA Platorm, the Concept #5 is set to harness an 800-volt EV architecture to enable ultra-fast charging. It also gets a sizeable 100 kWh battery that grants up to 549 KM of WLTP range.

By the way, the SEA platform underpinnings allowed smart to prime the Concept #5 with a sizeable 100 kWh battery that grants up to 549 KM of WLTP range. Crucially, unlike the #1 and #3, the Concept #5 will adopt an 800-volt EV architecture instead, thus allowing ultra-high DC charging inputs for fast recharges (10-80%) in just 15 minutes.

Besides dimensions, smart elected to keep mum about power outputs, but did mention up to five selectable drive modes will be available, along with an arsenal of active driver assistance (ADAS) features that enables high-degree of semi-autonomous driving. The same can be said about the kit count in this concept’s cabin.

Massive dual-OLED screens forms the infotainment (left) whilst a portable speaker (right) is also present under the centre console.

smart says the Concept #5 will be able to integrate Artificial Intelligence through its virtual assistant feature. It will also feature seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, as well as star-like ambient lighting.

On board, the Concept #5 sees its dash primed with a triple-screen display setup, one serving as the instrument panel whilst two massive OLED units form the infotainment. Other key features present include seats primed with heating, ventilation and massage functions, star-like ambient lighting on the doors, a portable speaker, and novel glass boot floor.

Regarding tech, smart says the Concept #5 can integrate Artificial Intelligence, specifically using a “state-of-the-art tool” by AI-specialists Cerence. This will allow occupants to engage in “entertaining conversations” with the virtual in-car assistant, who will provide “accurate and relevant answers to almost any question imaginable” besides doing its main job.

When it hits production, the Concept #5 is set to rival strongly against things like the MINI Countryman Electric, BMW iX1, and perhaps the Volvo EX40 (XC40 Recharge). Are you digging smart’s latest mettle? Share your take in the comments below, and our social media pages…