Smart #6 Sedan: The Future of Plug-In Hybrids Spotted in China!
Hold on to your hats, folks. Smart, the brand known for its quirky city cars, is about to shake things up in a big way. Spy shots have emerged from China, showing a prototype of the upcoming Smart number six sedan, and it’s sporting a plug-in hybrid system. This isn’t just another EV. It’s a bold move into a completely different segment. Published on November 14th, 2025 at 12:03 p.m. Central European time, the images, initially appearing on Autoome and enhanced by Carne China reveal a heavily camouflaged vehicle undergoing testing. What’s so significant about this? Well, Smart’s current lineup in China, like the Smart number three and number five, focuses on compact SUVs and crossovers. The number six represents a significant departure, a midsize sedan aimed at a broader audience. But here’s where it gets controversial. Smart is opting for a plug-in hybrid system for the number six rather than a fully electric powertrain. Is this a strategic move to appeal to consumers still hesitant about full electrification or a step backward in the EV revolution? Let us know what you think in the comments. Looking at the spy shots, the front of the Smart Number six prototype features provisional openings for cooling and sensor equipment, suggesting it’s still early in the development process. The rectangular headlights and prominent horizontal trim piece are reminiscent of design elements seen on Link and Co. and Zeer models, all brands under the Jile umbrella. This raises the question, will the final design of the number six have a distinct smart identity or will it borrow too heavily from its Jill siblings? And this is the part most people miss. The overall silhouette hints at a sleek, fastback style rear complemented by a rounded exterior mirror design. A clean belt line along the side windows adheres to Smart’s established design language. Some images also suggest the possibility of a roof mounted LAR unit, indicating advanced driver assistance systems. At the rear, expect a full width light bar and potentially an active rear spoiler for enhanced aerodynamics. Now, let’s talk about the powertrain. The Smart Number 6 is expected to borrow heavily from the Smart Number 5 EHD’s plug-in hybrid setup. This means we could see a 1.5 L turbocharged engine producing 120 kW paired with an electric motor delivering up to 200 kW. The number 5 EHD uses a 3-speed DHT hybrid specific gearbox and offers two battery options 20 kW hours and 41.46 kW hours. The smaller battery provides a CLTC pure electric range of 120 km, while the larger pack extends that to 252 km. Combined, the total range under CLTC conditions stretches between 1,483 km and 1,615 km. Will the number six offer similar range and performance figures? Only time will tell, but the potential is certainly there. While Smart hasn’t officially confirmed the powertrain details, the expectation is that the number six will follow a similar technical path. This begs the question, is a plug-in hybrid the right choice for Smart’s future, or should they be focusing solely on electric vehicles? What are your thoughts on Smart entering the sedan market with a PHEV? Share your opinions in the comments below. We’re eager to hear what you
Join us as we explore the latest spy shots of the Smart #6 sedan, a revolutionary plug-in hybrid vehicle currently in testing in China.
In this video, we discuss:
– The innovative design features of the Smart #6, including its unique front bumper and sleek roofline.
– The expected performance specs, including the powerful 1.5-litre turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor.
– How the Smart #6 represents a shift in Smart’s strategy towards sedans in the Chinese market.
Stay tuned for insights on its potential market impact and what this means for the future of hybrid vehicles!
