Smart has released interior design sketches of its upcoming #6 EHD, previewing the brand’s first luxury liftback-style sedan ahead of its global debut at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, according to IT-home.

The model is positioned as Smart’s largest vehicle to date and is developed specifically for the Chinese market. It continues the brand’s transition toward larger electrified vehicles under its Mercedes-Benz and Geely joint venture structure.

CarNewsChina previously reported that the Smart #6 underwent winter testing in northern China, where temperatures can drop below -35°C, as part of validation for cold-weather performance.

Interior design cues

The newly released sketches highlight several distinctive design elements described as “easter eggs.” These include a pop-up speaker integrated into the dashboard, turbine-inspired air vents referencing aircraft engines, and houndstooth-pattern upholstery.

Smart states that the interior draws on Mercedes-Benz’s luxury design language, suggesting an emphasis on materials and visual detailing rather than the minimalism typically seen in earlier Smart models.

Product positioning

The #6 EHD marks a shift in Smart’s portfolio from compact urban cars toward mid-size premium vehicles. At 4,906 mm long with a 2,926 mm wheelbase, it is significantly larger than previous models and enters the mid-size sedan segment.

This model is also the brand’s first sedan-style product, following SUVs such as the #1, #3, and #5.

Powertrain details

According to regulatory filings and official data, the #6 EHD uses a plug-in hybrid system with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine delivering 120 kW. The vehicle offers a CLTC-rated pure-electric range of up to 285 km, placing it among the higher-range PHEVs in China’s current market.

The hybrid setup reflects Geely’s broader electrification strategy, with Smart leveraging shared technologies across the group.

Scaling up

The introduction of the #6 EHD continues Smart’s expansion into larger segments. The model is currently the largest in the lineup and follows the #5 EHD, the brand’s first plug-in hybrid offering.

This progression indicates a shift away from the brand’s historical focus on microcars toward higher-margin electrified vehicles tailored for the Chinese market.

Industry push

Smart’s move aligns with a broader trend among joint-venture and premium brands increasing their presence in China’s plug-in hybrid segment, where long electric range and flexibility are key selling points.

The combination of extended electric range and internal combustion backup has become a common approach for automakers targeting users without consistent access to charging infrastructure.

Policy backdrop

China requires new energy vehicles to pass the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) homologation before market entry. The #6 EHD has already appeared in regulatory filings, indicating it is approaching production readiness.