smart Reveals New EV Concepts Focusing on Urban Mobility and Hybrid Technology
Introduction to New Models
During the smart Global Brand Night event in Beijing, the electric vehicle brand, a collaboration between China and Germany, introduced two notable concepts: the smart #2 and the smart #6 EHD. These latest vehicles reflect a strategic pivot towards urban mobility and premium electric vehicle offerings.
smart #2 Concept: Urban Efficiency
The smart #2 concept car stands out as a compact electric vehicle designed by the Mercedes-Benz team, utilizing the new ECA architecture. This model elegantly nods to the heritage of the original smart fortwo while featuring a modern twist. Its striking matte white and gold palette combined with fluid body lines provides a contemporary aesthetic enhanced by tastefully crafted gold chrome accents.
Measuring approximately 2.79 meters in length, the smart #2 employs the classic wheel-at-each-corner layout that smart is known for, offering short overhangs and an extended wheelbase that maximizes interior space. With an impressive turning radius of 6.95 meters, the car is engineered for optimal maneuverability, ideal for city environments.
This fully electric car boasts a CLTC range nearing 400 kilometers. Additionally, it supports DC fast charging, allowing the battery to be recharged from 10% to 80% in roughly 20 minutes. An exciting feature is its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, enabling it to power external devices, thus enhancing its utility beyond traditional functions.
smart #6 EHD: A New Hybrid Offering
Transitioning into the hybrid segment, the smart #6 EHD emerges as the brand's inaugural hatchback in this category. The model harmonizes design principles from Mercedes-Benz with Geely’s advanced hybrid technology. Adopting the Sensual & Sharp design philosophy, its aesthetics draw inspiration from shark morphology, lending a distinctive look.
This vehicle spans dimensions of 4906 × 1922 × 1508 mm, supported by a wheelbase measuring 2926 mm. The thoughtful design includes a reported space utilization of 86%, ensuring functionality. Its interior is defined by circular geometric elements, including a dual-screen layout for both the center and front passenger displays, alongside various interface themes that cater to modern technological preferences.
Underpinning the performance is the EHD hybrid system, generating a combined output of 320 kW, with a CLTC combined driving range reaching up to 1,810 km. The fuel efficiency in charge-depleting mode is rated at 3.9 L/100 km, and the engine operates smoothly with 92-octane petrol.
Insights from smart Executives
In a post-event media discussion, smart's Global CEO, Tong Xiangbei, and Head of Design Kai Sieber elaborated on the company's strategic direction. They emphasized building a global product lineup based on unified standards and platforms, with initial launches often centered in China before broader global distribution.
According to Tong, smart doesn't create entirely distinct product lines for various regions, but instead adapts engineering specifications to align with regulatory and market differentiation, particularly relevant between China and Europe.
Sieber mentioned that current platforms offer versatility for various body styles and future adaptations, although any new developments will ultimately hinge on market demand and practical business cases.
Positioning and Target Audience
Addressing competitive dynamics, the executives acknowledged that smart's focus isn't just on pricing. Tong highlighted the brand’s commitment to engineering integrity, while Sieber pointed out the importance of a consistent design language and cohesive driving experience as differentiating elements in a crowded marketplace.
With respect to the smart #2, Tong portrayed it as an optimized urban vehicle emphasizing spatial efficiency supported by an electric platform. He characterized it as a fully functional car rather than a mere simplistic solution for mobility challenges.
While recognizing that small vehicle usage patterns differ across Europe and China, Tong noted the broad target demographic includes urban commuters, households looking for a second vehicle, and retirees requiring compact mobility solutions.
From a design standpoint, Sieber emphasized that the smart #2 continues to refine the brand's approach to balance proportion and spatial efficiency, showcasing the electric architecture's ability to create more usable interior space, ultimately maintaining both functionality and a cohesive automotive identity.
