Smart — the premium EV brand jointly owned by Mercedes-Benz and Geely — launched the #6 EHD hybrid sedan in China on June 11, marking the brand’s largest model to date and its first foray into plug-in hybrid technology. With a starting price of 177,900 yuan (approximately $26,250) after limited-time discounts, the #6 combines Mercedes-Benz exterior design with Geely’s hybrid powertrain to deliver up to 1,810 kilometers of combined range, according to CnEVPost. The launch positions Smart to compete in China’s fiercely contested mid-size premium sedan segment against established domestic and joint-venture rivals.
Design and Dimensions: Mercedes-Benz Styling, Mid-Size Footprint
The Smart #6 measures 4,906 mm in length, 1,922 mm in width, and 1,508 mm in height, with a 2,926 mm wheelbase — dimensions that place it firmly in the mid-size sedan category and make it the largest vehicle ever to wear the Smart badge. The exterior, styled by Mercedes-Benz’s global design team, features a fastback silhouette with flush door handles and frameless doors, signaling a premium positioning far removed from Smart’s origins as a micro-city car brand.
Inside, the #6 is equipped with a 25.6-inch augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD) and runs on an AMD V2000 cockpit chip. The voice assistant integrates ByteDance’s Doubao AI large language model, reflecting the growing convergence of automotive and consumer AI technologies in China’s premium vehicle market. These features position the #6 as a technology showcase for the Smart brand’s evolution under Geely’s operational control.
Powertrain: 1,810km Range and 320kW Output
The #6 EHD uses a plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine (120 kW) with a 200 kW electric motor for a combined system output of 320 kW, delivering 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6.7 seconds. Two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery options are available: a 20 kWh pack providing 135 km of CLTC pure-electric range with 1,675 km combined range, and a 41.46 kWh pack offering 285 km of EV range and 1,810 km of total range, per CnEVPost. The larger battery charges from 30% to 80% in under 15 minutes.
Fuel consumption in charge-depleting mode is rated at just 3.9 liters per 100 km — competitive with Toyota’s hybrid system efficiency. Three trim levels are offered: the 1675 Pro (177,900 yuan / $26,250), the 1810 Max (197,900 yuan / $29,200), and the 1810 Ultra (217,900 yuan / $32,150), all at limited-time promotional prices valid through July 31, 2026.
Intelligent Driving: LiDAR Standard Across the Range
In a notable competitive move, Smart equips every #6 variant with a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor as standard, supported by 30 high-precision perception sensors. The vehicle runs Geely’s Afari intelligent driving assistance system, which supports highway navigation assist, city navigation assist without high-definition maps, and intelligent parking functions. Early buyers who place orders before July 31 receive lifetime free access to the advanced driver assistance package, valued at 30,000 yuan ($4,425).
This standard-LiDAR strategy contrasts with competitors who typically reserve the sensor for top-tier trims, potentially giving Smart a value advantage in the increasingly ADAS-conscious Chinese market. The move also signals Geely’s commitment to democratizing advanced driver assistance across its brand portfolio, from the budget Galaxy line to the premium Smart label.
Why It Matters Globally
Smart operates in approximately 40 markets worldwide, and the #6 represents the brand’s most globally viable product yet — a mid-size sedan with hybrid technology that addresses charging infrastructure gaps in many regions. The Mercedes-Benz design heritage gives it European brand credibility that purely Chinese brands lack, while Geely’s manufacturing scale and hybrid technology keep costs competitive. If Smart exports the #6 to Europe and Southeast Asia, it could challenge established players like Volkswagen and Toyota in markets where consumers remain hesitant about pure EVs but are open to electrified options with extended range. The Smart Concept #2 — a small two-seat city EV to be unveiled at the 2026 Paris Motor Show in October — will complement the #6 as Smart rebuilds its global identity.
What’s Next
Smart will begin #6 deliveries in China immediately, with the limited-time promotional pricing available through July 31. The brand’s performance in China’s hyper-competitive mid-size sedan segment will be closely watched as a barometer of whether the Mercedes-Geely partnership can translate design heritage and hybrid technology into sustainable market share. Meanwhile, the upcoming Concept #2 reveal in Paris will test whether Smart can simultaneously reconnect with its urban micro-car roots while expanding into larger segments.
FAQ
What is the Smart #6 EHD?
The Smart #6 EHD is a mid-size plug-in hybrid sedan, the largest model in Smart’s history, developed jointly by Mercedes-Benz and Geely. It features Mercedes exterior design, Geely hybrid technology, standard LiDAR, and up to 1,810 km of combined range.
How much does the Smart #6 cost?
The Smart #6 starts at 177,900 yuan (approximately $26,250) for the entry-level 1675 Pro trim after limited-time discounts. The top-spec 1810 Ultra is priced at 217,900 yuan ($32,150). These promotional prices are valid for orders placed before July 31, 2026.
Does the Smart #6 have autonomous driving features?
Yes. Every Smart #6 comes standard with a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor and 30 perception sensors, running Geely’s Afari intelligent driving system. It supports highway navigation assist, city navigation assist (without HD maps), and intelligent parking.
Sources
- CnEVPost, Smart launches #6 EHD hybrid sedan in China with prices starting at $26,250
- CarNewsChina, Smart #6 EHD PHEV launched in China from 177,900 yuan
- Smart Global Product Page, Smart #6 EHD — official model page, specs and configurations
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