The new SMART #5: a completely new electric dimension for a "smart" brand

The Smart brand, which most people know for compact city cars, is now embarking on a completely new path. With its latest model, the Smart #5, it enters the mid-size SUV segment, where it easily competes with established names such as the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. This step is not only an evolution, but a real revolution for the brand, which for many years has bet on the small size and agility of its vehicles.

The Smart #5 boasts impressive dimensions: the length of the vehicle is 4,705 mm, the width is 1,920 mm, and the height is 1,705 mm. With a wheelbase of 2,900 mm, it offers a spacious interior that will satisfy the needs of even the most demanding users. So quite a big car.

Power and performance at its peak

Under the hood of the Smart #5 is a real electric beast. The basic version is equipped with one rear-wheel drive electric motor that develops between 250 kW (335 hp) and 267 kW (358 hp). For those looking for even more adrenaline, there is a version with four-wheel drive and two electric motors that develop a total of up to 638 horsepower (475 kW). This Brabus version makes the Smart #5 accelerate like no other model in its class.

The battery with a capacity of 100 kWh offers a range of up to 740 kilometers according to the Chinese CLTC cycle, which means that the Smart #5 is ready for long journeys without frequent charging stops. The real range will be around 500 kilometers, which is not bad at all and close to the record in the class. In addition, the advanced 800-volt architecture enables extremely fast charging, as you can charge the battery from 10 % to 80 % in just 15 minutes. The data on how fast you will be able to charge it at home is not yet known, but even here the Smart can surprise us with 22 kW.

A design that stands out

Smart #5 brings a completely fresh approach to brand design. With a bold front end, aggressive lines and an elegant silhouette, it easily stands alongside the competition. The interior of the vehicle is a true technological oasis. The center of attention is the 25.6-inch augmented reality (AR) display, complemented by 13-inch AMOLED displays and an advanced infotainment system powered by the AMD V2000 processor. All this enables extremely fluid and fast user experiences, while the generative AI-assistant is always at your side.

Conclusion

The Smart #5 is a vehicle that sets new standards in the mid-sized SUV segment. The performance you'd expect from a premium brand, combined with the Smart's distinctive styling and technological advancements, puts it at the very top of the range. Pricing for this model has yet to be revealed, but we expect it to be competitive, which will only add to its appeal. If you're looking for something that combines prestige, innovation and efficiency, the Smart #5 is a must-have vehicle on your list.

The Chinese have definitely learned how to make cars. This is no longer a country that copies European and American models, no, it has now turned into an innovator that sets trends in the automotive industry. And when they have in their hands brands that unlock the hearts of European buyers, such as Smart and Volvo, it becomes clear that the Chinese dragon will not only breathe fire, but also drive out of the parking lot.

The Smart #5 looks really promising on paper – although, let's be honest, paper can handle a lot. But when you combine German engineering with boundless Chinese innovation, the result can be nothing short of impressive. Of course, everything will revolve around the price. But since we are in a world where more than just the "cool factor" needs to be sold, this price will have to be "decent" and very, very competitive. Otherwise, it may happen that the Smart #5 will be stuck on the way, like an average Monday morning on the Ljubljana ring road.

As Jeremy Clarkson would say: "Maybe this car will change the world... or maybe it won't." But at least we have something new to talk about while we wait for Elon Musk to invent something even crazier.” The Smart #5 is undoubtedly a step forward for the brand, which for a long time was known only for small city cars. Whether it will translate the paper promises to the road remains to be seen – but the Smart seems to be becoming something much bigger than we ever imagined.

Pricing for the Smart #5 has yet to be officially revealed, but considering similar models in the Smart lineup, such as the Smart #1 and Smart #3, we can expect it to start at around €45,000 to €50,000 for the base versions. For more powerful versions, such as the Brabus, the price could reach 60,000 euros or more.

Although the price seems high for a “small Smart”, it is important to understand that the Smart #5 targets the medium SUV segment with high standards in terms of technology, performance and prestige. This means it will have to be price competitive with similar electric SUVs on the market, such as the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX3 or even the Tesla Model Y. If the Smart manages to keep its price at the lower end of these competitors, it could have a significant advantage among European buyers who appreciate the combination of advanced technology and relative affordability.