1,600km on a tank? Smart #5 hybrid SUV shocks as Chinese-German power play delivers, fixes 'range anxiety'

Smart #5’s EHD's biggest edge: It can juice up its batteries from 10–80% charge in about 15–18 minutes.

This is thanks to the adoption of the 800-Volt architecture, which allows up to 400-kW direct current (DC) fast charging.  

At this rate, it matches or exceeds Tesla Superchargers and Hyundai’s E-GMP platform speeds, according to EV Powered.

Here's the lowdown on the Smart #5 EHD:

As for the current trims, the Smart #5 comes as a pure-battery electric vehicle (EV) — in five different trims.

The latest iteration of Smart SUV, its biggest so far, will be available initially in China, followed by Europe.

In terms of performance, the rear-wheel drive (RWD) offers 335 or 358hp with either 76 or 100kWh batteries, giving 354–460 miles (up to 740km) of range (electric only).

All-wheel-drive adds a 221hp front motor, still topping 360 miles (579 km), according to Car News China.

The Smart #5 EHD plug-in hybrid SUV claims headline numbers: up to 1,600km (about 995 miles) total range and 250km (155 miles) of pure electric driving, thanks to its combination of a sizable CATL-supplied lithium iron phosphate battery (over 40kWh) and an efficient 1.5L turbo engine. 

In theory, this nearly quadruples pure EV range anxiety “buffer” compared to most battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and far surpasses all current mainstream EVs.

The gasoline engine mostly acts as a generator, letting wheels remain fully electric-powered, which sets it apart from older plug-in hybrids.

Fuel efficiency: It achieves about 53mpg (4.4L/100km), making rare fill-ups highly feasible for typical drivers.

However, in terms of real-world range, the 1,600-km claims rely on hybrid operation and the Chinese CLTC test, a more conservative estimate for real-world total range (using global standards) puts it closer to 600-700 miles (965 km to 1,126 km) — still a noticeable improvement, though not an engineering marvel.

For the Smart #5’s BEV variants, charging technology is cutting edge:

Currently, maximum charging speeds are only possible on select, ultra-fast chargers, which are still rare outside top-of-the-line charging networks in certain countries, according to Electrifying.

The hybrid’s true recharging “revolution” is nuanced: since it offers gas backup, owners will rely less on high-speed charging infrastructure.

Real-world impact

In terms of range: The EHD’s gas-assisted range drastically reduces “range anxiety,” especially in regions with sparse rapid charging, bridging the gap while EV infrastructure matures.

For charging, the Smart #5 sets a high bar among BEVs. The hybrid model’s quick battery charging is good, but its real-world impact is a mix of smaller charging needs and the ability to simply add fuel.

The Smart #5 EHD, born from the Mercedes-Geely brainchild, zips in as a clever fix for EV range anxiety — finally, something that won't leave you clinging to charging stations.

For current EV owners, the Smart #5 BEV’s rapid charging is compelling, but it's not really unique to Smart — Hyundai, Kia, and Porsche now offer similar speeds, according to EV Powered.

For hybrid/ICE owners, the EHD hybrid’s all-electric drive and massive total range offer a significant leap, potentially redefining expectations for plug-in hybrids.

Long-term, the Smart #5 EHD’s success may not revolutionise the entire EV market, but it could accelerate the “transition zone” for many drivers, offering true long-distance usability with minimal recharging anxiety. 

It’s a strong evolutionary step, especially for markets not yet ready for pure EV commitment.

This hybrid pushes boundaries, especially in range, and it leads on recharge speed, too.

A revolution? Not quite. Its disruptive effect will depend on how much drivers value the hybrid’s ICE backup compared to the rapid progress of all-electric charging networks

And let’s be real: it’s more of a “hey, nice upgrade” for hybrid veterans than a game-changer.

For hardcore EV fans, though, it’s a really juicy twist en route to a battery-driven disruption.