Smart #6: The First Sedan in the Brand's History – A Large Hybrid with Impressive Range

The Smart brand, known for over three decades for its compact cars, ideal for the city, is taking a huge and unexpected step. In an absolute premiere, the German manufacturer, currently co-owned by Mercedes-Benz and Geely, is introducing a large sedan to its range: the Smart #6.

The emergence of unofficial images, revealed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China (the launch market of the new model), confirms the transformation of the brand and its orientation towards new segments. Smart #6 is not only the first sedan, but also the largest model in Smart's history, to be officially launched next year.

Impressive Dimensions and Pragmatic Design

Smart #6 enters the large sedan segment, with dimensions that place it among serious competitors:

•     Length: 4906 mm
•     Width: 1922 mm
•     Height: 1508 mm
•     Wheelbase: 2926 mm

The exterior design, as revealed in the published images, is described as fluid and fairly conventional. Smart has opted for a minimalist aesthetic, avoiding flashy elements:

•     The front has a classic headlight design, without being joined, complemented by a slightly sculpted bumper.
•     The door handles are hidden and electrically retractable, contributing to a clean side line.
•     On the ceiling, a LiDAR system is visible, essential technology for advanced autonomous driving functions.
•     The rear is also minimalist, with joined taillights that emphasize the width of the car.

For now, the interior remains a mystery, but it is expected to continue the modern and technological line, specific to the new generation of Smart models, such as #1 and #3.

Plug-in Hybrid Propulsion (PHEV) and Record Autonomy

Contrary to the trend of launching exclusively electric models, the Smart #6 will be equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV). This configuration combines the efficiency of a combustion engine with the advantages of electric mobility:

Specification	Detail
Powertrain System	Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
Combustion Engine	1.5 liter gasoline
Total Output	429 horsepower
Electric Range (Pure EV)	285 km (CLTC standard)
Total Range	Up to 1810 km (on a full tank and fully charged battery, CLTC standard)
Declared Consumption	3.9 liters/100 km

The total autonomy of up to 1810 km (according to the Chinese CLTC test cycle) is an aspect that attracts attention and could make #6 a serious competitor among long-distance vehicles, overcoming the fears related to autonomy, specific to purely electric vehicles.

Smart 6 Price Estimate for Romania

Although there is no official price yet, we can make a reasonable estimate based on the launch prices of the smaller models in the Smart range, which are fully electric.

The current Smart models available on the European market (and implicitly, with prices relevant to Romania) are:

•     Smart #1 (compact electric SUV): Starting prices are around 28,800 - 32,900 EUR (without subsidies, such as Rabla Plus). Top versions (Premium, Brabus) can reach over 40,000 - 42,000 EUR.
•     Smart #3 (electric SUV coupe): Being a newer model and with a sportier design, the starting price is similar or slightly higher than #1, around 33,000 - 34,000 EUR for the base version in Europe.

Smart 6 Estimate:

The Smart #6 is the brand's largest and most powerful model (429 HP), being an almost 5-meter sedan with a complex hybrid propulsion (PHEV), which generally brings higher production costs than a BEV (battery electric vehicle).

Given its superior positioning in the range, considerable dimensions and engine performance, an estimated starting price for the Smart #6 on the Romanian market, before the application of specific subsidies for PHEVs (if available):

•     Smart 6 Price Estimate (Romania): Starting at EUR 45,000

This price would place the model in direct competition with PHEV and electric sedans in the premium (or near-premium) segments, corresponding to its power and size. Top versions could exceed the €50,000 – €55,000 threshold.