Smart’s future electric SUV is revealed a little more, still camouflaged, in “stolen” photos. Most of the design of Concept # 1 is taken up, with a few notable details. The prototype was photographed in China, where it is being developed and where the production model will be produced.
Smart, which is now a joint venture equally owned by its historic German owner Daimler and the Chinese group Geely, is actively working on its first SUV. Prefigured by Concept # 1 of the Munich 2021 show, this 100% electric crossover was photographed camouflaged in a parking lot in China where prototypes are currently being tested.
Adaptations for the large series
These “stolen” photos of the Smart SUV confirm that the production model will retain lines very close to those of the concept car, with a few details revealed by patent illustrations last October. We thus notice the front light units and enlarged exterior mirrors. The camouflage probably masks a more openwork front bumper and flush door handles positioned in a classic way, the car not using the opposing doors of the concept car which was devoid of central pillars.
A new start for Smart
The instrumentation of the series Smart SUV also seems to take that of the Concept # 1. Inside we find a dashboard placed low, and a large horizontal touch screen (12.8 inches on the concept) enthroned at the top of the center console above two large oblong air vents. The tray which is located just below could act as an induction charger for a smartphone.
Daimler remains in charge of the design of the future Smart range, of which this SUV will inaugurate the stylistic codes. Geely is responsible for the engineering of the vehicles, and this electric crossover is based on a new modular platform from the Asian giant called SEA. Its technical sheet remains to be known. The Smart SUV will be produced in China and marketed in 2023.
Source : Yiche
