More details about Smart #5 production version released (Update)

The new Smart #5 is the brand’s largest model yet and its most powerful, putting out more than 450 kW/600 hp in its most potent form. Smart is 50/50% owned by Mercedes and Geely and builds its cars in Xi’an, central China. It has its world premiere in Australia at the end of August and is coming to Europe in 2025.

The new crossover, which rivals, for example, a VW ID.4, was shown in concept form at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year, but official specifications remained under wraps. In June, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) published the first pictures of the production car, revealing its final design and disclosing some vital technical specifications.

Almost 470 kW

The headline figure is the 468 kW/637 hp output of the top version with twin motors, which outpunches the most potent version of the smaller #1 and #3 crossovers by more than 200 hp. For example, it is even more powerful than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or Kia EV6 GT.

However, unlike its performance-focused siblings #1 and #3, it does not appear to wear Brabus branding. Total performance figures have not been detailed yet, but so equipped, Smart’s new SUV is expected to hit 100 kph from a stand in less than three seconds. The top speed will be 200 or 210 kph.

There will be a less potent twin-motor option with 420 kW/579 hp and a pair of single-motor, rear-wheel drive cars with 245 kW/335 hp or 265 kW/358 hp.

Two battery types

The cars with only one motor in the rear will use lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, while the AWD models with two motors use lithium-ion batteries.

Battery capacities have not yet been released. However, the brand has already confirmed it will be available with more than 100 kWh of capacity in its longest-range form and will be equipped with 800-volt charging architecture for 10-80% top-ups in 15 minutes.

Measuring 4,705 mm long by 1,920 mm wide and 1,705 mm tall, the #5 is a little bit larger than the already mentioned VW ID.4 rival and is a close match in size for the new Peugeot 5008. Nevertheless, it will come with only five seats rather than the seven-seat option the Peugeot can offer. At 2,250 to 2,450 kg, the new Smart is undoubtedly not a lightweight either.

More road-focused?

Design-wise, it stays true to the straight-backed, blocky proportions of the concept car shown in Beijing,  but it swaps the show car’s off-road ethos for a more road-focused positioning, sitting lower and with a more overt urban billing.

No interior pictures have been released, but the concept’s digital-heavy, minimalist arrangement is thought to indicate what the final cabin will look like strongly. Of course, the production version won’t have the counter-opening doors of the prototype.

The #5 was previously tipped to the European market in 2025, costing around €40,000. Still, the possible imposition of new import tariffs on Chinese-made EVs in Europe raises questions about the car’s viability for export.

In 2025 in Europe

The Smart #5 will arrive in Europe next year. It is currently undergoing the homologation process for admittance to the European market.

“With the Smart #5, we created our roomiest and most versatile vehicle yet,” says Dirk Adelmann, CEO of Smart Europe GmbH. “The #5 will be an excellent enlargement of our portfolio and will make the brand more attractive to a growing number of European clients.”

These last months, the driving prototypes have been undergoing rigorous tests off-road and in winter conditions. The electric drive and the charging capacity have been tested in cold environments.

To prepare for the European market, the vehicle will undergo an additional, extensive test program before its introduction in 2025. The official world première of Smart #5 is planned for August 28th in Brisbane, Australia.