Smart launches the first sedan in the brand's history, Smart #6, with exterior dimensions close to Camry

【PCauto】Smart, once known for its micro city cars, has undergone a dramatic transformation in product direction since being jointly managed by Geely and Mercedes-Benz.

Following the debut of several SUVs, Smart has finally unveiled the brand's first-ever mid-size sedan, the Smart #6. With dimensions rivaling the Toyota Camry and a robust plug-in hybrid system offering impressive range, it officially steps into the mainstream mid-size car market.

From 'City Slicker' to Mid-Size Sedan: Smart's Major Transformation

In the past, Smart vehicles typically measured between 2.7 and 3.5 meters in length, focusing on urban mobility. However, the #6 completely overturns this traditional brand image.

The Smart#6 measures 4906mm in length, making it the largest Smart model to date and surpassing the already considered 'large' Smart#5 SUV, almost matching the dimensions of the Toyota Camry.

In terms of appearance, the #6 adopts a streamlined silhouette, with headlights and taillights encased in full-width transparent panels, creating a futuristic vibe.

The roof is equipped with what appears to be a LiDAR module, complemented by multiple cameras on the body sides, hinting at more advanced driver assistance systems.

The addition of black wheels and an electric deployable rear wing, Smart also attempts to give this car a sportier feel.

In addition, although the debut of the Smart #6 immediately brings to mind the recently released Mercedes‑Benz CLA, in terms of dimensions:

Both adopt a streamlined fastback silhouette, a through-type light bar, and clean body panel designs, but at the core technology level, they follow completely different paths.

The Smart#6 is based on the GEA architecture, which is derived from Geely's SEA platform, featuring a longer and wider body and a larger wheelbase, providing greater freedom for rear space and battery configuration.

The CLA is based on Benz's independently developed MMA platform, which supports the new electric drive and Benz's proprietary electronic and electrical architecture.

The two look similar because Smart continues to use the design language from Benz's design team. However, this is not due to technical sharing; they resemble each other superficially but are fundamentally different.

The NordThor system delivers a total power output of 320kW

The Smart #6 debuts first with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system, adopting Geely's latest NordThor Hybrid 2.0 technology architecture.

The system consists of a 120kW 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 200kW rear electric motor, featuring a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). It delivers a total output of up to 320kW, offering performance close to that of luxury-brand 2.0T performance cars.

Under CLTC conditions, the pure electric range of the #6 reaches 285km, with a total range of up to 1810km.

Although the official battery capacity has not been announced, its sibling model, the #5 EHD, uses a 41kWh LFP battery. Given the similar range performance, the technical approach is likely similar.

This range capability, combined with the hybrid powertrain, is clearly aimed at challenging the BMW 3 Series and other plug-in hybrid sedans in the same class, while also enhancing Smart's competitiveness in China's mainstream market.

A pure electric version (EV) will be launched afterward, utilizing 400V or 800V architecture

In addition to the plug-in hybrid version, the Smart #6's pure electric vehicle lineup is equally compelling and will be launched in China next year. The entire product lineup is built on the PMA2 platform, supporting 400V and 800V dual electrical architectures and enabling ultra-high-speed DC charging of up to 400kW.

The battery configurations include 75kWh LFP and 94kWh NMC, while the power options are even more diverse:

#6 Pro (RWD): 400V architecture, 75 kWh battery, 340 hp

#6 Pro+ and Premium (RWD): 800V architecture, 94 kWh battery, 363 hp

#6 Pulse (AWD): Dual-motor output of 588 hp

Flagship #6 Brabus (AWD): Power up to 646bhp

For the Smart brand, offering an electric sedan with nearly 650hp is unprecedented, demonstrating how completely the product strategy under the Geely–Mercedes-Benz joint venture has transformed.

The sedan is just the beginning, and the successor to the Fortwo is also on the way

Although the Smart #6 is the brand's first sedan, it will not be the only new direction. After the #6, Smart will continue to expand its product lineup, including a successor to the brand's symbolic Fortwo, which is expected to be launched in 2027 under the name Smart #2.

A successor to another four-door compact car, the Forfour, may also be under development, suggesting that Smart will maintain both compact and mainstream product lines in the future.

#6 is the key to Smart's push into the mainstream market

The launch of the Smart#6 symbolizes the mature stage of the brand's reform. Transitioning from a micro city car to a mid-size sedan is not only a product-level expansion but also a strategic shift in response to changes in the global market structure.

With a dual approach of plug-in hybrid and pure electric, advanced electronic architecture, and technological resources jointly led by Benz and Geely, Smart is attempting to shed its single 'small car brand' image and enter a more competitive and larger-scale market.