Electric SUV Enlargement Demonstrates Importance of Size - Road Examination
The Smart #5, a mid-size crossover SUV, is the latest offering from the brand, marking a significant departure from its predecessors. This vehicle boasts a more general-purpose and mainstream appeal compared to the #1 and #3, which remain city-centric with enhanced extra-urban capabilities. Smart is positioning the #5 as an outdoor-capable "adventure" vehicle, with an off-road mode available in some variants.
The new design showcases a noticeable divergence from its predecessors. Smart refers to it as a design evolution, but it feels like more than that. Unique aesthetic elements, such as a row of lights along the front and rear, contribute to the rugged look of the vehicle. However, it's important to note that the car measures less than 4.7m in length, making it shorter than a Tesla Model Y.
The range of versions for the #5 is more extensive than previous Smarts. The entry-level Pro model is equipped with a single motor driving the rear wheels, producing 250kW (335hp) and 373Nm of torque, combined with a 76kWh gross (74.4kWh net) LFP battery. The rest of the range features a 100kWh gross (94kWh net) NCM battery. The Pulse and Summit offer all-wheel drive, delivering 432kW (579hp) and 643Nm of torque, respectively. The Premium and Pro+ utilize a single rear motor, delivering 267kW (358hp) and 373Nm of torque. The range-topping Brabus features a potent 475kW (637hp) AWD system and 710Nm of torque.
Smart has been a joint venture between Geely and Mercedes-Benz since 2020 and is available in China. The powertrain comes from Geely, while the exterior and interior styling have been created by Mercedes-Benz. The Smart #5 employs the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), which can also be found in cars from Polestar, Volvo, Zeekr, and Lynk & Co. This collaboration offers a unique selling point in both regions, according to Smart.
The six different versions of the #5 provide more confusion due to varying equipment levels. All versions include a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, adaptive cruise control, powered seat adjustment, front heated seats, wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Pro and Pro+ also feature a 10.25-inch instrument display and a 13-inch infotainment screen.
The Pulse, Summit, Premium, and Brabus offer a second 13-inch infotainment screen on the passenger side, enabling that occupant to enjoy media during travel. The Pulse adds off-road driving modes, a heat pump, and leather seats, along with a PM2.5 sensor with air quality control. The Summit provides a powered trailer hitch, hands-free access to the tailgate, a head-up display, and a second wireless phone charger. The Premium offers ventilated front seats, heated rear ones, and an enhanced 20-speaker Sennheiser sound system. The Brabus, which was the version the author drove, boasts additional power, design elements, an additional Brabus driving mode, launch control, and simulated engine sounds.
The minimalist, high-quality interiors of the new Smart #5 reflect Mercedes-Benz's influence on the joint venture. The front seats are comfortable for long-distance travel, and there is plenty of room in the back for four adults to travel comfortably. The car offers an almost unfeasible amount of rear seat space given its size, along with 630 liters of cargo capacity with the seats up. Fold them forward, and this increases to 1,500 liters, making the Smart #5 competitive in terms of cargo space for its class.
The infotainment system for the Smart #5 has matured compared to previous models. It is less cluttered and easier to navigate than the #1 and #3, which are packed with software features. However, the author still finds a lack of discrete buttons for air conditioning settings, which they believe could improve the user experience.
The Brabus version of the #5, driven by the author, exhibits serious grunt, with a sprint to 62mph in just 3.8 seconds. This makes it one of the fastest cars in its class. The handling on windy mountain roads is engaged and nearly as impressive as that of a BMW iX, while it handles rough road services almost as well as a car with air suspension.
The electric range of the Smart cars has significantly improved since the EQ fortwo, making the #5 a viable option for travel between cities. The all-wheel-drive Pulse, Summit, and Brabus offer 338 miles of WLTP range, while the Premium extends to 369 miles. The 76kWh battery in the Pro and Pro+ still offers a respectable 291 miles of WLTP range.
The Smart #5 charges quickly thanks to an 800V architecture, which enables 400kW charging. However, 400kW charging stations are still relatively scarce. During the European launch, the car was demonstrated going from 8% to 82% in under 15 minutes. This rapid charging capability is anticipated to become more widespread in the future, reducing charging times significantly. The LFP battery in the Pro/Pro+ only offers 150kW charging due to its 400V architecture.
Smart has not yet finalized UK prices for the #5, but UK CEO Jason Allbutt hopes to set the entry-level Pro around £40,000 ($53,500) and the Brabus "early to mid £50,000" ($67,000). This affordable pricing strategy positions the Smart #5 as a competitive option against popular electric vehicles like the Tesla Model Y and Chinese entrants like the BYD Sealion 7 and XPENG G6. If introduced at these price points, the Smart #5 stands to see widespread adoption due to its high-quality construction, commendable driving experience, and strong practicality.
Smart has been working on a new project named Project #2 for 18 months, with no definite release date currently available. The specific details of this project are yet to be disclosed, but it is said to be a successor to the upcoming Smart #5. Until then, Smart cars are evolving into larger, more mainstream vehicles, with the #5 set to significantly increase its presence on the road.
- The Smart #5, with a more mainstream appeal, positions itself as a competitor in the automotive industry, showcasing innovation in technology and lifestyle, particularly in the electric-vehicles sector.
- The financial implication of the Smart #5 is anticipated to be within the reach of a wider audience, particularly when compared to luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and Tesla, as Smart aims to offer the car at an affordable price point, similar to Chinese entrants such as the BYD Sealion 7 and XPENG G6.
- The Smart #5, in addition to its impressive performance, excels in transportation, boasting a noticeable amount of cargo space for its class, making it a viable option for both inner-city and long-distance travel.
- In terms of transportation technology, the Smart #5, with its 800V architecture, offers rapid charging capabilities, positioning itself as a frontrunner in the electric-vehicles market, potentially surpassing popular competitors like the Tesla Model Y.
