The adventure-focused Smart #5 mid-size electric SUV was unveiled to a global audience in Byron Bay, New South Wales yesterday, off the back of the brand’s return to Australia with the #1 and #3 models this week.
While the #1 and #3 offer a natural progression from the brand’s quirky ForTwo model of the mid 2000s, the #5 is a bold deviation from anything Smart has offered before. In fact, it’s unlike anything else out there.
Powertrain details were shaky, despite probing, but the brand did confirm the #5 uses an 800v architecture, supplied by a 100kWh battery with a driving range of 740km – using the optimistic CLTC Chinese testing method, not the widely adopted WLTP protocol. It will be capable of charging from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in around 15 minutes.
Peeking under the wheel wells, suspension up front appears to be an air system but we we were not provided with much in the way of chassis and suspension specifications.
Some dimensions were shared, with the #5 measuring up at 4705mm long with a sizable wheelbase of 2900mm, but critical off-road factors like ground clearance, approach and departure angles are unknown at this stage. The boxy design, though, closest in style to a Kia EV5 or the larger EV9, certainly lends itself to the SUV’s outdoorsy appeal.
Images during the presentation showed the #5 being driven up a steep off-road incline, presumably at a testing facility, as well as on sand dunes hinting at true off-road ability. It has the drive modes to back its off-road claims up too, including adaptive, sand, snow, mud and rock settings.
Inside the SUV a range of seriously high-end technology makes up the cockpit, with a massive 25.6-inch heads-up display, 10.3-inch digital dash and dual 13-inch AMOLED ‘2.5k’ screens for infotainment duties – spanning the width of the dash.
The infotainment system also features generative AI, allowing occupants to ask questions and perform ‘any internet function’. At the core of the advanced infotainment system is the AMD V2000 chip, which is apparently the fastest available in the automotive world. It’s so powerful that Smart says it requires water cooling.
Audio comes courtesy of a partnership with German audio company Sennheiser, offering a premium 20-speaker system capable of exceeding a punchy 2000 watts, which uses patented algorithms to provide a concert-like experience.
A spacious interior with ‘zero-gravity seats’ that recline 121 degrees, allows push-button configurations ranging from ‘first class’ and ‘comfort’ modes to a completely flat bed setup. Based on the video, but not demonstrated in person, the bed mode folds the seats completely flat allowing owners to put a mattress in the car for a tent-on-wheels experience.
In terms of luggage capacity, Smart says the #5 has 34 compartments, a 72L ‘frunk’ and up to 1530L of storage in the rear.
The model that drew the largest crowds, including sparking our own interest at event, was the #5 Summit Edition with the Adventurers’ Collection package that includes a roof rack, light bar, underbody protection, side box and ladder.
Summit Edition models also have a built-in movie theatre, consisting of a projector built into the front bumper and portable Sennheiser audio unit for the full campsite experience. This truly is a first for the vehicle world, and a sign Smart really thought of everything for the #5.
“We are delighted to introduce the smart #5, our ‘contemporary adventurer’, to the world,” said Smart Global CMO, Mandy Zhang.
“The #5 was designed to inspire exploration of the great outdoors by making every journey a joyful, comfortable experience. The vehicle represents a new level of premium for smart and our entry into a new market segment.”
According to Ms Zhang the #5 is set for release in China by Q4 this year, while Europe will receive it in Q2 next year, followed by Australia sometime in the second half of 2025. Pricing is yet to be confirmed.
