The Smart #5 represents a turning point for Smart. Since the brand’s relaunch in 2023, sales growth has been steady rather than spectacular, despite the introduction of the #1 and #3 electric models. With the arrival of the #5, Smart is clearly aiming higher. This mid-size electric SUV is the brand’s most ambitious car to date, combining bold design, premium quality, strong performance, and genuine family-friendly practicality.
Positioned as Smart’s flagship, the #5 blends Mercedes-Benz-inspired design with Geely engineering, a partnership that underpins the brand’s new-generation models. Crucially, the #5 has been developed from the outset as a global product rather than a China-first model adapted for Europe, giving it a more cohesive feel for UK buyers.
Design and Market Position
The Smart #5 adopts a boxy, upright SUV silhouette that immediately sets it apart from its smaller siblings. It looks more grown-up and purposeful, appealing directly to families and drivers looking to move away from compact crossovers. Its road presence is strong without being aggressive, striking a balance between modern EV styling and traditional SUV proportions.
In the UK market, the #5 competes 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 positioning the #5 as a premium yet distinctive alternative, with a strong emphasis on interior quality and technology.
Prices start at £39,800, keeping the entry-level model below the threshold for additional vehicle tax. Buyers can choose from five trim levels and four powertrain options, giving the range a breadth that previous Smart models lacked.
Powertrains, Range, and Performance
Each trim level of the Smart #5 is paired with a specific powertrain, simplifying the buying process. 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 respectable, with 0–62mph achieved in 6.9 seconds.
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 the same powertrain but adds more equipment and luxury features, starting at £47,300.
Above these sit the performance-focused versions. The Pulse model introduces dual motors and all-wheel drive, producing 588PS and offering a range of 335 miles. At the top of the line-up is the Brabus, priced at £51,800, with a staggering 646PS and the same 335-mile range.
In everyday driving, the rear-wheel-drive versions deliver their power smoothly and effectively, with minimal wheelspin and a progressive throttle response. Real-world efficiency during testing hovered below expectations in cold conditions, but around 3.0 miles per kWh appears achievable in normal use. That equates to roughly 225 miles of real-world range for the Pro and around 300 miles for the Pro+ and Premium.
The Brabus is a different proposition altogether. With 0–62mph in under four seconds, it is blisteringly fast for a family SUV. While the performance may be excessive for some, it adds a level of excitement rarely found in this segment.
Interior Quality and Technology
One of the Smart #5’s biggest strengths is its interior quality, which comfortably ranks among the best in its class. Materials, fit, and finish feel genuinely premium throughout, from the soft-touch plastics to the seat upholstery and trim details. Even lower dashboard and door panel areas receive soft materials, reinforcing the upmarket feel.
Smart offers a wide range of interior colour options, including blue and brown seat finishes alongside traditional black. Buyers can also choose wood trim in place of the standard silver décor, adding a more luxurious touch.
The centre console is thoughtfully designed, housing two wireless phone charging pads and a cooled storage compartment beneath the armrest. Infotainment is handled by a 13-inch central touchscreen running a new user interface that is a clear improvement over the systems used in the #1 and #3. Climate controls remain accessible via a dedicated strip, improving usability.
The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both wirelessly, and features an advanced AI-powered voice assistant capable of controlling most vehicle functions. Premium trim and above also gain a 20-speaker Sennheiser sound system with Dolby Atmos, delivering an impressive audio experience, plus a second touchscreen for the front passenger.
Space, Comfort, and Practicality
Comfort levels are high across the range. All models feature electrically adjustable front seats with memory and heating, and the driving position is flexible enough to suit both sporty and relaxed preferences. Rear-seat space is generous, even with front seats pushed fully back, and higher trims add heated rear seats and electrically adjustable backrests.
Boot capacity stands at 630 litres, exceeding that of the Skoda Enyaq but falling short of the Tesla Model Y’s class-leading figure. For most families, however, the space on offer will be more than adequate.
Safety and Driving Experience
Safety is comprehensive, with all Smart #5 models equipped with a full suite of driver assistance systems. These include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with lane-change assist, and multiple parking aids. The car has also achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating, reinforcing its family-friendly credentials.
On the road, the Smart #5 impresses with its ride comfort. In rear-wheel-drive versions, it absorbs bumps well, filters out road noise, and feels composed over poor surfaces. Steering is precise and engaging, while braking performance is solid. Drivers can tailor settings such as steering weight and throttle response to suit their preferences, adding to the car’s versatility.
Verdict
The Smart #5 is the most convincing car the brand has produced since its rebirth. It combines premium interior quality, strong performance, generous space, and modern technology in a package that feels genuinely competitive in the mid-size electric SUV segment. While pricing places it firmly in premium territory, the level of equipment and engineering on offer largely justifies the cost.
For buyers looking for an electric SUV that blends style, substance, and performance—and who want something a little different from the usual choices—the Smart #5 stands out as the brand’s best and most complete model yet.
