The Smart HY11 electric MPV (minivan) was seen undergoing road tests in China. It adopts the new design language of the exterior and has a double screen on the inside. This multi-purpose vehicle will be the third car in a relaunched Smart model line, as the former German automaker moves into electric vehicles. The Smart HY11 will hit the Chinese market this year.
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In 2019, Mercedes-Benz and Geely Group formed a joint venture called Smart Automobile. The newly established company settled in Ningbo and focused on the transition from ICE micro cars to electric vehicles. In this joint venture, Geely is responsible for engineering and production (at the factory in Xi’an), while Mercedes-Benz is responsible for the design.
The Smart model line currently consists of two models: Smart #1 and Smart #3. But by 2027, the company wants to have six to seven electric cars on the road. The upcoming HY11 minivan will be the brand’s next addition.
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Smart HY11 exterior and suspension
When the first information about the Smart HY11 appeared online, a dispute broke out among many Internet users about its body type. Some call it a minivan, while others think it’s closer to the crossover segment. Smart has not shared the official information about the body type of their latest product. However, we at CarNewsChina prefer to call it an MPV due to its relatively low ground clearance and bulky proportions.
The Smart HY11 uses a new design language that emphasizes its unique styling. The spotted car has angular proportions, short overhangs and a new headlight design. The SY11 has blackened pillars and a flat roofline. Seen from the rear, it has a small windscreen, a roof spoiler and two independent rear light units. Roof racks, retractable door handles and snazzy five-spoke wheels complete the overall look of this minivan.
The Smart HY11 has a double wishbone suspension in the front axle with aluminum steering knuckles. For comparison, the Smart #1 and Smart #3 both have McPherson suspension up front.
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Smart HY11 interior
Inside, the Smart HY11 also offers a new design language. The center console has a large double screen for driver and passengers. A glossy plastic element sits behind the screen and has an integrated LCD instrument cluster. Another feature of the HY11 is a heads-up display. It has a round steering wheel with three spokes and a gear lever on the steering column.
The center tunnel of the Smart HY11 has two cup holders and charging pads for wireless phones. The front seats of this minivan are upholstered in fabric and have well-developed lateral support. On the door cards of the Smart HY11 we see wooden panels, unique door handles and electrically adjustable seat switches.
The Smart HY11 MPV seats on Geely Group’s SEA architecture. It will feature 800V charging and Smart Pilot Assist 3.0. This will be on the market this year. Most likely, Smart will unveil the HY11 at the Beijing Auto Show.
Source: Weibo