Latest news with #Smart#3
NZ Autocar
3 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Some EVs fall short on claimed range
An Australian motoring group, the AAA, has found that some EVs fall short of advertised range by almost one-quarter. However, others come close to lab test results in the real world. The Australian Automobile Association tested vehicles from Tesla, BYD, Kia and Smart in a bid to give consumers more accurate information on real-world range. The government-funded programme revealed that the true driving range of five popular electric vehicles is between five and 23 per cent lower than results from laboratory testing. Most though were under 10 per cent out. These are the first EVs the AAA has evaluated in its four-year, federally funded Real World Testing Programme. It is designed to give consumers more accurate information on real-world vehicle performance. The extended range variant of the BYD Atto3 had the largest variance, according to the AAA, with a real-world range of 369km. That was 23 per cent lower than the 480km achieved in laboratory testing. The Smart #3 had the lowest discrepancy, out by only five per cent. Tesla's Model 3 had a real-world range 14 per cent lower than suggested. Meantime, sibling Model Y and the Kia EV6 both had a real world range variance eight per cent below predicted. Despite the variations, both the AAA and electric vehicle industry representatives said the results should reduce range anxiety among consumers looking to buy an EV. The Electric Vehicle Council industry body's Aman Gaur said the AAA's results should 'give confidence that EVs have more than enough range for everyday' use. He added that the average person drives around 33km per day. This means that an EV with a range of 350km can be driven for more than 10 days before needing to be recharged. The results provide more reassurance than recent AAA tests on 114 petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles. Results showed that 77 per cent used more fuel than advertised. One in five also produced more emissions than lab tests suggested they should. The AAA's managing director, Michael Bradley, said that the Real World Testing Program had found consumers couldn't always rely on the laboratory tests as an indicator of real-world performance. 'As more EVs come on stream, our testing will help consumers understand which new market entrants measure up on battery range' he said. Vehicles involved complete a 93km circuit of urban, rural and highway roads around Geelong in Victoria, using protocols based on European regulations. For electric vehicles, the program also measures how much electricity is needed to operate the vehicle during the test. While the five EVs involved used more energy in real-world driving conditions than in the lab, that's not surprising. 'Given the unpredictable nature of driving, it's inherently challenging for manufacturers to provide real-world estimates.' A spokesperson from smart EVs said: 'To achieve such a low five per cent variation is, we consider, a testament to the leading battery and overall EV technology that underpins the smart brand.' 'We thank AAA for the work they undertook to give consumers a real-world view of the performance of EVs that, hopefully, further alleviates any residual range anxiety and helps to act as incentive to experience the future of urban motoring.'
Straits Times
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Car review: The Smart #3 – when playful meets polish
Refined: The Smart #3 is a more matured sibling of the #1 launched in 2024. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR SINGAPORE – Meet the Smart #3, the coupe-shaped electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) that is the sleeker and more grown-up sibling to the quirky-looking #1, which was launched here in 2024. Although Smart is a relatively new brand in Singapore, its city cars have been zipping around European city streets for nearly three decades. The brand has undergone significant transformation in the age of electrification, with its German owner, Mercedes-Benz, partnering China's Geely in 2019 to create a new range of stylish, upscale electric vehicles (EVs). This upmarket move is not unlike BMW's revival of the Mini brand 30 years ago. In Singapore, the #3 comes in two versions, the Pro+ – yes, it sounds like a gadget – and the Brabus, which is the sportier version and named after the famed German tuner known for souping up Mercedes-Benz cars. As the more grown-up sibling of the #1, where the quirky design was a big part of its charm, the #3 adopts a more refined and less attention-grabbing look. It has a sleek, sloping roofline and an elegant profile. The wheelbase is stretched by 35mm to 2,785mm, and the car is bigger overall, measuring 4,400mm, which is 130mm more than the #1. Call it growing up if you will, but in doing so, the coupe SUV misses the playful standout factor that made the #1 so memorable. This is significant because the size and form of the #3 put the car up against a long list of electric SUVs on sale today. The cabin is mostly similar to the #1 Brabus'. The seats seem to be set slightly lower and the driving position is more reclined. The Brabus touches include red seatbelts, a suede-like steering wheel rim and microfibre on the sports seats. The touchscreen infotainment system is easy enough to use, and it needs to be because there are very few physical switches. Screen-dependent: The touchscreen infotainment system handles the majority of functions. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR The presentation on the screen is funky. The home screen looks like a piece of graffiti with an animated fox (or leopard) waiting for instructions, just like Mini has its animated dog. If that is too chaotic, swiping right will display a more traditional tile layout. There is a row of touch-sensitive buttons below the screen that offers quick access to functions such as drive modes, but no volume control knob. The volume can be adjusted only with the buttons on the steering wheel or the screen. At 370 litres, the boot space of the #3 is similar to that of the Mercedes-Benz A-class. So, it is probably sufficient for most drivers, even if it is not particularly generous. Sufficient capacity: The #3's boot has a capacity of 370 litres. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR The #3 Brabus is as quick as a road car needs to be. The claimed 0-100kmh timing of 3.7 seconds beats the 530hp BMW M2 CS by 0.1 of a second. The acceleration is explosive with sharp, confidence-inspiring handling to match. It also seems more stable than the #1 Brabus, which may be down to the lower ride height and longer wheelbase. As with many EVs, the #3 Brabus will slow down markedly when the accelerator is lifted to recapture energy and charge its batteries. There is also a one-pedal driving mode, which will bring the car to a complete halt without needing the brake pedal. After covering nearly 200km, the test car posts an average energy consumption of 16.2kWh/100km, which is better than claimed. This suggests that a full charge should give an operating range of 400km or so. Rationally, the #3 Brabus is more practical and it is a polished upgrade of the #1 Brabus. Want to be even more sensible? Go for the #3 Pro+ and save yourself $35,000. But if fun is the top priority and you want to wear a silly grin on every drive, the #1 Brabus still has the edge. Smart #3 Brabus Price: $325,888 with COE after rebates and before applicable discounts Motors: Two permanent magnet synchronous with 66kWh NCM battery Transmission: Single-speed, all-wheel drive Power: 315kW Torque: 543Nm 0-100kmh: 3.7 seconds Top speed: 180kmh Power consumption: 17.6kWh/100km Charging capacity: 22kW AC; 150kW DC Agent: Cycle & Carriage Rating: ★★★☆☆ Comparable considerations Mini JCW Countryman All4 ($311,888 with COE) As Mini's hottest petrol SUV, the JCW Countryman is bigger and more practical than the Smart. Its 292hp, 2-litre turbocharged engine does 0-100kmh in 5.4 seconds, which is no match for the Smart. The electric non-JCW version of the car goes for $266,888 with COE. Cupra Tavascan VZ ($316,900 with COE before discount) Larger and more practical than the #3 Brabus but no less stylish, the hot Tavascan is an entertaining drive even though its 250kW output pales in comparison to the #3 Brabus, with a 0-100kmh timing of 5.6 seconds. Zeekr X Flagship ($224,999 before discount) Slightly smaller than the #3 Brabus but just as powerful is the Zeekr X Flagship. With Zeekr being also Geely-owned, the X's underpinnings are closely related to those of the Smarts. Against the stopwatch, the 315kW X gets from 0-100kmh in 3.8 seconds, 0.1 of a second shy of the Smart #3. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Advertiser
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2025 Smart #5 review: Quick drive
Once upon a time, Smart was a brand that specialised in small city cars, but modern legislation and market forces have coaxed the company into a change of tack. Not only are the existing Smart #1 and Smart #3 compact electric SUVs much more family-sized than many of the products Smart has previously built, but the new 2025 Smart #5 really is a big electric SUV. Although it looks smaller than most, it's much the same size as the Volkswagen ID.4, and it's every bit as spacious inside, so it's very different from the cars Smart was previously known for. The question is whether the new-look brand can capture buyers' imaginations in the same way, and whether the #5 is capable of mixing it with the more established products it wishes to challenge. To find out, we headed to Portugal for the global launch of the #5, where we tested a European-specification car in top-of-the-range, high-performance Brabus form. Sportier styling and higher power output aside, it's little different from other variants in the range, and gave us a good opportunity to try out all the #5 has to offer in every situation, from country roads and urban streets to gravel tracks and highways, before the model's Australian release. Smart is yet to confirm pricing for the #5 in Australia, but we're expecting the mid-size electric SUV to start somewhere around the $70,000 mark, or just above the smaller #3. We're also expecting a pretty generous standard specification, with 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic roof and parking sensors at the front and rear all expected to feature. That's all going to sit alongside a massive 13-inch infotainment touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster and dual-zone climate control, as well as wireless phone charging, synthetic leather upholstery and over-the-air software updates. Smart's new look is modern and clean, and that's as true of the #5's interior as it is of the exterior styling. So, you'll find neat, rounded shapes and a relatively button-free dashboard, with a simple three-spoke steering wheel and most of the controls living on the touchscreen. And it's a sizeable touchscreen, measuring 13 inches diagonally, complete with the latest software and a quick processor, as well as Smart's latest-generation voice assistant, which takes the form of a lion avatar that prowls the menus. In truth, some of that stuff is a bit gimmicky, despite the cleverness of the technology, and the lion thing is a little distracting if we're honest. But it isn't as distracting as the passenger display that's fitted to some of the more upmarket grades as standard in Europe, including the range-topping Brabus cars. Whereas some brands put a kind of polarising film on their passenger displays, preventing the driver from seeing what's there, there's no such protection on the Smart's system, leaving the driver with every chance of rubbernecking at whatever film or game the passenger is playing. It's a nice idea, then, but it feels as though it needs a little refinement. In fairness, though, Smart says the technology isn't entirely complete and will be updated ahead of the car's market introduction later this year. And while we can find faults with the two main touchscreens, the responses are sharp, and even the touchscreen climate control system isn't too difficult to adjust. On top of all that, we've nothing but praise for the head-up display and the digital instrument cluster. We're impressed with the cabin quality, too, which is every bit as good as we've seen in the #1 and #3 models. Most of the materials, with only a couple of exceptions, are remarkably good, including the seat upholstery and most of the plastics. Combined with the airiness provided by the glass roof, it makes the #5's cabin feel decidedly upmarket. But the overwhelming sense is one of space. The room inside the #5 is staggeringly good, with huge amounts of rear legroom and headroom, as well as plenty of space for those in the front. It's only a five-seater, which might disappoint some, but those five people will have plenty of room. Even the middle seat in the second row is reasonably comfortable. Luggage capacity is pretty good, too, with a 630-litre boot in all versions of the #5. That means it's considerably more spacious than the boot in a VW ID.4, and that space is joined by a 'frunk' under the bonnet. Exactly how big that frunk is will depend on which version you choose – the all-wheel drive cars get less space than the rear-wheel drive cars, but Smart reckons the standard rear-drive variant's frunk is big enough for the kind of carry-on suitcase you see airline passengers using every day. We suspect it'll probably be used for cable storage by most, but it'll offer useful carrying capacity nonetheless. Full specifications have not yet been confirmed for the Australian market, but in Europe the #5 will be offered with a choice of two different batteries. There's a base grade with a 74kWh unit that may or may not come to Australia, but we're pretty confident the variants with the larger 100kWh battery will arrive on these shores. They're offered with a choice of either single-motor rear-wheel drive, or twin-motor all-wheel drive powertrains, each with varying power outputs. The pinnacle of the lineup is the Brabus, with a generous 475kW from its two motors, but there will be a choice of less powerful options, too. In Europe, for example, the basic RWD version delivers 250kW, while there are also 267kW single-motor and 432kW dual-motor options below the Brabus. In terms of efficiency, the single-motor models offer the best range, with even the smallest battery providing more than 400km of range according to the WLTP economy test. And the dual-motor systems allow the front motor to be detached from the powertrain when it isn't needed, reducing mechanical drag and thereby making it as efficient as possible. Even the Brabus will do more than 500km on a charge, with the 100kWh rear-motor option managing 589km between trips to the plug. Although it's big and heavy – the Brabus version weighs roughly the same as a Bentley Flying Spur V8– the #5 is a remarkably comfortable thing. Smart has clearly designed the #5 with ride comfort in mind, and it absorbs bumps with surprising ease, even on massive 21-inch alloy wheels. Admittedly, such large rims and such a bulky kerb weight mean the odd sharper imperfection in the surface will make itself known, but it's generally very good indeed. And while that kind of comfort would cause some cars to feel a bit soft and vague in the corners, the Smart handles pretty well. The steering's weight is good, and even though it feels a little artificial, it's easy to put the #5 exactly where you want it. And that's useful when the car feels every bit as big as its dimensions suggest when you're on the road. Unfortunately, there is a bit of lean in the corners, which in a mid-range model would be forgivable given the comfort credentials, but feels a little disappointing in the Brabus. We're told the suspension settings are identical to other all-wheel drive #5 variants though, so it looks promising for the more popular mid-range grades. Clearly, those versions will not be as fast as the Brabus, which has a frankly obscene amount of power for something of this size. Yes, the car is heavy, but 475kW is unnecessary in something like this. Happily, the AWD powertrain is just about capable of dealing with that kind of power, and it enables stomach-churning standing-start acceleration that sees the car hit 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Nobody needs to go that quickly, but even the base model, with 250kW and just the one electric motor, still gets to 100km/h in less than seven seconds. With the instant response of an electric powertrain, the car will be more than punchy enough no matter which version you choose. It'll be quiet, too, with acoustically insulated glass that's strikingly thick when you see its cross-section, meaning limited noise from the tyres or the wind. While it may not be quite as refined as some Mercedes-Benz luxury products, it's definitely quiet enough to live up to its semi-premium billing. Smart Australia is yet to confirm which versions of the #5 will come Down Under, but we know the Europe-bound cars get a generous specification and a wide range of different trim levels. 2025 Smart #5 equipment highlights: For Australia, we're expecting a slightly thinned-out lineup, perhaps with three or four different versions. The new #5 is yet to be crash tested either in Australia or in Europe, but Smart's record so far is good. Both the #1 and #3 received five-star ratings when they were put through their paces by ANCAP, and Smart has kitted the new car out with plenty of standard safety equipment. Better still, the company has included a system that allows drivers to choose their preferences for the driver assistance technology, which can be something of an irritant in certain situations. With Smart's touchscreen, however, those preferences can be saved, allowing faster access to drivers' preferred settings. Safety equipment includes: Every Smart currently sold in Australia comes with a five-year, 150,000km warranty, and we're expecting the #5 to be no exception. As with all electric vehicle, low running costs are one of the #5's big selling points, and there's no doubt it'll be considerably less expensive to operate than a similarly powerful petrol car. But alongside other EVs, it won't prove quite so cheap. The battery is much larger than that of, say, an ID.4, so it'll be more expensive to charge, and it won't go any further on a charge. The difference won't be huge, but other electric SUVs will – at least in theory – be slightly cheaper to run. The #5 may not be anything like Smarts of old, but that's no bad thing. A competent, likeable and comfortable electric SUV, it's a worthy rival to the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4 and Nissan Ariya, and it's only a few ergonomic shortcomings away from beating them. Perhaps it isn't the most efficient thing on the road, but its fast-charging capabilities and its pleasant road manners more than make up for Everything Smart Content originally sourced from: Once upon a time, Smart was a brand that specialised in small city cars, but modern legislation and market forces have coaxed the company into a change of tack. Not only are the existing Smart #1 and Smart #3 compact electric SUVs much more family-sized than many of the products Smart has previously built, but the new 2025 Smart #5 really is a big electric SUV. Although it looks smaller than most, it's much the same size as the Volkswagen ID.4, and it's every bit as spacious inside, so it's very different from the cars Smart was previously known for. The question is whether the new-look brand can capture buyers' imaginations in the same way, and whether the #5 is capable of mixing it with the more established products it wishes to challenge. To find out, we headed to Portugal for the global launch of the #5, where we tested a European-specification car in top-of-the-range, high-performance Brabus form. Sportier styling and higher power output aside, it's little different from other variants in the range, and gave us a good opportunity to try out all the #5 has to offer in every situation, from country roads and urban streets to gravel tracks and highways, before the model's Australian release. Smart is yet to confirm pricing for the #5 in Australia, but we're expecting the mid-size electric SUV to start somewhere around the $70,000 mark, or just above the smaller #3. We're also expecting a pretty generous standard specification, with 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic roof and parking sensors at the front and rear all expected to feature. That's all going to sit alongside a massive 13-inch infotainment touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster and dual-zone climate control, as well as wireless phone charging, synthetic leather upholstery and over-the-air software updates. Smart's new look is modern and clean, and that's as true of the #5's interior as it is of the exterior styling. So, you'll find neat, rounded shapes and a relatively button-free dashboard, with a simple three-spoke steering wheel and most of the controls living on the touchscreen. And it's a sizeable touchscreen, measuring 13 inches diagonally, complete with the latest software and a quick processor, as well as Smart's latest-generation voice assistant, which takes the form of a lion avatar that prowls the menus. In truth, some of that stuff is a bit gimmicky, despite the cleverness of the technology, and the lion thing is a little distracting if we're honest. But it isn't as distracting as the passenger display that's fitted to some of the more upmarket grades as standard in Europe, including the range-topping Brabus cars. Whereas some brands put a kind of polarising film on their passenger displays, preventing the driver from seeing what's there, there's no such protection on the Smart's system, leaving the driver with every chance of rubbernecking at whatever film or game the passenger is playing. It's a nice idea, then, but it feels as though it needs a little refinement. In fairness, though, Smart says the technology isn't entirely complete and will be updated ahead of the car's market introduction later this year. And while we can find faults with the two main touchscreens, the responses are sharp, and even the touchscreen climate control system isn't too difficult to adjust. On top of all that, we've nothing but praise for the head-up display and the digital instrument cluster. We're impressed with the cabin quality, too, which is every bit as good as we've seen in the #1 and #3 models. Most of the materials, with only a couple of exceptions, are remarkably good, including the seat upholstery and most of the plastics. Combined with the airiness provided by the glass roof, it makes the #5's cabin feel decidedly upmarket. But the overwhelming sense is one of space. The room inside the #5 is staggeringly good, with huge amounts of rear legroom and headroom, as well as plenty of space for those in the front. It's only a five-seater, which might disappoint some, but those five people will have plenty of room. Even the middle seat in the second row is reasonably comfortable. Luggage capacity is pretty good, too, with a 630-litre boot in all versions of the #5. That means it's considerably more spacious than the boot in a VW ID.4, and that space is joined by a 'frunk' under the bonnet. Exactly how big that frunk is will depend on which version you choose – the all-wheel drive cars get less space than the rear-wheel drive cars, but Smart reckons the standard rear-drive variant's frunk is big enough for the kind of carry-on suitcase you see airline passengers using every day. We suspect it'll probably be used for cable storage by most, but it'll offer useful carrying capacity nonetheless. Full specifications have not yet been confirmed for the Australian market, but in Europe the #5 will be offered with a choice of two different batteries. There's a base grade with a 74kWh unit that may or may not come to Australia, but we're pretty confident the variants with the larger 100kWh battery will arrive on these shores. They're offered with a choice of either single-motor rear-wheel drive, or twin-motor all-wheel drive powertrains, each with varying power outputs. The pinnacle of the lineup is the Brabus, with a generous 475kW from its two motors, but there will be a choice of less powerful options, too. In Europe, for example, the basic RWD version delivers 250kW, while there are also 267kW single-motor and 432kW dual-motor options below the Brabus. In terms of efficiency, the single-motor models offer the best range, with even the smallest battery providing more than 400km of range according to the WLTP economy test. And the dual-motor systems allow the front motor to be detached from the powertrain when it isn't needed, reducing mechanical drag and thereby making it as efficient as possible. Even the Brabus will do more than 500km on a charge, with the 100kWh rear-motor option managing 589km between trips to the plug. Although it's big and heavy – the Brabus version weighs roughly the same as a Bentley Flying Spur V8– the #5 is a remarkably comfortable thing. Smart has clearly designed the #5 with ride comfort in mind, and it absorbs bumps with surprising ease, even on massive 21-inch alloy wheels. Admittedly, such large rims and such a bulky kerb weight mean the odd sharper imperfection in the surface will make itself known, but it's generally very good indeed. And while that kind of comfort would cause some cars to feel a bit soft and vague in the corners, the Smart handles pretty well. The steering's weight is good, and even though it feels a little artificial, it's easy to put the #5 exactly where you want it. And that's useful when the car feels every bit as big as its dimensions suggest when you're on the road. Unfortunately, there is a bit of lean in the corners, which in a mid-range model would be forgivable given the comfort credentials, but feels a little disappointing in the Brabus. We're told the suspension settings are identical to other all-wheel drive #5 variants though, so it looks promising for the more popular mid-range grades. Clearly, those versions will not be as fast as the Brabus, which has a frankly obscene amount of power for something of this size. Yes, the car is heavy, but 475kW is unnecessary in something like this. Happily, the AWD powertrain is just about capable of dealing with that kind of power, and it enables stomach-churning standing-start acceleration that sees the car hit 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Nobody needs to go that quickly, but even the base model, with 250kW and just the one electric motor, still gets to 100km/h in less than seven seconds. With the instant response of an electric powertrain, the car will be more than punchy enough no matter which version you choose. It'll be quiet, too, with acoustically insulated glass that's strikingly thick when you see its cross-section, meaning limited noise from the tyres or the wind. While it may not be quite as refined as some Mercedes-Benz luxury products, it's definitely quiet enough to live up to its semi-premium billing. Smart Australia is yet to confirm which versions of the #5 will come Down Under, but we know the Europe-bound cars get a generous specification and a wide range of different trim levels. 2025 Smart #5 equipment highlights: For Australia, we're expecting a slightly thinned-out lineup, perhaps with three or four different versions. The new #5 is yet to be crash tested either in Australia or in Europe, but Smart's record so far is good. Both the #1 and #3 received five-star ratings when they were put through their paces by ANCAP, and Smart has kitted the new car out with plenty of standard safety equipment. Better still, the company has included a system that allows drivers to choose their preferences for the driver assistance technology, which can be something of an irritant in certain situations. With Smart's touchscreen, however, those preferences can be saved, allowing faster access to drivers' preferred settings. Safety equipment includes: Every Smart currently sold in Australia comes with a five-year, 150,000km warranty, and we're expecting the #5 to be no exception. As with all electric vehicle, low running costs are one of the #5's big selling points, and there's no doubt it'll be considerably less expensive to operate than a similarly powerful petrol car. But alongside other EVs, it won't prove quite so cheap. The battery is much larger than that of, say, an ID.4, so it'll be more expensive to charge, and it won't go any further on a charge. The difference won't be huge, but other electric SUVs will – at least in theory – be slightly cheaper to run. The #5 may not be anything like Smarts of old, but that's no bad thing. A competent, likeable and comfortable electric SUV, it's a worthy rival to the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4 and Nissan Ariya, and it's only a few ergonomic shortcomings away from beating them. Perhaps it isn't the most efficient thing on the road, but its fast-charging capabilities and its pleasant road manners more than make up for Everything Smart Content originally sourced from: Once upon a time, Smart was a brand that specialised in small city cars, but modern legislation and market forces have coaxed the company into a change of tack. Not only are the existing Smart #1 and Smart #3 compact electric SUVs much more family-sized than many of the products Smart has previously built, but the new 2025 Smart #5 really is a big electric SUV. Although it looks smaller than most, it's much the same size as the Volkswagen ID.4, and it's every bit as spacious inside, so it's very different from the cars Smart was previously known for. The question is whether the new-look brand can capture buyers' imaginations in the same way, and whether the #5 is capable of mixing it with the more established products it wishes to challenge. To find out, we headed to Portugal for the global launch of the #5, where we tested a European-specification car in top-of-the-range, high-performance Brabus form. Sportier styling and higher power output aside, it's little different from other variants in the range, and gave us a good opportunity to try out all the #5 has to offer in every situation, from country roads and urban streets to gravel tracks and highways, before the model's Australian release. Smart is yet to confirm pricing for the #5 in Australia, but we're expecting the mid-size electric SUV to start somewhere around the $70,000 mark, or just above the smaller #3. We're also expecting a pretty generous standard specification, with 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic roof and parking sensors at the front and rear all expected to feature. That's all going to sit alongside a massive 13-inch infotainment touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster and dual-zone climate control, as well as wireless phone charging, synthetic leather upholstery and over-the-air software updates. Smart's new look is modern and clean, and that's as true of the #5's interior as it is of the exterior styling. So, you'll find neat, rounded shapes and a relatively button-free dashboard, with a simple three-spoke steering wheel and most of the controls living on the touchscreen. And it's a sizeable touchscreen, measuring 13 inches diagonally, complete with the latest software and a quick processor, as well as Smart's latest-generation voice assistant, which takes the form of a lion avatar that prowls the menus. In truth, some of that stuff is a bit gimmicky, despite the cleverness of the technology, and the lion thing is a little distracting if we're honest. But it isn't as distracting as the passenger display that's fitted to some of the more upmarket grades as standard in Europe, including the range-topping Brabus cars. Whereas some brands put a kind of polarising film on their passenger displays, preventing the driver from seeing what's there, there's no such protection on the Smart's system, leaving the driver with every chance of rubbernecking at whatever film or game the passenger is playing. It's a nice idea, then, but it feels as though it needs a little refinement. In fairness, though, Smart says the technology isn't entirely complete and will be updated ahead of the car's market introduction later this year. And while we can find faults with the two main touchscreens, the responses are sharp, and even the touchscreen climate control system isn't too difficult to adjust. On top of all that, we've nothing but praise for the head-up display and the digital instrument cluster. We're impressed with the cabin quality, too, which is every bit as good as we've seen in the #1 and #3 models. Most of the materials, with only a couple of exceptions, are remarkably good, including the seat upholstery and most of the plastics. Combined with the airiness provided by the glass roof, it makes the #5's cabin feel decidedly upmarket. But the overwhelming sense is one of space. The room inside the #5 is staggeringly good, with huge amounts of rear legroom and headroom, as well as plenty of space for those in the front. It's only a five-seater, which might disappoint some, but those five people will have plenty of room. Even the middle seat in the second row is reasonably comfortable. Luggage capacity is pretty good, too, with a 630-litre boot in all versions of the #5. That means it's considerably more spacious than the boot in a VW ID.4, and that space is joined by a 'frunk' under the bonnet. Exactly how big that frunk is will depend on which version you choose – the all-wheel drive cars get less space than the rear-wheel drive cars, but Smart reckons the standard rear-drive variant's frunk is big enough for the kind of carry-on suitcase you see airline passengers using every day. We suspect it'll probably be used for cable storage by most, but it'll offer useful carrying capacity nonetheless. Full specifications have not yet been confirmed for the Australian market, but in Europe the #5 will be offered with a choice of two different batteries. There's a base grade with a 74kWh unit that may or may not come to Australia, but we're pretty confident the variants with the larger 100kWh battery will arrive on these shores. They're offered with a choice of either single-motor rear-wheel drive, or twin-motor all-wheel drive powertrains, each with varying power outputs. The pinnacle of the lineup is the Brabus, with a generous 475kW from its two motors, but there will be a choice of less powerful options, too. In Europe, for example, the basic RWD version delivers 250kW, while there are also 267kW single-motor and 432kW dual-motor options below the Brabus. In terms of efficiency, the single-motor models offer the best range, with even the smallest battery providing more than 400km of range according to the WLTP economy test. And the dual-motor systems allow the front motor to be detached from the powertrain when it isn't needed, reducing mechanical drag and thereby making it as efficient as possible. Even the Brabus will do more than 500km on a charge, with the 100kWh rear-motor option managing 589km between trips to the plug. Although it's big and heavy – the Brabus version weighs roughly the same as a Bentley Flying Spur V8– the #5 is a remarkably comfortable thing. Smart has clearly designed the #5 with ride comfort in mind, and it absorbs bumps with surprising ease, even on massive 21-inch alloy wheels. Admittedly, such large rims and such a bulky kerb weight mean the odd sharper imperfection in the surface will make itself known, but it's generally very good indeed. And while that kind of comfort would cause some cars to feel a bit soft and vague in the corners, the Smart handles pretty well. The steering's weight is good, and even though it feels a little artificial, it's easy to put the #5 exactly where you want it. And that's useful when the car feels every bit as big as its dimensions suggest when you're on the road. Unfortunately, there is a bit of lean in the corners, which in a mid-range model would be forgivable given the comfort credentials, but feels a little disappointing in the Brabus. We're told the suspension settings are identical to other all-wheel drive #5 variants though, so it looks promising for the more popular mid-range grades. Clearly, those versions will not be as fast as the Brabus, which has a frankly obscene amount of power for something of this size. Yes, the car is heavy, but 475kW is unnecessary in something like this. Happily, the AWD powertrain is just about capable of dealing with that kind of power, and it enables stomach-churning standing-start acceleration that sees the car hit 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Nobody needs to go that quickly, but even the base model, with 250kW and just the one electric motor, still gets to 100km/h in less than seven seconds. With the instant response of an electric powertrain, the car will be more than punchy enough no matter which version you choose. It'll be quiet, too, with acoustically insulated glass that's strikingly thick when you see its cross-section, meaning limited noise from the tyres or the wind. While it may not be quite as refined as some Mercedes-Benz luxury products, it's definitely quiet enough to live up to its semi-premium billing. Smart Australia is yet to confirm which versions of the #5 will come Down Under, but we know the Europe-bound cars get a generous specification and a wide range of different trim levels. 2025 Smart #5 equipment highlights: For Australia, we're expecting a slightly thinned-out lineup, perhaps with three or four different versions. The new #5 is yet to be crash tested either in Australia or in Europe, but Smart's record so far is good. Both the #1 and #3 received five-star ratings when they were put through their paces by ANCAP, and Smart has kitted the new car out with plenty of standard safety equipment. Better still, the company has included a system that allows drivers to choose their preferences for the driver assistance technology, which can be something of an irritant in certain situations. With Smart's touchscreen, however, those preferences can be saved, allowing faster access to drivers' preferred settings. Safety equipment includes: Every Smart currently sold in Australia comes with a five-year, 150,000km warranty, and we're expecting the #5 to be no exception. As with all electric vehicle, low running costs are one of the #5's big selling points, and there's no doubt it'll be considerably less expensive to operate than a similarly powerful petrol car. But alongside other EVs, it won't prove quite so cheap. The battery is much larger than that of, say, an ID.4, so it'll be more expensive to charge, and it won't go any further on a charge. The difference won't be huge, but other electric SUVs will – at least in theory – be slightly cheaper to run. The #5 may not be anything like Smarts of old, but that's no bad thing. A competent, likeable and comfortable electric SUV, it's a worthy rival to the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4 and Nissan Ariya, and it's only a few ergonomic shortcomings away from beating them. Perhaps it isn't the most efficient thing on the road, but its fast-charging capabilities and its pleasant road manners more than make up for Everything Smart Content originally sourced from: Once upon a time, Smart was a brand that specialised in small city cars, but modern legislation and market forces have coaxed the company into a change of tack. Not only are the existing Smart #1 and Smart #3 compact electric SUVs much more family-sized than many of the products Smart has previously built, but the new 2025 Smart #5 really is a big electric SUV. Although it looks smaller than most, it's much the same size as the Volkswagen ID.4, and it's every bit as spacious inside, so it's very different from the cars Smart was previously known for. The question is whether the new-look brand can capture buyers' imaginations in the same way, and whether the #5 is capable of mixing it with the more established products it wishes to challenge. To find out, we headed to Portugal for the global launch of the #5, where we tested a European-specification car in top-of-the-range, high-performance Brabus form. Sportier styling and higher power output aside, it's little different from other variants in the range, and gave us a good opportunity to try out all the #5 has to offer in every situation, from country roads and urban streets to gravel tracks and highways, before the model's Australian release. Smart is yet to confirm pricing for the #5 in Australia, but we're expecting the mid-size electric SUV to start somewhere around the $70,000 mark, or just above the smaller #3. We're also expecting a pretty generous standard specification, with 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic roof and parking sensors at the front and rear all expected to feature. That's all going to sit alongside a massive 13-inch infotainment touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster and dual-zone climate control, as well as wireless phone charging, synthetic leather upholstery and over-the-air software updates. Smart's new look is modern and clean, and that's as true of the #5's interior as it is of the exterior styling. So, you'll find neat, rounded shapes and a relatively button-free dashboard, with a simple three-spoke steering wheel and most of the controls living on the touchscreen. And it's a sizeable touchscreen, measuring 13 inches diagonally, complete with the latest software and a quick processor, as well as Smart's latest-generation voice assistant, which takes the form of a lion avatar that prowls the menus. In truth, some of that stuff is a bit gimmicky, despite the cleverness of the technology, and the lion thing is a little distracting if we're honest. But it isn't as distracting as the passenger display that's fitted to some of the more upmarket grades as standard in Europe, including the range-topping Brabus cars. Whereas some brands put a kind of polarising film on their passenger displays, preventing the driver from seeing what's there, there's no such protection on the Smart's system, leaving the driver with every chance of rubbernecking at whatever film or game the passenger is playing. It's a nice idea, then, but it feels as though it needs a little refinement. In fairness, though, Smart says the technology isn't entirely complete and will be updated ahead of the car's market introduction later this year. And while we can find faults with the two main touchscreens, the responses are sharp, and even the touchscreen climate control system isn't too difficult to adjust. On top of all that, we've nothing but praise for the head-up display and the digital instrument cluster. We're impressed with the cabin quality, too, which is every bit as good as we've seen in the #1 and #3 models. Most of the materials, with only a couple of exceptions, are remarkably good, including the seat upholstery and most of the plastics. Combined with the airiness provided by the glass roof, it makes the #5's cabin feel decidedly upmarket. But the overwhelming sense is one of space. The room inside the #5 is staggeringly good, with huge amounts of rear legroom and headroom, as well as plenty of space for those in the front. It's only a five-seater, which might disappoint some, but those five people will have plenty of room. Even the middle seat in the second row is reasonably comfortable. Luggage capacity is pretty good, too, with a 630-litre boot in all versions of the #5. That means it's considerably more spacious than the boot in a VW ID.4, and that space is joined by a 'frunk' under the bonnet. Exactly how big that frunk is will depend on which version you choose – the all-wheel drive cars get less space than the rear-wheel drive cars, but Smart reckons the standard rear-drive variant's frunk is big enough for the kind of carry-on suitcase you see airline passengers using every day. We suspect it'll probably be used for cable storage by most, but it'll offer useful carrying capacity nonetheless. Full specifications have not yet been confirmed for the Australian market, but in Europe the #5 will be offered with a choice of two different batteries. There's a base grade with a 74kWh unit that may or may not come to Australia, but we're pretty confident the variants with the larger 100kWh battery will arrive on these shores. They're offered with a choice of either single-motor rear-wheel drive, or twin-motor all-wheel drive powertrains, each with varying power outputs. The pinnacle of the lineup is the Brabus, with a generous 475kW from its two motors, but there will be a choice of less powerful options, too. In Europe, for example, the basic RWD version delivers 250kW, while there are also 267kW single-motor and 432kW dual-motor options below the Brabus. In terms of efficiency, the single-motor models offer the best range, with even the smallest battery providing more than 400km of range according to the WLTP economy test. And the dual-motor systems allow the front motor to be detached from the powertrain when it isn't needed, reducing mechanical drag and thereby making it as efficient as possible. Even the Brabus will do more than 500km on a charge, with the 100kWh rear-motor option managing 589km between trips to the plug. Although it's big and heavy – the Brabus version weighs roughly the same as a Bentley Flying Spur V8– the #5 is a remarkably comfortable thing. Smart has clearly designed the #5 with ride comfort in mind, and it absorbs bumps with surprising ease, even on massive 21-inch alloy wheels. Admittedly, such large rims and such a bulky kerb weight mean the odd sharper imperfection in the surface will make itself known, but it's generally very good indeed. And while that kind of comfort would cause some cars to feel a bit soft and vague in the corners, the Smart handles pretty well. The steering's weight is good, and even though it feels a little artificial, it's easy to put the #5 exactly where you want it. And that's useful when the car feels every bit as big as its dimensions suggest when you're on the road. Unfortunately, there is a bit of lean in the corners, which in a mid-range model would be forgivable given the comfort credentials, but feels a little disappointing in the Brabus. We're told the suspension settings are identical to other all-wheel drive #5 variants though, so it looks promising for the more popular mid-range grades. Clearly, those versions will not be as fast as the Brabus, which has a frankly obscene amount of power for something of this size. Yes, the car is heavy, but 475kW is unnecessary in something like this. Happily, the AWD powertrain is just about capable of dealing with that kind of power, and it enables stomach-churning standing-start acceleration that sees the car hit 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Nobody needs to go that quickly, but even the base model, with 250kW and just the one electric motor, still gets to 100km/h in less than seven seconds. With the instant response of an electric powertrain, the car will be more than punchy enough no matter which version you choose. It'll be quiet, too, with acoustically insulated glass that's strikingly thick when you see its cross-section, meaning limited noise from the tyres or the wind. While it may not be quite as refined as some Mercedes-Benz luxury products, it's definitely quiet enough to live up to its semi-premium billing. Smart Australia is yet to confirm which versions of the #5 will come Down Under, but we know the Europe-bound cars get a generous specification and a wide range of different trim levels. 2025 Smart #5 equipment highlights: For Australia, we're expecting a slightly thinned-out lineup, perhaps with three or four different versions. The new #5 is yet to be crash tested either in Australia or in Europe, but Smart's record so far is good. Both the #1 and #3 received five-star ratings when they were put through their paces by ANCAP, and Smart has kitted the new car out with plenty of standard safety equipment. Better still, the company has included a system that allows drivers to choose their preferences for the driver assistance technology, which can be something of an irritant in certain situations. With Smart's touchscreen, however, those preferences can be saved, allowing faster access to drivers' preferred settings. Safety equipment includes: Every Smart currently sold in Australia comes with a five-year, 150,000km warranty, and we're expecting the #5 to be no exception. As with all electric vehicle, low running costs are one of the #5's big selling points, and there's no doubt it'll be considerably less expensive to operate than a similarly powerful petrol car. But alongside other EVs, it won't prove quite so cheap. The battery is much larger than that of, say, an ID.4, so it'll be more expensive to charge, and it won't go any further on a charge. The difference won't be huge, but other electric SUVs will – at least in theory – be slightly cheaper to run. The #5 may not be anything like Smarts of old, but that's no bad thing. A competent, likeable and comfortable electric SUV, it's a worthy rival to the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4 and Nissan Ariya, and it's only a few ergonomic shortcomings away from beating them. Perhaps it isn't the most efficient thing on the road, but its fast-charging capabilities and its pleasant road manners more than make up for Everything Smart Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
2025 Smart #5 review: Quick drive
Once upon a time, Smart was a brand that specialised in small city cars, but modern legislation and market forces have coaxed the company into a change of tack. 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Not only are the existing Smart #1 and Smart #3 compact electric SUVs much more family-sized than many of the products Smart has previously built, but the new 2025 Smart #5 really is a big electric SUV. Although it looks smaller than most, it's much the same size as the Volkswagen ID.4, and it's every bit as spacious inside, so it's very different from the cars Smart was previously known for. The question is whether the new-look brand can capture buyers' imaginations in the same way, and whether the #5 is capable of mixing it with the more established products it wishes to challenge. To find out, we headed to Portugal for the global launch of the #5, where we tested a European-specification car in top-of-the-range, high-performance Brabus form. Sportier styling and higher power output aside, it's little different from other variants in the range, and gave us a good opportunity to try out all the #5 has to offer in every situation, from country roads and urban streets to gravel tracks and highways, before the model's Australian release. Smart is yet to confirm pricing for the #5 in Australia, but we're expecting the mid-size electric SUV to start somewhere around the $70,000 mark, or just above the smaller #3. 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert We're also expecting a pretty generous standard specification, with 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic roof and parking sensors at the front and rear all expected to feature. That's all going to sit alongside a massive 13-inch infotainment touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster and dual-zone climate control, as well as wireless phone charging, synthetic leather upholstery and over-the-air software updates. Smart's new look is modern and clean, and that's as true of the #5's interior as it is of the exterior styling. 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert So, you'll find neat, rounded shapes and a relatively button-free dashboard, with a simple three-spoke steering wheel and most of the controls living on the touchscreen. And it's a sizeable touchscreen, measuring 13 inches diagonally, complete with the latest software and a quick processor, as well as Smart's latest-generation voice assistant, which takes the form of a lion avatar that prowls the menus. In truth, some of that stuff is a bit gimmicky, despite the cleverness of the technology, and the lion thing is a little distracting if we're honest. But it isn't as distracting as the passenger display that's fitted to some of the more upmarket grades as standard in Europe, including the range-topping Brabus cars. 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Whereas some brands put a kind of polarising film on their passenger displays, preventing the driver from seeing what's there, there's no such protection on the Smart's system, leaving the driver with every chance of rubbernecking at whatever film or game the passenger is playing. It's a nice idea, then, but it feels as though it needs a little refinement. In fairness, though, Smart says the technology isn't entirely complete and will be updated ahead of the car's market introduction later this year. And while we can find faults with the two main touchscreens, the responses are sharp, and even the touchscreen climate control system isn't too difficult to adjust. On top of all that, we've nothing but praise for the head-up display and the digital instrument cluster. 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert We're impressed with the cabin quality, too, which is every bit as good as we've seen in the #1 and #3 models. Most of the materials, with only a couple of exceptions, are remarkably good, including the seat upholstery and most of the plastics. Combined with the airiness provided by the glass roof, it makes the #5's cabin feel decidedly upmarket. But the overwhelming sense is one of space. The room inside the #5 is staggeringly good, with huge amounts of rear legroom and headroom, as well as plenty of space for those in the front. It's only a five-seater, which might disappoint some, but those five people will have plenty of room. Even the middle seat in the second row is reasonably comfortable. 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Luggage capacity is pretty good, too, with a 630-litre boot in all versions of the #5. That means it's considerably more spacious than the boot in a VW ID.4, and that space is joined by a 'frunk' under the bonnet. Exactly how big that frunk is will depend on which version you choose – the all-wheel drive cars get less space than the rear-wheel drive cars, but Smart reckons the standard rear-drive variant's frunk is big enough for the kind of carry-on suitcase you see airline passengers using every day. We suspect it'll probably be used for cable storage by most, but it'll offer useful carrying capacity nonetheless. Full specifications have not yet been confirmed for the Australian market, but in Europe the #5 will be offered with a choice of two different batteries. 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert There's a base grade with a 74kWh unit that may or may not come to Australia, but we're pretty confident the variants with the larger 100kWh battery will arrive on these shores. They're offered with a choice of either single-motor rear-wheel drive, or twin-motor all-wheel drive powertrains, each with varying power outputs. The pinnacle of the lineup is the Brabus, with a generous 475kW from its two motors, but there will be a choice of less powerful options, too. In Europe, for example, the basic RWD version delivers 250kW, while there are also 267kW single-motor and 432kW dual-motor options below the Brabus. In terms of efficiency, the single-motor models offer the best range, with even the smallest battery providing more than 400km of range according to the WLTP economy test. And the dual-motor systems allow the front motor to be detached from the powertrain when it isn't needed, reducing mechanical drag and thereby making it as efficient as possible. Even the Brabus will do more than 500km on a charge, with the 100kWh rear-motor option managing 589km between trips to the plug. Although it's big and heavy – the Brabus version weighs roughly the same as a Bentley Flying Spur V8– the #5 is a remarkably comfortable thing. 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Smart has clearly designed the #5 with ride comfort in mind, and it absorbs bumps with surprising ease, even on massive 21-inch alloy wheels. Admittedly, such large rims and such a bulky kerb weight mean the odd sharper imperfection in the surface will make itself known, but it's generally very good indeed. And while that kind of comfort would cause some cars to feel a bit soft and vague in the corners, the Smart handles pretty well. The steering's weight is good, and even though it feels a little artificial, it's easy to put the #5 exactly where you want it. And that's useful when the car feels every bit as big as its dimensions suggest when you're on the road. 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Unfortunately, there is a bit of lean in the corners, which in a mid-range model would be forgivable given the comfort credentials, but feels a little disappointing in the Brabus. We're told the suspension settings are identical to other all-wheel drive #5 variants though, so it looks promising for the more popular mid-range grades. Clearly, those versions will not be as fast as the Brabus, which has a frankly obscene amount of power for something of this size. Yes, the car is heavy, but 475kW is unnecessary in something like this. Happily, the AWD powertrain is just about capable of dealing with that kind of power, and it enables stomach-churning standing-start acceleration that sees the car hit 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds. 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Nobody needs to go that quickly, but even the base model, with 250kW and just the one electric motor, still gets to 100km/h in less than seven seconds. With the instant response of an electric powertrain, the car will be more than punchy enough no matter which version you choose. It'll be quiet, too, with acoustically insulated glass that's strikingly thick when you see its cross-section, meaning limited noise from the tyres or the wind. While it may not be quite as refined as some Mercedes-Benz luxury products, it's definitely quiet enough to live up to its semi-premium billing. Smart Australia is yet to confirm which versions of the #5 will come Down Under, but we know the Europe-bound cars get a generous specification and a wide range of different trim levels. 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Smart #5 equipment highlights: 13-inch touchscreen 10.25-inch digital instrumentation Panoramic glass roof Driving modes 19-inch alloy wheels Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Dual-zone air conditioning Satellite navigation For Australia, we're expecting a slightly thinned-out lineup, perhaps with three or four different versions. The new #5 is yet to be crash tested either in Australia or in Europe, but Smart's record so far is good. 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Both the #1 and #3 received five-star ratings when they were put through their paces by ANCAP, and Smart has kitted the new car out with plenty of standard safety equipment. Better still, the company has included a system that allows drivers to choose their preferences for the driver assistance technology, which can be something of an irritant in certain situations. With Smart's touchscreen, however, those preferences can be saved, allowing faster access to drivers' preferred settings. Safety equipment includes: Autonomous emergency braking Lane-keeping assistance Front and rear parking sensors Automated and remote parking Adaptive cruise control Every Smart currently sold in Australia comes with a five-year, 150,000km warranty, and we're expecting the #5 to be no exception. 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert As with all electric vehicle, low running costs are one of the #5's big selling points, and there's no doubt it'll be considerably less expensive to operate than a similarly powerful petrol car. But alongside other EVs, it won't prove quite so cheap. The battery is much larger than that of, say, an ID.4, so it'll be more expensive to charge, and it won't go any further on a charge. The difference won't be huge, but other electric SUVs will – at least in theory – be slightly cheaper to run. The #5 may not be anything like Smarts of old, but that's no bad thing. 2025 Smart #5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert A competent, likeable and comfortable electric SUV, it's a worthy rival to the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4 and Nissan Ariya, and it's only a few ergonomic shortcomings away from beating them. Perhaps it isn't the most efficient thing on the road, but its fast-charging capabilities and its pleasant road manners more than make up for that. MORE: Everything Smart Comfortable ride Roomy cabin Impressive quality Inefficient electric powertrains Some fiddly software A few ergonomic issues
7NEWS
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
2025 Smart #5 review: Quick drive
Once upon a time, Smart was a brand that specialised in small city cars, but modern legislation and market forces have coaxed the company into a change of tack. Not only are the existing Smart #1 and Smart #3 compact electric SUVs much more family-sized than many of the products Smart has previously built, but the new 2025 Smart #5 really is a big electric SUV. Although it looks smaller than most, it's much the same size as the Volkswagen ID.4, and it's every bit as spacious inside, so it's very different from the cars Smart was previously known for. The question is whether the new-look brand can capture buyers' imaginations in the same way, and whether the #5 is capable of mixing it with the more established products it wishes to challenge. To find out, we headed to Portugal for the global launch of the #5, where we tested a European-specification car in top-of-the-range, high-performance Brabus form. Sportier styling and higher power output aside, it's little different from other variants in the range, and gave us a good opportunity to try out all the #5 has to offer in every situation, from country roads and urban streets to gravel tracks and highways, before the model's Australian release. How much does the Smart #5 cost? Smart is yet to confirm pricing for the #5 in Australia, but we're expecting the mid-size electric SUV to start somewhere around the $70,000 mark, or just above the smaller #3. We're also expecting a pretty generous standard specification, with 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic roof and parking sensors at the front and rear all expected to feature. That's all going to sit alongside a massive 13-inch infotainment touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster and dual-zone climate control, as well as wireless phone charging, synthetic leather upholstery and over-the-air software updates. What is the Smart #5 like on the inside? Smart's new look is modern and clean, and that's as true of the #5's interior as it is of the exterior styling. So, you'll find neat, rounded shapes and a relatively button-free dashboard, with a simple three-spoke steering wheel and most of the controls living on the touchscreen. And it's a sizeable touchscreen, measuring 13 inches diagonally, complete with the latest software and a quick processor, as well as Smart's latest-generation voice assistant, which takes the form of a lion avatar that prowls the menus. In truth, some of that stuff is a bit gimmicky, despite the cleverness of the technology, and the lion thing is a little distracting if we're honest. But it isn't as distracting as the passenger display that's fitted to some of the more upmarket grades as standard in Europe, including the range-topping Brabus cars. Whereas some brands put a kind of polarising film on their passenger displays, preventing the driver from seeing what's there, there's no such protection on the Smart's system, leaving the driver with every chance of rubbernecking at whatever film or game the passenger is playing. It's a nice idea, then, but it feels as though it needs a little refinement. In fairness, though, Smart says the technology isn't entirely complete and will be updated ahead of the car's market introduction later this year. And while we can find faults with the two main touchscreens, the responses are sharp, and even the touchscreen climate control system isn't too difficult to adjust. On top of all that, we've nothing but praise for the head-up display and the digital instrument cluster. We're impressed with the cabin quality, too, which is every bit as good as we've seen in the #1 and #3 models. Most of the materials, with only a couple of exceptions, are remarkably good, including the seat upholstery and most of the plastics. Combined with the airiness provided by the glass roof, it makes the #5's cabin feel decidedly upmarket. But the overwhelming sense is one of space. The room inside the #5 is staggeringly good, with huge amounts of rear legroom and headroom, as well as plenty of space for those in the front. It's only a five-seater, which might disappoint some, but those five people will have plenty of room. Even the middle seat in the second row is reasonably comfortable. Luggage capacity is pretty good, too, with a 630-litre boot in all versions of the #5. That means it's considerably more spacious than the boot in a VW ID.4, and that space is joined by a 'frunk' under the bonnet. Exactly how big that frunk is will depend on which version you choose – the all-wheel drive cars get less space than the rear-wheel drive cars, but Smart reckons the standard rear-drive variant's frunk is big enough for the kind of carry-on suitcase you see airline passengers using every day. We suspect it'll probably be used for cable storage by most, but it'll offer useful carrying capacity nonetheless. What's under the bonnet? Full specifications have not yet been confirmed for the Australian market, but in Europe the #5 will be offered with a choice of two different batteries. There's a base grade with a 74kWh unit that may or may not come to Australia, but we're pretty confident the variants with the larger 100kWh battery will arrive on these shores. They're offered with a choice of either single-motor rear-wheel drive, or twin-motor all-wheel drive powertrains, each with varying power outputs. The pinnacle of the lineup is the Brabus, with a generous 475kW from its two motors, but there will be a choice of less powerful options, too. In Europe, for example, the basic RWD version delivers 250kW, while there are also 267kW single-motor and 432kW dual-motor options below the Brabus. In terms of efficiency, the single-motor models offer the best range, with even the smallest battery providing more than 400km of range according to the WLTP economy test. And the dual-motor systems allow the front motor to be detached from the powertrain when it isn't needed, reducing mechanical drag and thereby making it as efficient as possible. Even the Brabus will do more than 500km on a charge, with the 100kWh rear-motor option managing 589km between trips to the plug. How does the Smart #5 drive? Although it's big and heavy – the Brabus version weighs roughly the same as a Bentley Flying Spur V8– the #5 is a remarkably comfortable thing. Smart has clearly designed the #5 with ride comfort in mind, and it absorbs bumps with surprising ease, even on massive 21-inch alloy wheels. Admittedly, such large rims and such a bulky kerb weight mean the odd sharper imperfection in the surface will make itself known, but it's generally very good indeed. And while that kind of comfort would cause some cars to feel a bit soft and vague in the corners, the Smart handles pretty well. The steering's weight is good, and even though it feels a little artificial, it's easy to put the #5 exactly where you want it. And that's useful when the car feels every bit as big as its dimensions suggest when you're on the road. Unfortunately, there is a bit of lean in the corners, which in a mid-range model would be forgivable given the comfort credentials, but feels a little disappointing in the Brabus. We're told the suspension settings are identical to other all-wheel drive #5 variants though, so it looks promising for the more popular mid-range grades. Clearly, those versions will not be as fast as the Brabus, which has a frankly obscene amount of power for something of this size. Yes, the car is heavy, but 475kW is unnecessary in something like this. Happily, the AWD powertrain is just about capable of dealing with that kind of power, and it enables stomach-churning standing-start acceleration that sees the car hit 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Nobody needs to go that quickly, but even the base model, with 250kW and just the one electric motor, still gets to 100km/h in less than seven seconds. With the instant response of an electric powertrain, the car will be more than punchy enough no matter which version you choose. It'll be quiet, too, with acoustically insulated glass that's strikingly thick when you see its cross-section, meaning limited noise from the tyres or the wind. While it may not be quite as refined as some Mercedes-Benz luxury products, it's definitely quiet enough to live up to its semi-premium billing. What do you get? Smart Australia is yet to confirm which versions of the #5 will come Down Under, but we know the Europe-bound cars get a generous specification and a wide range of different trim levels. 2025 Smart #5 equipment highlights: 13-inch touchscreen 10.25-inch digital instrumentation Panoramic glass roof Driving modes 19-inch alloy wheels Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Dual-zone air conditioning Satellite navigation For Australia, we're expecting a slightly thinned-out lineup, perhaps with three or four different versions. Is the Smart #5 safe? The new #5 is yet to be crash tested either in Australia or in Europe, but Smart's record so far is good. Both the #1 and #3 received five-star ratings when they were put through their paces by ANCAP, and Smart has kitted the new car out with plenty of standard safety equipment. Better still, the company has included a system that allows drivers to choose their preferences for the driver assistance technology, which can be something of an irritant in certain situations. With Smart's touchscreen, however, those preferences can be saved, allowing faster access to drivers' preferred settings. Safety equipment includes: Autonomous emergency braking Lane-keeping assistance Front and rear parking sensors Automated and remote parking Adaptive cruise control How much does the Smart #5 cost to run? Every Smart currently sold in Australia comes with a five-year, 150,000km warranty, and we're expecting the #5 to be no exception. As with all electric vehicle, low running costs are one of the #5's big selling points, and there's no doubt it'll be considerably less expensive to operate than a similarly powerful petrol car. But alongside other EVs, it won't prove quite so cheap. The battery is much larger than that of, say, an ID.4, so it'll be more expensive to charge, and it won't go any further on a charge. The difference won't be huge, but other electric SUVs will – at least in theory – be slightly cheaper to run. CarExpert's Take on the Smart #5 The #5 may not be anything like Smarts of old, but that's no bad thing. A competent, likeable and comfortable electric SUV, it's a worthy rival to the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4 and Nissan Ariya, and it's only a few ergonomic shortcomings away from beating them. Perhaps it isn't the most efficient thing on the road, but its fast-charging capabilities and its pleasant road manners more than make up for that. Pros Comfortable ride Roomy cabin Impressive quality Cons
