Smart #5 pre-orders open in China at €31.200

The official launch of Smart’s biggest model, the #5, is planned for the end of October, but in China, pre-ordering opened a few days ago at a price of 245,000 yuan, or some 31,200 euros.

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 price for export.

Up to 475 kW or 637 horses

With the pre-order, more details are available, like the 76 kWh and 100 kWh battery capacity, which, depending on the motor combinations, provides ranges of 570 km, 660 km, 670 km, 720 km, and 740 km (CLTC). According to Smart, as it is built on Geely’s SEA architecture, supporting 800V, 4C fast charging of 500 km in fifteen minutes would be possible.

The new Smart #5 is the brand’s largest model yet and the most potent Brabus version putting out 475 kW (637 hp). Smart is 50/50% owned by Mercedes and Geely and builds its cars in Xi’an, central China. The #5 had its world premiere in Australia at the end of August, will be launched officially in China in October, and is coming to Europe in 2025.

The Smart #5’s dimensions are 4705/1920/1705 mm, with a 2900 mm wheelbase. To compare, the #1 is 4270 mm long and has a 2750 mm wheelbase, the #3 measures 4400 mm long and a similar 2750 mm wheelbase. Compared to the competitiuon, the Smart #5 is a little bit larger than the VW ID.4 and a close match to the Peugeot 5008.

More space than ever

So the #5 is definitely the biggest in the model range and far longer than the first SmartForTwo’s which were only 2695 mm long. That left little storage space in those days, while this one has 34 storage spaces in the interior, as well as a 72 liter frunk in the front and a 110 liter storage under the trunk, which in total offers up to 1,530 liters. And if that’s not enough, there is the optional outdoor adventure kit with roof luggage racks (and climbing ladders) and a two side backpacks.

The single-motor version is powered by either a 250 kW (335 hp) or 267 kW (358 hp) electric motor. The dual-motor version gets a 165 kW (221 hp) front electric motor and a 267 kW (358 hp) rear electric motor in the standard trim. The top Brabus has a maximum power of 475 kW (637 hp) with a 165 kW in the front and 310 kW in the rear. This one acelerates from 0 – 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

Eight exterior and six interior colors

Eight exterior paints to choose from and six interior colors, with some wood elements incorporated. Most striking when getting behind the wheel is the 13-inch 2.5K dual screen spanning nearly two thirds of the dashbord, including in front of the passenger seat.

The driver gets a modest 10.3-inch LCD instrument panel, but also a 25.6-inch head-up display with augmented reality (AR-HUD). The sound of the infotainment is delivered through 20 Sennheiser speakers and a detachable portable speaker. The big cat representing the voice assistent is called Leo, a lion instead of the leopard of the #3.