The Smart range of electric cars has just increased to three models with the world debut of the #5.
Smart customers can now choose the #1, #3 or this latest one.
It will be available in China later this year followed by Europe in mid-2025 before rolling out to other markets including Malaysia.
Highlighting its offroad ability, the #5 was introduced in Byron Bay, Australia.
This new model represents a significant step for Smart as it enters the premium mid-size SUV segment, showcasing an emphasis on innovation, luxury, and off-road capability.
Two versions were unveiled: #5 Summit Edition and #5 Premium+.
Third Smart model
As the third addition, the #5 was developed with an eye towards performance and versatility.
It is built on a new 800-volt platform, allowing for rapid charging and an extended range. With a 100 kWh battery, the SUV can charge from 10% to 80% in 15 minutes and achieve ranges over 740km.
An aside about quoted range. The range quoted is under China’s CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) standards, which is accurate for Chinese road conditions and driving behaviour.
Outside of China, most parts of the world adopt Europe’s WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) cycle that is always a lower range to account for different road and driving conditions.
The much more stringent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard of the United States is widely considered to be the most realistic of them all, bearing in mind ALL consumption and range tests are defective. The EPA standard is deemed the least imperfect of the three standards.
The WLTP figure tends to be about 22% higher than EPA, while the CLTC one is around 35% higher than EPA.
Design and versatility
Designed by Mercedes-Benz, the Smart #5 retains the brand’s distinctive design elements, such as a panoramic halo roof, frameless doors, and compact overhangs.
Measuring 4,705 mm in length with a 2,900 mm wheelbase, the vehicle’s exterior features include oblong headlights, a roof light bar, an electric trailer hitch, and dual-colored mirrors with floating wheel caps that remain upright when in motion.
The #5 comes with an “Adventurers’ Collection” package that adds a roof carrier, underbody protection, side steps, a side bag, and a side ladder.
Premium interior, advanced tech
Inside, the #5 offers a modern, spacious, and technologically advanced cabin.
Notable features include zero-gravity leather seats with extensive reclining capabilities, seat-integrated safety belts, head curtain airbags, and a variety of luxury seating configurations.
Rear-seat passengers benefit from ample headroom, heating, and seat adjustments, while ambient lighting with 256 colour options adds to the premium feel.
A standout feature is the entertainment system, which incorporates a Sennheiser Signature Sound System with 20 speakers, a built-in projector, and ambient lighting that syncs with the music.
The #5 also features 34 storage compartments, a 72-litre front trunk (frunk), and a rear storage capacity of up to 1,530 litres.
The #5’s cockpit centers around an intuitive Human-Machine Interface (HMI). It includes a 25.6-inch Augmented Reality Head-Up Display, a 10.3-inch Ultra HD LCD instrument cluster, and two 13-inch Amoled 2.5K displays.
Additionally, the SUV is equipped with an AI-driven voice assistant that allows the driver to control various functions such as navigation, media, and climate control using voice commands.
Smart said the system is powered by an advanced AMD V2000 high-computing-power chip for a responsive and seamless user experience.
Strategic partnerships
Smart has also announced partnerships with premium brands such as Trek, Heimplanet, and Sennheiser to complement the launch of the #5.
Trek has developed a custom version of its “Madone Gen 8” bicycle, dubbed “Project One,” while Heimplanet has created a bespoke version of its “THE CAVE” tent for the #5.
Sennheiser provides a high-end audio experience in the new SUV, using its patented audio algorithms and AMBEO technology to create an immersive sound environment.
