Official Smart Concept #5 sketches previews upcoming AI-powered CR-V-size BEV

For over a quarter century, Smart is known for its small, compact car that can park in tight spaces with ease. That is no longer what the brand currently offers as both the Smart #1 and Smart #3 are at least nearly double the size of the original Smart car.

Its upcoming model will be even bigger though the Smart #5 will be unveiled as a concept car first at the upcoming Auto China 2024 in Beijing. The production version will be introduced in the second half of the year (H2 2024).

For now, Smart has revealed sketches of the “largest, boldest, and boxiest” Smart ever with a message: “Go beyond urban confines and embrace the different possibilities of life!”.

The upcoming third Smart model under the ownership of Geely will mark a bold departure from the company’s traditionally urban-centric design philosophy. The Concept #5 is a premium mid-size all-electric (BEV) SUV created for urban outdoor enthusiasts.

No details on the concept’s dimensions are revealed but we predict the latest Smart concept to be around the size of a Honda CR-V.

The sketches for the concept show a boxy design with outdoor-focused features and integrated equipment accessories including roof-mounted inflatable chairs, winterboards, and a folding shovel.

Other accessories mounted in the concept include a built-in flashlight, speaker, camping hammer, and an air mattress with pump. All these are certainly for show and are unlikely to enter production.

Besides the bold, adventurous design, the Concept #5 is proclaimed as the most intelligent Smart vehicle model to date. Sketches of the interior are also unveiled ahead of its 25-April debut which features a screen-heavy dashboard.

The cockpit which consists of a fully digital driver’s display as well as dual OLED screens across the panel is powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

In cooperation with Cerence, the state-of-the-art generative AI will enable drivers and passengers to engage the in-car assistant in fun and conversational chit-chat. No longer will the in-car assistant only tell you they are coming (!) to increase the volume or the weather, they can even tell you facts about the location you’re in.

The displays are driven by a high-performance AMD chip that provides a rapid response and visually stunning interface for accessing the myriad of features in the Concept #5.

The Smart Concept #5 will be making its world premiere at Auto China on 25 April with the production version to be unveiled in H2 2024. Currently, Smart offers the Smart #1 and Smart #3 with the latter spotted in Malaysia at yesterday’s KL Car Free Morning.

Also read: RHD Smart #3 makes first public debut in Malaysia; launching here later this year?