Mercedes-Benz (China) has begun taking orders for its 2011 Smart Fortwo electric drive that will be sold between 110,000 yuan and 230,000 yuan (US$ 16,600-US$ 34,700) in China, a media source reported on 19th November 2010.

Six new Smart models, with tree power options and two all-new engines, will be available to the Chinese consumers, sources said. Specifically, all Smart fortwo models will not only include the 52kW micro hybrid drive (mhd) technology with a user-friendly automatic start-stop system, but also employ two turbocharged engines providing maximum power of 62kW and 75kW respectively.

According to a media source, the new Smart claims a 0-to-37-mph (60 km/h) time of 6.5 seconds, the same as for the gas version. Top speed is limited to 62 mph, and range is projected to be 84 miles from the 16.5-kWh battery pack.