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Smart Shifts Gears: New #6 Sedan Signals a Departure from City Car Roots
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Smart is redefining its identity,moving beyond the iconic ForTwo city car and embracing a new era of larger,more technologically advanced vehicles. The German brand, now a joint venture between geely and Mercedes-Benz, is poised to launch its first-ever sedan, the #6, marking a significant departure from its two-and-a-half-decade legacy as the king of European urban mobility.
From Microcar to Multifaceted Brand
For years, the smart name was synonymous with the diminutive ForTwo, a vehicle perfectly suited for navigating congested city streets. However, the automotive landscape is evolving, and Smart is adapting. “The brand has changed a lot in recent years,” a company release stated,highlighting the shift towards a more diversified product portfolio. This evolution includes a growing lineup of SUVs – the #1,#3,and #5 – positioned within the B,C,and D segments respectively.
While these SUVs offer compelling options in their categories, they represent a clear break from the brand’s traditional focus. The #6 sedan further solidifies this new direction.
Introducing the Smart #6 EHD: Size and Specifications
The Smart #6 is anything but small. Measuring 4,906 mm in length, 1,922 mm in width, and 1,508 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,926 mm, it is indeed currently the largest vehicle Smart has ever produced. Initially, the #6 will be available as a plug-in hybrid, designated the EHD variant, though a fully electric version is not being ruled out for the future.
Powering the #6 EHD is Geely’s NordThor Hybrid 2.0 technology, combining a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 163 HP (120 kW) with an electric motor,resulting in a total system output of 435 hp (320 kW). The vehicle utilizes a 3-speed DHT transmission and a lithium ferrophosphate (LFP) battery. While the battery’s capacity remains undisclosed,the #6 EHD boasts an electric-only range of 285 km (CLTC) and a combined range of 1,810 km (CLTC),with a fuel consumption of just 3.9 liters/100 km.
A New Aesthetic Direction
The Smart #6’s design represents a departure from its siblings. One analyst noted that the sedan “could be a product from any other brand,” suggesting a move away from the distinctive design language seen in the #1 and #3 models – a trend also apparent in the #5.The continuous light bar connecting the headlights remains a consistent design element, a feature increasingly common across the automotive industry.
Design details such as yellow brake calipers and a retractable rear spoiler hint at a potential Brabus trim level, the sportiest offering in the Smart range. While interior images are currently unavailable, it is indeed anticipated that the cabin will feature the oval-shaped dashboard introduced in the #5. The rear of the vehicle presents a decidedly sporty profile.
