Another Geely brand backflips on electric-only? 2025 Smart #5 spotted in China with petrol engine, suggesting it could add a plug-in hybrid option and compete with the BYD Sealion 6 PHEV SUV

Just days after reports emerged that Geely-owned brand Zeekr plans on introducing two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models in 2025, its sister brand Smart appears to be following its lead.

Ahead of its Australian release later this year, images published by CarNewsChina from Autohome show a Smart #5 under testing protocols in China with regular alloys, a camouflaged front and rear bumper, and most importantly of all, an internal combustion engine.

The engine appears to be a 1.5-litre petrol-turbo from Geely, though CarNewsChina thinks the turbocharger is on the right side of the engine instead of in front, which could suggest the car is simply a prototype for another model.

However, there is a strong case for the Smart #5 adding a hybrid, given that would make it exempt from tariffs against Chinese-made EVs in Europe, which its 50:50 part-owner Mercedes-Benz would undoubtedly be keen on circumventing.

According to CarNewsChina, the Smart #5 hasn’t exactly been a hit in China yet, where it clocks roughly 3000 sales a month. That might sound like a lot until you consider China’s car market is 30 times the size of Australia's.

CarNewsChina suggests a PHEV or range-extender version in China, where demand for both technologies is strong, would likely boost its popularity.

The same can be said for Australia, where demand for PHEV vehicles saw a huge 100.2 per cent increase last year, according to data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.

In China, and soon Europe and Australia, the Smart #5 is offered with the choice of a 75kWh or 100kWh battery pack, which carry either 400V and 800V charging architecture, respectively.

Single-motor versions have a 267kW electric motor mounted on the rear-axle, while the dual-motor version has a 165kW motor on the front-axle and a 310kW motor on the rear.

Driving range is claimed at up to 740km on the most efficient variant, according to the more lenient CLTC test cycle, while Smart claims a fast-charging time from 10 to 80 per cent in just 15 minutes.

It is expected to offer light off-roading capability on the dual-motor variant, which had its global reveal in Australia last year.

The electric Smart #5 is expected to arrive in Australia by the middle of this year following the release of the Smart #1 and Smart #3 last year. Full pricing and specifications are expected closer to then.