Smart releases teaser for its new electric crossover

A new electric crossover from German brand Smart is set to debut this September at the Munich Motor Show. 

After producing smaller cars for most of its history, Smart appears ready to take on the burgeoning EV crossover segment. The brand released a new teaser photo of its newest model ahead of release, and it likely won't be the last. 

The teaser photo doesn't reveal much, but it's clear that Smart is departing from the design language of its previous models, at least to some degree. Apart from the top-down view photo, details remain sparse. Smart has kept mum so far on the specifics of its new electric crossover. The yet-unnamed prototype will reportedly arrive in Munich next month, and a production version could be ready by 2022. 

The new electric compact SUV will be the largest Smart has ever produced. On release, it could see availability in China and some European markets. Size-wise, the car could be very similar to the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the MINI Countryman. 

Notably, Smart shares its DNA with Mercedes-Benz as divisions of Daimler AG. In 2019, Smart forged a partnership with Geely to build a new production plant in Xian, China. Smart is reportedly using the Chinese company's proprietary EV platform. Known as the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), Geely's open-source modular platform can fit up to 3 electric motors with support for rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. The 800-volt architecture is also designed for up to 692 km of range by NEDC standards. Geely is no stranger to electric vehicles. In 2018, the company released the Emgrand EV in China. 

Geely’s experience in SUV production and electric motors could prove invaluable for Smart as it aims to expand its lineup over the next several years. Smart is taking bold steps to rejuvenate its brand. We'll hear more of Smart's plans when its electric crossover is unveiled later this year.