Discover the first images of the future Smart SUV

Expected in 2023, the future SUV signed Smart is already revealed in the form of sketches, giving a little idea of its style.

We have heard about it for a few years now, but nothing had yet been confirmed by the brand. Admittedly, a concept had indeed been unveiled in 2012 during the World Car Show, called Smart Forstar, but since then it has been radio silence. From time to time, rumors return, each time evoking the arrival of an SUV in the range of the Sino-German manufacturer in the years that will follow. And each time, nothing comes. However, the firm is not lacking in the desire to launch its own elevated model, while this could help it finally get started on the path to profitability, while the results have been rather disappointing since. a few years. Will the arrival of an electric raised model in its catalog help it to go up the slope? It is quite possible, while this body has entered the hearts of motorists for many years and no longer seems to want to leave it.

While many brands are entering this segment, Smart therefore has every interest in following the trend, so as not to remain on the side. This is precisely what she is about to do, when she has just lifted the veil on some sketches illustrating her future SUV, to everyone’s surprise. Because the idea of a leggy model is not really new, the brand having already planned to present a concept in 2005, called Smart ForMore, which ultimately never saw the light of day. But more than fifteen years later, times have changed and the manufacturer now seems ready to invest in the SUV segment, with the one whose code name is currently HX11. And if the final style is not yet known, Gorden Wagener, director of design for the brands of the Daimer group makes things clear, telling our colleagues at Autoexpress that “ the style of this future SUV will be different from that of the Smart Fortwo and that this model will be an opportunity to reinvent the brand ».

Common base

For now, information is still scarce about this future Smart SUV, but one thing is already almost certain: it will be powered by a 100% electric motor. No confirmation for the moment, but a fairly logical assumption, while the brand no longer offers any heat engine in its range, currently made up of city cars Fortwo and Forfour. The future high-legged model should then be based on the SEA platform developed by the Geely group, which should equip future Volvo models, including the XC20 which should arrive a little later. For now, the precise technical characteristics have not yet been detailed, but already, the first rumors speak of a power of around 250 horsepower, as well as a range of about 500 kilometers, thanks to a battery of ” a capacity of 70 kWh. The SUV could also be equipped with 800 volts technology, like the Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6, allowing in particular to take advantage of a faster recharge.

Undoubtedly unveiled during the next year, the future Smart SUV should go on sale in 2023. It will then certainly compete with the future Toyota Aygo, which will evolve in depth, adopting a raised silhouette of small urban crossover.