This is the third model under the Geely-Mercedes-Benz joint venture brand Smart, the Smart Concept 5. It’s currently still a concept car, so some of the finer details are not representative of the production car, but the intent is clear: Smart is not limited to just small cars.

The Smart Concept #5, when it enters production, will be Smart’s biggest model ever. Dimension details were not released, but Smart says the Concept #5 measures 4,600 mm long, which slightly shorter than a Honda CR-V (4,695 mm long).

Unlike the smaller Smart #1 or even its coupe-like twin the #3, this #5 is genuinely an off-road capable SUV, with all-wheel drive and five selectable off-road driving modes (Off-road, Sand, Snow, Mud, Rock).

Being a Chinese car, Smart is keen to emphasize its driving assistance and infotainment features. The Concept #5 comes with Nvidia Drive Orin system-on-a-chip (SoC), generative AI that Smart says “will enable drivers and passengers to engage the in-car assistant in fun and conversational chit-chat”, and LIDAR-equipped advanced driving assistance system.

There's even a built-in projector for you to use outdoors. Just put up a white screen in front of the car. Inside, there's a portable speaker under the centre console, which you can remove to use outdoors.

The concept car features rearward opening doors, but it's hard to say if this design will survive the transition from concept to production car. The Smart Concept #5 will enter production later this year, before going on sale in China in early 2025. 

Powertrain details are still lacking (remember that this is still a concept), but Smart says the #5 will have 800V electrical architecture for even faster charging for its ‘over 100 kWh’ battery. Charging from 10% to 80% can be done in just 15 minutes.

Driving range is 550 km when tested using the WLTP method. Under the more lax CLTC, it has a higher range of ‘over 700 km’.

Smart is represented in Malaysia by Proton’s subsidiary, Pro-Net. It currently sells only one model, the C-segment Smart #1, which is priced from RM189,000 to RM249,000.

The Smart #3, which is coupe-like, sloping roof version of the Smart #1, will go on sale in Malaysia later this.