The Smart #5 feels like the car Smart has been building toward since its reinvention. While the #1 and #3 introduced the brand’s new electric direction after its 2023 rebirth, sales momentum has been gradual rather than explosive. The #5, however, is different. Larger, more powerful, and far more premium, it positions Smart squarely in the competitive mid-size electric SUV segment—and does so with real confidence.
This is Smart’s flagship model, blending Mercedes-Benz-led design with Geely’s EV engineering expertise. Importantly, the #5 is not a China-market car adapted for Europe. It has been developed from the outset as a global product, and that shows in its proportions, finish, and overall maturity.
Design and Positioning in the Market
The Smart #5 adopts a bold, boxy SUV silhouette that immediately sets it apart from its smaller siblings. It looks purposeful and modern, with clean lines and a strong road presence that gives it genuine family-car credibility. While still unmistakably a Smart, it no longer feels niche or novelty-driven.
In the UK, the #5 competes directly with established electric SUVs such as the Audi Q4 e-tron, Peugeot E-3008, Tesla Model Y, and Skoda Enyaq. Against these rivals, Smart is offering something slightly different: premium build quality, strong performance options, and distinctive styling, rather than chasing outright value or minimalism.
Pricing starts at £39,800, keeping the entry-level version under the higher-rate vehicle tax threshold. Buyers can choose from five trim levels and four distinct powertrain configurations, making this the most diverse range Smart has ever offered.
Powertrains, Range, and Performance Options
Smart has taken a clear, structured approach to the #5’s line-up, pairing each trim with a specific drivetrain.
The range opens with the Pro, which uses a 76kWh battery and a 272PS electric motor, delivering an official range of 288 miles. Performance is brisk rather than dramatic, with 0–62mph in 6.9 seconds, but power delivery is smooth and controlled.
The Pro+, priced from £43,800, steps up to a 100kWh battery and a 363PS motor, extending the official range to 366 miles. The Premium model shares this powertrain but adds more luxury and technology features, with pricing from £47,300.
Above these sit the performance-focused models. The Pulse introduces dual motors and all-wheel drive, producing 588PS and offering a 335-mile range. At the top is the Brabus, priced at £51,800, delivering a substantial 646PS and the same 335-mile range.
In real-world conditions, efficiency during cold testing struggled to exceed 2.4mi/kWh, but Smart expects around 3.0mi/kWh to be achievable in normal use. That equates to approximately 225 miles of usable range for the Pro and around 300 miles for Pro+ and Premium models.
The Brabus variant is exceptionally fast, with 0–62mph in under four seconds. While arguably excessive for a family SUV, it adds excitement and broadens the #5’s appeal to performance-minded EV buyers.
Interior Quality and Technology
Interior quality is where the Smart #5 truly stands out. The cabin feels genuinely premium, with excellent material choice, solid build quality, and thoughtful design throughout. Soft-touch materials are used extensively, even on lower dashboard sections and door panels—an area where many rivals cut costs.
Smart offers a variety of interior colour schemes, including blue and brown upholstery options alongside traditional black. Buyers can also specify wood trim instead of the standard silver décor, adding warmth and sophistication.
The centre console is wide and practical, featuring two wireless phone charging pads and a cooled storage compartment beneath the armrest. Infotainment is handled by a new 13-inch central touchscreen, running an upgraded system that is far more intuitive than that used in the #1 and #3. Climate controls are retained in a dedicated strip, reducing driver distraction.
The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly, and includes an AI-powered voice assistant capable of controlling most functions. Premium trim and above gain a 20-speaker Sennheiser audio system with Dolby Atmos, delivering an immersive sound experience, plus an additional touchscreen for the front passenger.
Space, Comfort, and Practicality
The Smart #5 delivers excellent interior space. All models come with electrically adjustable front seats with memory and heating, making it easy to find a comfortable driving position. The seating position itself is slightly sportier than many SUVs, with the option to sit lower in the car if preferred.
Rear-seat space is generous, even with tall front occupants, and higher trims add heated rear seats and electrically adjustable backrests. Boot capacity is a strong 630 litres, exceeding that of the Skoda Enyaq, though it falls short of the Tesla Model Y’s class-leading figure.
For most families, however, the balance between passenger comfort and luggage space will feel more than adequate.
Safety and Driving Experience
Safety equipment is comprehensive across the range. All Smart #5 models include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with lane-change assist, and multiple parking and manoeuvring aids. The car has also secured a five-star Euro NCAP rating, reinforcing its family-friendly credentials.
On the road, the rear-wheel-drive versions impress with their refined ride quality. The suspension absorbs bumps well, filters out rough surfaces, and keeps road noise low. Steering is precise and engaging, while braking performance is consistent and predictable. Drivers can customise settings such as steering weight and throttle response, tailoring the car’s behaviour to their preferences.
The Brabus model feels firmer but never uncomfortable, offering strong body control without sacrificing everyday usability.
Verdict
The Smart #5 is the most complete and convincing car the brand has produced to date. It successfully combines premium interior quality, strong performance options, generous space, and advanced technology in a package that feels competitive with established rivals.
While pricing places it firmly in premium territory, the specification, refinement, and driving experience largely justify the cost. For buyers seeking a mid-size electric SUV that stands out from the usual choices—and who want a blend of luxury, performance, and practicality—the Smart #5 is not only Smart’s best model yet, but a genuinely compelling option in the UK EV market.
