2026 Smart #5 EHD plug-in hybrid arrives

The 2026 Smart #5 EHD has been launched in China, with the French-born brand’s first plug-in hybrid introducing Geely’s next-generation ‘NordThor Hybrid 2.0’ powertrain that gifts it up to 252km of CLTC EV range and super quick DC charging.

Signalling the abandonment of Smart's EV-only strategy, the arrival of the new Smart #5 EHD is reportedly a response by the Geely-Mercedes-Benz owned brand to both slowing sales of electric cars and rising demand for plug-in hybrids in markets like China.

Looking almost identical to the battery-electric versions, the new #5 EHD keeps the current car’s closed grille and stacked headlamp design but adopts a slightly tweaked front bumper that features more chrome.

At the rear, there’s another redesigned bumper that sports new grey trim and tucks the exhaust pipe away from sight.

Mirroring the regular Smart #5’s dimensions, the plug-in hybrid is 4705mm long, 1920mm wide and stands 1705mm tall – 5mm taller than the electric version, although both cars share the same 2900mm wheelbase.

Under the bonnet, the new #5 EHD comes with a 120kW 1.5-litre turbo, a 200kW e-motor, a three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) and a 41.6kWh lithium iron phosphate battery supplied by CATL.

The beauty of the set-up, according to Smart, is that on the lenient Chinese CLTC test cycle, the #5 EHD can cover up to 252km on a full charge while the maximum fuel range is a mighty 1615km.

Charging speeds have yet to be disclosed but a 10 to 80 per cent top up is said to take just 20 minutes.

Inside, the Smart #5 EHD gains a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and dual-13.0-inch infotainment screen, which works with an augmented reality head-up display.

Smart Australia is yet to publicly announce any interest in the #5 EHD but given the changing tastes of consumers, we wouldn’t be too surprised if it ended up being given the green light here.

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