AUTONEWS

Smart 2023 becomes an SUV

Smart is in the middle of the renovation process. The Swiss-born brand, now owned by Geely, won't take long to return to the West, but it will have virtually nothing to do with what we've known so far about the brand. The Chinese giant is working on such a radical transformation that the new company's first model will be an authentic SUV, without half-measures, and all electric, with which it will compete in the B-segment.

Based on the Smart Concept 1 presented at the last edition of the Munich Motor Show, the future model will break with arguments to become a leader among generalists, and will try to push them against the ropes. The new Smart, whose commercial name is not known for the time being, will largely leave aside the more premium positioning of the past, opening up to the global market and playing with some important assets. The most outstanding will be its design, as it will be as faithful as the concept and the patents leaked.

The most notable difference of the image model compared to the conceptual advance is the adoption of a central pillar and the traditional opening rear doors, instead of the inverses of the prototype advanced in the great Bavarian event. This is the most outstanding, as the headlights will also have a slightly larger size, and the external rearview mirrors will also be larger, adapted to current regulations. The imposing 21-inch alloy wheels and the large panoramic roof will also be on the production model.

In fact, the 4.29 meters long will not be touched. These measures will not only allow you to offer ample internal space, without the intrusion of the central tunnel in the area of ​​the rear seats, and with great habitability. Another key feature of this future electric SUV from Smart is that it is based on a specific platform for electric cars from Geely, the innovative 'SEA', so that the battery will be housed between the axles.

The new model will be introduced in the second half of 2022, being launched in the West in the first quarter of 2023. The model will be offered with a rear electric motor with a maximum power of 150 kW, equivalent to 204 hp, adjustable with different versions. It will be powered by a battery with two levels of capacity with a maximum of 66.5 kWh, rechargeable by 80% in just under 30 minutes and with a maximum range of between 360 and 430 kilometers.