Smart #6 Sedan: The Bold New Direction for the Brand

 Smart has long been synonymous with ultra-compact city cars, designed for maneuverability, efficiency, and urban living. The brand’s identity has largely revolved around small footprints and minimalist practicality, a formula that made the ForTwo and ForFour recognizable icons of European city streets. However, the launch of the Smart #6 represents a seismic shift in the company’s strategy, moving from microcars to a full-size plug-in hybrid sedan. Revealed through official filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the #6 surprises not only in its dimensions but also in its approach to electrification and hybrid powertrains. Measuring 4,906 millimeters long, 1,922 millimeters wide, and 1,508 millimeters tall, the #6 is comparable in size to a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, signaling a remarkable evolution for a brand previously focused on tiny vehicles. Its wheelbase of 2,926 millimeters provides substantial interior space, making it a far more comfortable and versatile option than any Smart model before it. The sedan’s styling hints at modern Chinese automotive trends, featuring a fastback silhouette, a large hatchback rear opening, and a deployable rear spoiler. This is clearly a Smart that has grown up, demonstrating that the brand is now aiming to appeal to buyers seeking both size and efficiency without compromising its eco-friendly ethos.

Design Philosophy: From City Car to Full-Size Sedan

The Smart #6 exhibits a strikingly modern design language that differentiates it from the brand’s traditional microcars. Its front fascia is dominated by sleek, integrated headlights connected by a full-width light bar, a styling cue increasingly common among contemporary Chinese sedans. A subtle lower grille section finished in black complements the shapely hood, giving the sedan a cohesive and purposeful appearance. The panoramic glass roof adds an element of elegance and openness to the vehicle, enhancing both aesthetics and passenger experience. The fastback rear design replaces the traditional trunk with a large hatchback opening, making loading and unloading cargo easier while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency. A deployable rear spoiler is integrated into the design, suggesting the brand’s attention to both form and function. The overall stance of the car communicates a balance between sportiness and sophistication, signaling that Smart is serious about expanding into larger, more aspirational segments. By adopting design elements popular in the Chinese market, including smooth surfaces, flowing lines, and subtle curvature, the #6 is positioned to compete with premium compact sedans while retaining its own unique identity. This is a bold departure for Smart, and it demonstrates the brand’s ambition to grow beyond urban niches into mainstream segments without abandoning its signature commitment to efficiency and sustainability.

Size Matters: How Big is the Smart #6?

While early images might not immediately convey its scale, the Smart #6 is unmistakably a large sedan, dwarfing previous models such as the ForTwo and even the recently introduced #5 SUV. Compared to the W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the #6 is slightly shorter in length but wider and taller, offering enhanced interior space and road presence. Its footprint gives it a commanding stance on the road, and the 2,926-millimeter wheelbase allows for generous legroom and passenger comfort. For perspective, the #6 is nearly as long as two first-generation ForTwos parked end to end, demonstrating just how much the brand has evolved from its early compact city car days. The vehicle rides on 20-inch wheels, which, while visually impressive, introduce practical considerations such as cleaning and curb awareness. Despite its size, the sedan retains Smart’s focus on efficiency, promising low fuel consumption and impressive hybrid range capabilities. The dimensions of the #6 suggest a car designed not just for urban commuting but for extended trips, family use, and executive mobility, marking a significant departure from the brand’s original minimalist approach. By scaling up without losing sight of efficiency, Smart positions the #6 as a versatile, practical, and forward-looking vehicle that challenges preconceived notions of what a Smart car can be.

Powertrain and Hybrid Efficiency

Smart’s choice to launch the #6 as a plug-in hybrid is both surprising and strategic. Unlike fully electric competitors, this approach allows for extended range flexibility and reduced range anxiety, appealing to buyers who need both eco-friendly operation and long-distance capability. The #6 utilizes the same drivetrain as the #5 SUV, combining a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 161 horsepower with a front-mounted electric motor rated at 268 horsepower. Combined output reaches 429 horsepower, delivering performance that exceeds expectations for a Smart-branded vehicle. Peak torque is rated at 280 lb-ft (380 Nm), providing brisk acceleration and smooth power delivery. Battery options are expected to mirror the #5, including a 20 kWh pack and a larger 41.46 kWh unit, supporting all-electric ranges of 75 to 157 miles. This ensures the sedan can operate efficiently in city traffic while still providing the versatility of gasoline power for longer trips. The plug-in hybrid setup also achieves an impressive consumption figure of just 3.9 liters per 100 kilometers (60 miles per gallon), underscoring Smart’s ability to combine performance with efficiency. This hybrid configuration positions the #6 as both a sustainable and practical solution in the evolving global sedan market.

Interior Expectations and Technology

Although official interior images have yet to be released, educated speculation suggests that the Smart #6 will embrace a technology-forward cabin consistent with current Chinese luxury trends. The interior is expected to feature expansive digital displays, including a widescreen instrument cluster and central infotainment panel, potentially supplemented by a passenger-facing screen. High-quality materials such as black Alcantara, leather, and carbon fiber are likely to be incorporated to create a premium feel that matches the sedan’s exterior sophistication. Gold or chrome accenting may also be employed to highlight the car’s elevated status within the Smart lineup. A panoramic roof will enhance the sense of space, while advanced features such as a head-up display, connected infotainment, and driver-assistance systems are anticipated. The emphasis will likely be on combining technology, aesthetics, and ergonomics to create a comfortable, immersive driving environment. By focusing on digital integration and tactile quality, the #6’s cabin will align with the expectations of modern buyers accustomed to large displays and feature-rich interiors, providing a seamless blend of Smart’s efficiency-driven philosophy with contemporary comfort and style.

Aerodynamics and Fastback Design

The fastback design of the #6 serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. The gently sloping roofline enhances aerodynamic efficiency, reducing drag and contributing to improved fuel economy and electric range. The integrated rear spoiler not only adds visual flair but also improves high-speed stability. The hatchback-style rear enhances practicality, allowing for greater cargo flexibility compared to a traditional sedan trunk. This approach demonstrates Smart’s attention to both performance and usability, ensuring that style does not come at the expense of function. The wide stance and carefully sculpted body panels further optimize airflow around the vehicle, complementing its plug-in hybrid powertrain and contributing to its overall efficiency. By adopting a fastback layout, Smart aligns the #6 with current design trends while reinforcing the vehicle’s identity as a technologically advanced, performance-capable, and practical sedan.

Driving Dynamics and Road Presence

Despite its larger size, the Smart #6 promises agile and confident handling thanks to its hybrid drivetrain and thoughtful engineering. The combination of electric and combustion power provides instantaneous torque from the electric motor while retaining the smooth and predictable delivery of the turbo engine. This setup allows for rapid acceleration in urban environments and confident highway performance. A longer wheelbase and wide track ensure stability at speed, while the active aerodynamics contribute to cornering precision. The #6’s suspension is expected to balance comfort and responsiveness, supporting both relaxed commuting and spirited driving. Overall, the driving experience is likely to exceed expectations for a vehicle bearing the Smart name, proving that the brand can compete beyond city cars and demonstrate true engineering sophistication.

Market Positioning and Competition

The Smart #6 represents a significant strategic move for the brand, expanding its appeal beyond urban commuters to include buyers seeking larger, practical, and environmentally responsible vehicles. Its plug-in hybrid setup, modern design, and likely feature-rich interior position it against premium compact sedans and eco-friendly competitors in China. It competes with vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series in terms of size, while offering the hybrid efficiency and futuristic design cues that differentiate it from conventional rivals. By entering this segment, Smart is signaling that it can compete in a broader market while retaining its unique brand DNA. The #6 will likely remain China-focused initially, reflecting the market’s appetite for hybrid technology and premium digital interiors. Nonetheless, its introduction showcases Smart’s potential to expand globally with larger, more versatile models, particularly in regions prioritizing sustainability and innovative technology.

Range and Efficiency Claims

Smart has highlighted the impressive range of the #6, with a total driving capability of 1,125 miles (1,810 kilometers) on a full tank of gas and a fully charged battery. While these figures are based on the lenient CLTC cycle, they provide a benchmark for the model’s efficiency in combined operation. In electric-only mode, the #6 can travel 177 miles (285 kilometers), which exceeds the typical daily driving needs of most consumers. The combination of electric and combustion power allows for low fuel consumption without sacrificing performance or practicality. These figures reinforce Smart’s commitment to sustainability while offering a larger, more capable vehicle. The plug-in hybrid system ensures that the sedan remains versatile, accommodating city commuting, long-distance travel, and varying driving conditions with minimal compromise. Efficiency, practicality, and power are balanced seamlessly, making the #6 an impressive entry into the plug-in hybrid sedan market.

Wheels, Tires, and Visual Appeal

The #6 rides on large 20-inch wheels with intricate spoke designs, contributing to a commanding visual presence while also signaling performance capability. These wheels complement the sedan’s wide stance and aerodynamic shape, giving the car a sophisticated yet sporty look. The choice of wheel design reflects current trends in premium Chinese sedans, where both aesthetics and performance are considered. The tires are likely engineered to optimize ride quality, grip, and energy efficiency, ensuring that the vehicle’s hybrid powertrain is supported by competent handling characteristics. Overall, the visual composition of the Smart #6 blends functionality, elegance, and modern design, emphasizing the brand’s transition from small city cars to full-size, aspirational sedans.

Production and Launch

Smart will begin sales of the #6 in China next year, targeting a market that increasingly favors larger, technology-rich, and eco-conscious vehicles. While initially unlikely to launch globally, the #6 sets a precedent for future Smart models, signaling that the brand is capable of producing full-size sedans with hybrid technology while retaining efficiency and comfort. The collaboration between Mercedes and Geely as part of the joint venture since 2019 has clearly influenced the vehicle’s design and technology, allowing the #6 to compete with other premium entries in its class. The production approach emphasizes quality, precision, and consistency, ensuring that each unit meets the expectations of modern hybrid sedan buyers. By offering a vehicle that combines size, performance, and eco-consciousness, Smart positions itself as a credible player in a broader segment than previously explored.

Conclusion: A New Era for Smart

The Smart #6 marks a transformative moment for the brand, representing a departure from tiny city cars toward full-size, technologically advanced plug-in hybrids. Its large dimensions, hybrid powertrain, fastback design, and premium interior positioning redefine what a Smart can be. By integrating electric efficiency with a conventional engine, Smart addresses both environmental concerns and real-world driving versatility. The sedan’s design, from the wide front fascia to the active rear spoiler, reflects contemporary Chinese automotive trends while retaining a unique Smart identity. As the largest car in Smart’s history, the #6 demonstrates that the brand is ready to compete with established premium sedans while offering a sustainable, efficient alternative. For consumers, this means a vehicle that blends space, comfort, performance, and futuristic technology, making the Smart #6 a true statement of innovation, evolution, and ambition.