The days of small, clever city cars are making a return for Smart, with the official announcement of a Fourtwo replacement. However, the latest addition to the all-new EV range, which is a collaboration with Chinese company Geely, is the biggest with the Smart #5.
Design and interior
Sized similarly to our Best Premium Medium SUV, the Audi Q4 E-Tron, and the Skoda Enyaq, another of our EV SUV favourites, the basic profile of the Smart #5 follows the same smooth, conventional SUV shape as the #1, with more than a hint of Mercedes-Benz in the styling cues – which we’re sure is not coincidental. Although, the standout styling features of the Smart #5 are the chunkier proportions, and more distinctive light signatures, with their four-oval motifs, which span the width of the front and rear. Plus, flush door handles, chunky wing mirrors, unusual alloy wheel designs and red highlights for the range-topping Brabus.
Inside, thanks to this Smart’s digital ecosystem, and the latest AMD V2000 chipset, the #5’s interior is a tech tour de force. This can be seen with the 25.6in augmented reality (AR) head-up display, the 10.25in full HD digital instrument cluster, and the two 13in OLED centre and passenger screens fitted to the range-topping Brabus version. The system features enhanced AI-supported voice control, paired with the new avatar called Leo, which provides guidance and hands-free control of numerous vehicle functions. In addition, the Smart OS 2.0 operating system offers optimised EV routing, and a new video centre, enabling video streaming in the vehicle.
As we’ve found when they’ve been fitted to other models before, an extra passenger screen is a waste of time in our opinion. It is an unwelcome distraction to the driver, who already must deal with the small, fiddly menus for features such as the radio and Apple Carplay.
If that isn’t enough tech in the Smart #5, we can’t not mention the Sennheiser Signature Sound System, featuring 20 high-performance speakers, which we got to try. There’s real theatre to the way the central speaker lifts from the dashboard, and with 1,190W, and a full 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos set up, the sound is incredible.
Elsewhere, like all the latest-generation Smart EV models before it, the #5’s interior feels more Mercedes than Smart. This can be seen in the design with the tall centre console, and the metal detailing on the multi-function three-spoke steering wheel and switchgear. Quality impresses, with the standard-fit glass panoramic roof giving welcome added light.
The driving position is comfortable and multi-adjustable, and even with a lanky driver in the front, the rear seat remains comfortable with plenty of space. With the wheels pushed to all four corners of this Smart, rear space is impressive, with a totally flat floor to further aid comfort. The 630-litre boot is bigger than the Audi Q4 E-Tron’s – in fact with a 74-litre frunk included, the #5 has a boot as big as those a class above.
Performance and drive
Underneath, the Smart #5 shares its state-of-the-art 800-volt battery platform with other Geely family models. Entry-level Pro-spec #5s have a 76kWh battery, and the rest have a 100kWh NCM battery, with up to 400kW DC charging capability and fast 4C charging support. As such, the Smart #5 can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes under optimal conditions. The range of this Smart is equally impressive, starting at 288 miles for Pro spec, rising to 366 miles for Premium.
We got to try the range-topping Brabus first, which we were told by a Smart product specialist is the equipment grade that’s proving most popular in salary sacrifice with the #1 and #3 models. We also drove the Pro+, which is expected to be most popular in true fleet – we believe due to the Pro’s smaller battery.
We like a lick of speed, but can’t believe honestly that any family fleet driver is going to need the Brabus’s frankly ridiculous 637hp, and acceleration to 62mph in 3.8 seconds. To stay legal, you only merely touch the performance available, and we suggest you avoid the most focussed ‘Brabus’ driving mode. The way this 2,378kg EV picks itself up from standstill to national speed limits so quickly is impressive thanks to the twin motors. Yet, despite all this performance, this #5 is surprisingly benign on the road. There is no trick differential to put the power down, yet wheelspin wasn’t as common as we thought it would be. And although its tall design means some body roll, this Smart is generally a tidy handler. The ride is even largely compliant on the standard 21in wheels.
The single motor Smart #5 in Pro+ spec, with 335hp, makes more sense to us as a daily driver. It doesn’t feel short of performance, as it can still get to 62mph in 6.5 seconds. Although, the less sporty focused set up, and smaller 19in wheels add even more welcome comfort and compliance.
Both #5 models have tuneable features, such as the steering, that can be set to suit driver requirements.The #5 benefits from three regen settings, but even the standard felt strong enough to not make us want to choose the ‘Strong’, or ‘e-Pedal’ modes.
In our opinion, Smart’s biggest model is also its most convincing. The #5 has an impressively spacious and practical interior. It’s also good to drive with decent range, and well-equipped with the latest tech. We’d probably avoid the range-topping Brabus, as the Pro+ is all the #5 that you need, and will prove a convincing alternative to established opposition.
Positive: Butch SUV looks, premium, quality, and high-tech feel to the spacious interior, easy and comfortable to drive.
Negative: Number of and reliance on the interior touchscreens, questionable need for 637hp Brabus, still a big EV SUV.
Standard equipment: 19in alloy wheels, panoramic halo roof, LED headlights with high beam assist, power adjustable and heated door mirrors, power tailgate and bonnet release, heated steering wheel, leather trim, heated power driver and front passenger seats, Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability, wireless charger, 13in OLED central infotainment screen.
Engines: Electric: 335hp, 579hp, 637hp
Equipment grades: Pro, Pro+, Pulse, Premium, Brabus
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
| Model | Smart #5 Pro+ 100kWh |
| P11D: | £43,735 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | TBC |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 366 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £22/£44 |
| Luggage capacity | 630 litres |
| Battery size/power | 100kWh/335hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
