Smart reinvents itself with a full-size hybrid sedan, leaving its tiny city-car image behind.
Smart has surprised the auto world with the debut of the new #6 EHD sedan, a model that nearly matches the size of the Toyota Camry. The newcomer features a plug-in hybrid powertrain and offers buyers two battery options.
For American drivers, this announcement is unexpected from a brand that spent decades building tiny urban runabouts. Smart appears determined to redefine its identity, launching the #6 EHD sedan with dimensions that place it firmly in Camry territory. The move could mark a turning point for the company as it steps beyond the micro-car niche and challenges established players in the midsize sedan segment.
The new model’s proportions are striking. Overall length stretches to just under 16.4 feet, while the wheelbase measures 115.2 inches. That’s a far cry from the compact city cars that built Smart’s reputation. Instead, the #6 EHD positions itself as a comfortable long-distance cruiser with enough space for family travel.
Its styling also abandons the playful, toy-like character of earlier Smarts, replacing it with a sleek, streamlined look that would fit right in among modern executive sedans.
Under the skin, the #6 EHD rides on the PMA2+ platform, developed in partnership with Geely. The architecture not only supports the car’s larger footprint but also allows for more advanced technology.
Power comes from a plug-in hybrid setup combining a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 163 horsepower with an electric motor rated at 272 horsepower. Together, the system promises strong acceleration while maintaining impressive efficiency—an appealing combination as fuel prices continue to fluctuate.
Buyers will be able to choose between two battery packs: 20 kWh and 41.5 kWh. Depending on the configuration, the sedan can travel roughly 75 to 155 miles on electricity alone. For Smart, that’s a major leap forward and signals the brand’s ambitions beyond dense urban centers. With the #6 EHD, the company is clearly targeting drivers who want the flexibility of electric commuting and the range for longer highway trips.