Smart #6 liftback hybrid with 435 hp debuts in China on April 22

Smart is preparing to debut its new liftback #6, a model with a hybrid powertrain delivering up to 435 horsepower, a length of 4906 mm, and based on a Geely platform. The premiere is set for April 22 in China, followed by a showcase at the Beijing Auto Show. This move signals the brand's continued shift away from compact city cars toward larger, more expensive models.

The company has revealed the interior of the new Smart #6 liftback ahead of its official launch. Previously, the model appeared in Chinese regulatory filings and was spotted during testing, and now the near-production cabin has been shown.

The car was developed through a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, with the Chinese side handling the platform and technology, and the German side responsible for design. The Smart #6 is a plug-in hybrid featuring a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 163 horsepower. According to Chinese media reports, the total system output reaches around 435 horsepower.

Batteries of 20 or 41.46 kWh are expected, but precise electric motor specifications have not yet been disclosed. Features include an autopilot system with lidar, retractable door handles, and an active spoiler.

The interior largely mirrors that of the Smart #5 crossover, with dual multimedia screens, a narrow instrument cluster, a two-level center console, and wireless charging. However, new elements have been added, such as round air vents and a redesigned steering wheel.

The Smart #6 is the brand's largest model: at 4906 mm in length and a 2926 mm wheelbase, it is not only bigger than the Smart #5 but also surpasses the long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz CLA for China. This represents a radical departure from the concept of compact urban vehicles.

Key competitors include Chinese hybrid liftbacks and sedans from Geely, BYD, and Zeekr. In the future, the model could expand to global markets, including Europe.

The Smart #6 demonstrates how the brand is completely overhauling its strategy, moving from microcars to large, high-power hybrid models. This is no longer a niche product but a full-fledged player in the mid-range and business segments.