New electric smart SUV teased: price, specifications and release date
Smart just released teaser pictures of its first electric SUV. This new family-friendly smart could have a range of 200-300 miles when it goes on sale in 2023. Read on for more information.
- Smart SUV pictures teased
- Official unveiling later in 2021
- Production planned for 2023
- Will have fully electric platform
- The range should be between 200 and 300 miles
- 800V Tech could offer fast charging
- The robust design shows recognizable smart cues
- Largest smart vehicle to date
Smart has only recently evolved into an all-electric brand and is now planning to add an SUV to its line of small hatchbacks, including the EQ ForTwo and EQ ForFour electric cars. This joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and the Chinese brand Geely has recently been spiced up in some official draft sketches and renderings.
Although the new all-electric family car is much larger than any previous smart car, it will still be one of the most compact electric SUVs out there. Read on for all the details.
New electric smart SUV design
The recently teased design sketches show a sporty-looking SUV with a number of design features that existing smart owners will be familiar with, including the wide LED headlights.
What is new with this Smart SUV, however, is the “floating†roof (so called because the support pillars are painted black to match the windows).
The lack of a grille makes for a sleek front end that flows into slightly flared wheel arches. The side mirrors are thin and will most likely be cameras that broadcast a live video feed to screens in the cabin – like the Honda e. The overall dimensions of the new Smart should be similar to those of a Mini Countryman.
New electric smart SUV interior
No official pictures of the cabin of the new Smart SUV have been released yet, but as with almost every new premium vehicle, the interior will most likely have a digital driver display, a large centrally-mounted infotainment touchscreen and few physical buttons.
Round air vents and oval design elements (just like today’s Smart EQ ForTwo and EQ ForFour) should be included in the new car and offer enough space for four adults (or five in a pinch). No Smart has offered that yet.
New electric smart SUV battery, power and range
The Smart SUV is being built as a joint venture between the Chinese manufacturer Geely and Mercedes-Benz. That means that this new model will be underpinned by Geely’s own scalable EV fundamentals. This arrangement allows for up to three electric motors and a range of up to 430 miles. This number is calculated using the older NEDC tests – newer WLTP tests tend to give less optimistic range numbers.
The most likely layout for the new Smart SUV would be a single engine setup with a battery pack with a range of at least 200 miles. This should keep costs down and in line with offerings like the Volkswagen ID4. Geely’s EV components also support 800V technology, which could give the smart SUV extremely fast charging capabilities.
New price and release date of the electric smart SUV
The new Smart SUV could potentially have twice the range and much larger interior space of the Smart EQ ForTwo and EQ ForFour (both cost less than £ 25,000). As a result, the new electric SUV is likely to bring you closer to £ 30,000.
The official debut of the Smart SUV is expected to take place in the course of 2021 and will go on sale in 2023 at the latest.
Can’t wait for this new car to hit stores? Check out the top 10 electric cars on offer or compare the latest smart car deals available through carwow.
Stay up to date with the latest EV news
Sign up for the Carwow newsletter by entering your email address below to receive regular updates on our latest videos, reviews, news and blog posts from around the world of cars. You can unsubscribe from these emails at any time.
By clicking the “Submit” button, you agree to our terms and conditions and confirm that you have read our privacy policy.