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From ultracompact to mature SUV

The name “smart” has taken on quite a different meaning in recent years. The contrast with previous smart models could hardly be greater. We were previously introduced to the compact #1, the #3 and now there is the new smart #5. It’s like icing on the cake, because with the #5 the brand now has a full range of electric models.

The smart #5 is definitely not a little guy anymore. With its 4.70 meters in length, 2.90 meters in wheelbase and 1.92 meters in width, the small city car is truly a thing of the past. It is better to call it a full-fledged family car. It offers space for five occupants, a luggage space of 630 liters (and 72 liters of frunk) and the possibility of a tow bar, with a maximum towing weight of 1,600 kg. So plenty of room to get out and about with the whole family.

Serious loading capacity of the smart #5

The smart #5 also demonstrates that it is technically up to date. In fact, the electric powertrain makes quite an impression when it comes to charging. The Pro version with 76 kWh LFP battery supports fast charging up to 150 kW. The larger 100 kWh NCM battery, standard on all versions above the Pro, has a charging capacity of up to an impressive 400 kW on fast charging.

With this, provided the charging station can handle it, you can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes. If you’re passing through with the family anyway, you can move on nice and fast. All versions charge AC to a minimum of 11 kW, and from the Pro+ on, 22 kW AC charging is standard. Plug & Charge is standard, as are thermal battery management and an integrated charging map in the navigation. With the 100 kWh battery variant, there is also the option of supplying power to devices (Vehicle-to-Load) via a 230V socket. Smart has never been this smart .

Remarkably quirky smart #5

The smart brand has always had a features design. This is no different with the smart #5; it is a striking appearance. With its angular shape, short overhangs and wide stance, it looks robust and modern. That modern look is enhanced by the lack of intricate fold lines in doors and other panels. On the contrary, the lines are very clean. The recognizability of the smart #5 is further reinforced by the lights at the front and rear, which appear to be identical. There is an optical connection between the lights. This black bar again contains a number of smaller lamps. Not a continuous light bar, therefore, but rather one that is interrupted. An idiosyncratic choice, which looks quite funny.

Drive away in a … BRABUS

By the way, you have a lot of choice in the dressing of the smart #5. Depending on the version, you get extras such as matte paints, red brake calipers, larger wheels (up to 21 inches) and exclusive badges. In fact, the smart #5 comes in six flavors: Pro, Pro+, Premium, Pulse, Summit Edition and BRABUS. Each version has its own character, from practical to distinctly luxurious or sporty.

The entry-level Pro version costs 48,440 euros and is rear-wheel drive with 250 kW (340 hp), a 76 kWh LFP battery and a range of 465 kilometers. You already get pretty good value for money in this entry-level model, with standard options like the panoramic halo roof, 19-inch alloy wheels, power tailgate, electrically adjustable and heated driver and passenger seats, and 360° camera and 12 parking sensors.

For 53,440 euros you get the Pro+, with larger NCM battery, 267 kW (363 hp), 800V system and a range of 590 kilometers – that’s seriously good. The Premium, which includes duo-leather upholstery, ventilated seats, AR head-up display and the Sennheiser audio system, is on the price list for 57,940 euros. Those who prefer sporty and all-wheel drive can opt for the Pulse – which costs the same amount but focuses on performance rather than comfort – for that same amount. The Summit Edition, with unique exterior details and the Adventure accessory package, also has all-wheel drive and comes in at 59,440 euros.

The absolute best is the BRABUS which, with 475 kW (646 hp) and really everything on board, costs 63,440 euros. This variant features red painted brake calipers, there is also no skimping on BRABUS badges and we see distinctive styling element on the exterior of the car. Also note the 21-inch Monoblock Z alloy wheels!

Premium experience aboard the smart #5

Inside, the smart #5 is at least as modern as outside. You are equipped with a 13-inch OLED center screen and, as a driver, you also have a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Depending on the version, an additional 13-inch passenger display and an Augmented Reality head-up display are added. So a high degree of digitality on board. The systems are powered by an AMD V2000 chipset, making all interfaces smooth and intuitive to operate.

If you look around further, you will notice that the level is high in this biggest smart ever. The materials are of a good standard and the finish leaves nothing to be desired. In the Pro and Pro+ you get faux leather, the Premium adds duo-leather and ventilated front seats, and the BRABUS goes one step further with Dinamica microfiber trim, sport pedals, red trim details and an Alcantara sports steering wheel. Ambient lighting in 256 colors (!) runs all around through the interior, creating a futuristic, almost lounge-like atmosphere especially at night.

That lounge-like atmosphere is enhanced by the Sennheiser Signature Sound System, present in the Premium and BRABUS. What a sound an electric car can make. Distributed in the interior are 20 speakers, a folding dashboard tweeter and support for Dolby Atmos. This makes you feel like you’re in a concert hall when your favorite song is on the radio.

Also striking: the space. Thanks to the long wheelbase of almost 3 meters (2.9 feet), you are surprisingly spacious, even in the rear. The rear seat is electrically adjustable, has a center armrest with cup holders and is foldable in parts. The trunk measures 630 liters, and those who flatten the rear seats will have many more liters at their disposal. With 72 liters, the front “frunk” is extra handy for charging cables or groceries. So lots of space, especially compared to smart’s time-honored small models.

How does the smart #5 drive?

Let’s get right to the point, it drives well! You read it before, the smart #5 comes standard with rear-wheel drive and 340 horsepower. These are good ingredients for getting smoothly out of your seat as soon as you press the gas pedal. But even smoother will get you out of your seat with the Brabus version, which we are driving for this test. Thanks to all-wheel drive and 646 horsepower, this car gets off to a fast start, you sprint to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. In fact, this is so fast, you’ll leave behind many a Skoda Enyag RS and probably even fuel-engined Brabus models. Don’t let them hear it!

The low center of gravity and the additional electric motor on the front axle also ensure that the #5 corners smoothly, aided by the double wishbone front axle and multilink rear suspension. The smart #5 also features various off-road modes, a wading depth of 500 mm and ground clearance of up to 197 mm3, which should help it stand its ground off the beaten track.

Conclusion, is the smart #5 a smart choice?

Obviously, this smart #5 is an important part of the brand’s electric lineup. Or rather, the electric charm offensive. Indeed, the smart #5 is a tad quirky compared to the smart #1 and smart #3, and we can appreciate that. With the #5, smart is now bigger, more capable and smarter than ever, with performance and charging technology that will shock even established brands. Very smart.