Smart launches its first PHEV in China, with a pure electric range of 252km and a combined range of 1615km
[PCauto] Smart, the joint venture between Benz and Geely, has officially launched the Smart #5 EHD, with a pre-sale price starting from 189,900 RMB (approx. 113,000 MYR). It is scheduled to go on the market in October.
Marking a radical pivot in strategy, Smart has debuted its first-ever PHEV model, a significant departure from its previous all-electric roadmap. This bold shift is underscored by the vehicle’s large-capacity battery pack and a more accessible price point, making a clear move towards broader market appeal.The Smart #5 EHD represents a potential watershed moment for the brand. It has already garnered significant market attention, primarily due to its exceptional long-range capabilities on a single charge.
Exterior: A Bold & Rugged Statement
The exterior design of the Smart #5 EHD carries forward the brand’s iconic ”Space Capsule” design philosophy, blending a monolithic, boxy silhouette with modern technological elements. Its overall dimensions are 4705mm in length, 1920mm in width, and 1710mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2900mm.
The front of the Smart #5 EHD features a sealed grille flanked by a full-width LED matrix light bar, which incorporates four individual light sources. The lower apron, finished in a matte-brushed texture, enhances the vehicle’s rugged and assertive character.
The hidden door handles on the side and 19-inch “Cosmos Roaming” wheels further elevate a cutting-edge technological aesthetic. A new fuel filler port has been added to the right rear fender, and the roof offers an optional lidar to support high-level autonomous driving features.
The rear is dominated by a full-width light bar utilizing 196 ultra-red LEDs, directly echoing the front lighting signature. This is complemented by gun-gray trim on the lower bumper and hidden exhaust outlets, which collectively enhance the design’s overall harmony and cohesion.
This design style, which combines square and round elements, precisely targets the urban high-end hybrid SUV market.Its rugged appearance and practical dimensions resonate strongly with users who value outdoor adventures and family excursions.
Interior: Premium Cabin with Spacious Practicality
In terms of the interior, the Smart #5 EHD adopts a wraparound cabin architecture that embodies a harmonious blend of functionality and sophisticated design.
Thanks to the boxy design and 2900mm wheelbase, the interior space is highly efficient and cleverly packaged. The vehicle leads the segment in both headroom and legroom, and the trunk capacity can be expanded to 1525L, supporting flexible layouts such as a “big bed,” making it suitable for family trips and outdoor scenarios.
In terms of materials, the high-end version features NAPPA genuine leather seats and HDD quilting technology. The interior color palette offers dual-tone options of light honey brown and obsidian black, and marks the first introduction of oak wood trim custom-developed by the Mercedes-Benz design team. The cabin’s sophistication is further elevated by chrome accents on details such as the air vents and door handles.
Technology configurations are a defing design highlight of the Smart #5 EHD interior. The five-screen interconnected system includes a 10.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, dual 13-inch AMOLED displays (2.5K resolution), and a 25.6-inch AR-HUD head-up display, supporting multi-screen map transfer and independent entertainment control.
To ensure smooth operation of the vehicle system, the Smart #5 EHD is powered by an AMD V2000 desktop-level chip, guaranteeing fluid and responsive multitasking capabilities.
In terms of intelligent interaction, it integrates AI large models and supports natural language commands such as playing music or controlling the air conditioning. The “Inspiration Planet 3.0” HMI interface is presented in a crystal prism style, and the Dynamic Smart Assistant enhances the user experience, making interactions more engaging and intuitive.
In terms of comfort, the high-end version offers zero-gravity seats, with the front passenger seat supporting a 121° recline angle and an 8-point airbag massage function. The front seats integrate ventilation and heating functions, while the rear seats support electric adjustment and heating. Additionally, it also features a CN95-grade air filtration system and active noise cancellation. This premium comfort is further enhanced by a 256-color ambient light array, with all systems working in harmony to ensure a relaxing environment.
In terms of intelligent driving support, the laser radar and dual NVIDIA Orin X chips provide 508 TOPS of computing power, enabling highway and city navigation assistance, LPA memory parking, and unprotected intersection avoidance functions, significantly boosting safety, stability, and handling when navigating complex road situations.
Smart #5 EHD hybrid technology originates from Geely
The Smart #5 EHD comes with EHD hybrid technology, fine-tuned based on Geely’s hybrid technology. This hybrid system supports five driving modes: pure electric, series, parallel, direct drive, and energy recovery.
The power unit includes a 1.5T hybrid-dedicated engine with a maximum power of 120kW (163 horsepower), ranking among the top in mass-produced engines.
The drive motor delivers a maximum power of 200kW (272 horsepower), enabling a 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds. The three-speed DHT gearbox supports cold starts at -30℃, with high-altitude power attenuation of only 3-4%.
Regarding the battery, it features a CATL 41.46kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, offering a CLTC pure electric range of 252km, fuel consumption of 4.4L/100km while running on depleted battery, and a combined range of up to 1615km.
In terms of charging efficiency, DC fast charging can replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes. All-weather reliability is another key strength, achieved through aerospace-grade insulation and a proprietary heat pump system. This ensures the EV retains over 90% of its range at -30°C, while real-world high-altitude testing confirms a fuel consumption rate of under 5.3L/100km in charge-sustaining mode.
Unlike extended-range technology, the three-speed DHT transmission enables direct mechanical drive from the engine. This solves the issue of power instability at high speeds and additionally allows the
By combining its advanced EHD super hybrid technology, Mercedes-Benz heritage, and practical design, the Smart #5 EHD is well-positioned not only for success in China but also as a formidable competitor in the Southeast Asian PHEV SUV market, with particular potential in Thailand and Malaysia
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Zeekr 7X to Debut in Malaysia, Aiming at BYD Sealion 7 and Tesla Model Y
AshleyAug 18, 2025, 06:09 PM
【PCauto】Zeekr Malaysia has officially listed details of the upcoming 7X on its website, confirming that the electric SUV is on its way to the local market. Measuring 4,787×1,930×1,650 mm with a 2,900 mm wheelbase, the 7X will be offered in three variants. Prices are estimated at RM182,000 for the RWD Standard Range, RM195,000 for the RWD Long Range, and RM230,000 for the AWD Performance. With these dimensions and price points, the 7X is set to go head-to-head with the Tesla Model Y (from RM183,800) and BYD Sealion 7 (from RM187,710).
Zeekr 7X Lineup Comes with 800V High-Voltage Platform
The Zeekr 7X comes standard with an 800V system across the range. It supports 22 kW AC charging and offers 3.3 kW V2L output for external devices. The entry-level RWD Standard Range uses a 75 kWh LFP battery paired with a rear motor producing 421 PS and 440 Nm. It delivers up to 480 km of WLTP range. With 450 kW ultra-fast charging, the 7X can go from 10% to 80% in just 10.5 minutes.
The RWD Long Range swaps in a 100 kWh NCM battery, pushing range to 615 km (WLTP) while keeping the same power output. With 420 kW fast charging, it takes about 16 minutes to recharge.
At the top of the lineup, the AWD Performance model comes with dual motors and all-wheel drive. It delivers 646 PS and 710 Nm, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. It uses the same 100 kWh pack, offering 543 km of WLTP range, and matches the Long Range in charging speed.
Against the BYD Sealion 7, which runs on a 400V platform, the 7X holds a clear edge in charging performance. On top of that, the Performance trim adds exclusive features like electric doors and air suspension, giving it an extra advantage over rivals in this class.
Zeekr 7X Packs Plenty of Tech Features
The Zeekr 7X comes with frameless doors, a panoramic sunroof, an electric tailgate, tri-zone climate control, and RGB ambient lighting. Inside, the digital cockpit includes a 13.02-inch instrument cluster and a 16-inch 3.5K central display. It runs on the Qualcomm 8295 chip and supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Inside, the 7X puts a focus on practicality. Rear passengers get 1,187 mm of legroom and 1,021 mm of headroom, along with 36 storage spaces throughout the cabin. Dual 50W wireless charging pads are also included. Long Range and higher trims add a 21-speaker Zeekr Sound Pro system with 7.1.4 channels for an immersive audio experience.
The mid-range RWD Long Range steps up with an AR-HUD that projects a 36.21-inch display, a 21-speaker Zeekr Sound Pro system, ventilated and massaging front seats, and dual 50W wireless charging pads.
At the top, the AWD Performance adds even more. It rides on 20-inch wheels with optional 21-inch forged rims and comes with single-chamber air suspension featuring CCD continuous damping control. The front fascia is fitted with the Zeekr Stargate light curtain, made up of 1,831 LEDs. Other highlights include electric doors, Nappa leather seats, and an exclusive Brooke Blue body with a silver roof.
Zeekr 7X Stays True to the Brand’s Safety Focus
The Zeekr 7X uses an integrated cast-aluminum rear body with a high-strength steel structure, while its battery pack is protected by a ten-grid design that can handle side impacts of up to 75 tons. Every model comes standard with seven airbags, including full-length side curtains, plus a full suite of ADAS features:
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Forward Collision Warning
- Lane Change Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring
- 360° camera with transparent chassis view and Sentry Mode
- Driver fatigue monitoring system
Zeekr 7X Has Already Become a Sales Mainstay in China
The Zeekr 7X made its official debut in China in September 2024 and quickly turned into a strong seller. According to the brand, more than 58,000 orders were placed within the first 20 days of pre-sale, and over 10,000 units were delivered in its first month on the market.
The Zeekr 7X stands out with three key advantages: a more affordable price than the Tesla Model Y, an 800V high-voltage system that delivers 546 km of range with just 15 minutes of charging, and a 2,925 mm wheelbase offering a roomy interior. These strengths have turned the 7X into the backbone of Zeekr’s lineup, helping the brand, including LYNK & CO, reach 114,011 units sold in the first quarter of 2025.
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