Smart officially reveals tech-heavy #5 as its biggest model yet

It’s been a long runner-up toward the official release of Smart’s largest and most advanced model. After the showstopper concept at the Beijing Autoshow and the leaked images from the Chinese regulator, Smart has now cleared the official pictures and specifications on the #5. The all-electric SUV hits the heart of the electric car market, targeting bestsellers like the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4.

Forget Smart for manufacturing tiny city cars (and roadsters) poised to break the car mould by offering a clever mobility solution to city dwellers. The latest addition to its lineup, the midsize Smart #5, is the largest vehicle the brand has ever produced and is packed with cutting-edge technology.

This new direction might be bold for Smart, but the strategy is somewhat predictable, as it hardly distinguishes itself from the product offensives of top brands like Tesla and Volkswagen.

With gimmicks from the Defender

We’ve covered the details on size and drivelines in a previous article. However, at 4.7 meters, the confirmed length makes the robust-looking crossover just as long as the Model Y. Also, the wheelbase length (2,900 mm) is on par with rivals and makes for a roomy interior, especially for the passengers in the back.

Talking about robustness, the silhouette is squared-off and sturdy, featuring full-width light bars on the front and the back with striped lights beneath the Smart badge. Like the Defender, there are gear carriers in a case format on the sides.

Although few owners will likely venture into the unknown with the #5 Smart, Smart offers an Adventurers’ Collection package. This adds further off-road enhancements, such as underbody protection, a roof rack, side steps, and a ladder on the D-pillar to access roof-mounted luggage.

But with frameless doors, a panoramic sunroof, and floating wheel caps that keep the logo upright while moving—much like a Rolls-Royce—the #5 also wants to blend some style underneath those boxy looks. Another advantage of the dimensions is the boot capacity of 1,530 liters and a frunk carrying 70 liters.

Tech-savvy interior

The previously leaked images didn’t reveal much about the interior. It now becomes clear that on the inside, the Smart #5 exudes luxury and technology, with an impressive series of screens dominating the dashboard.

Two 13.0-inch AMOLED displays (Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode for wide viewing angles and better performance in low-light conditions), a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a massive 25.6-inch augmented reality head-up display must create a so-called ‘immersive’ driving experience. Looking at the dashboard, it offers a very televised feel.

The cabin is lined with ambient lighting, which can be customized with 256 colors and even sync with the music playing through a 20-speaker Sennheiser sound system that boasts over 2,000 watts of output.

The #5 also features a generative AI voice-command system capable of responding to various requests, from navigation to climate control and infotainment queries. It probably even knows who Nicolas Hayek is.

Fast charging in 15 minutes

The battery size matches the large exterior of the vehicle. Confirming the previous info, the Smart #5 uses a 100.0-kWh battery and an 800-volt architecture that allows rapid recharging, boasting a 10-80% charge in just 15 minutes.

Such a capacity is usually found in higher-positioned EVs and lifts the driving range from this crossover to 740 kilometers. Don’t get your hopes up too high, as this figure is based on China’s more lenient test cycle (CLTC).

Technical details on the powertrain are still scarce. Still, previous information suggests a variety of powertrains, including single and dual-motor options, with outputs ranging from 335 horsepower to a high-performance 637-horsepower flagship variant.