We recently joined the team from smart for the European media test drive of the all-new #5. This is the first premium mid-size SUV from the brand, and with the dramatic terrain of Portugal’s Douro Valley to explore, we knew an exciting two days beckoned. Over the course of around 300 kilometres, the route served up a varied mix of winding tarmac, steep climbs, and light off-road trails, all ideal to help us experience the #5’s handling, comfort and all-round versatility. First things first, let’s talk about the styling. Smart has somehow blended a rugged SUV presence with sleek, modern lines, marking it a very different proposition to the companies past models. The side profile and overall proportions gave us Mercedes-Benz GLB vibes whilst futuristic ‘CyberSparks’ LED headlights give it a distinctive modern look.
Step inside, and it’s immediately clear the smart #5 has been designed with technology at its heart. The interior dash & screens are powered by the latest-generation AMD V2000 chipset, delivering a seamless and responsive interface. A striking 25.6-inch Augmented Reality head-up display takes centre stage, complemented by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and twin 13-inch OLED touchscreens for both the driver and passenger. The new digital assistant, “Leo”, works in tandem with advanced AI-driven voice control, allowing hands-free command of most vehicle functions although our pre-production test vehicle did suffer from some glitches which, we have been assured wont be present in the customer models later this year.
Among the standout features, the Sennheiser Signature Sound System deserves a special mention. With 20 high-end speakers and a maximum output of 1,190 watts, it supports multiple audio formats from standard stereo to full Dolby Atmos in 7.1.4. The result is an utterly incredible acoustic experience that genuinely impressed. It has whats called a spatial soundstage offered by Dolby Atmos which, places you right in the centre of your favourite music. Without exaggeration, it’s possibly the finest in-car audio system we’ve ever experienced! Space was plentiful also with 630 litres with the rear seats in place, expanding to an impressive 1,530 litres when the seats are folded down. Additionally, there’s a 72-litre front frunk under the bonnet which swallowed my cabin bag with ease. Rear passengers will find ample leg room and all seats can lie entirely flat for what’s known as, camp mode, should you need a place to sleep in a hurry!
Now we should touch on the charging capabilities. Built on an advanced 800-volt platform, it promises not just efficiency but exceptional charging performance too. Every model from the Pro+ trim upwards is fitted with a 100-kWh battery, using NCM chemistry for better energy density. Perhaps most impressive is, its fast-charging capability up to 400 kW, this means a top-up from 10 to 80 percent can take as little as 18 minutes in optimal conditions. During our test drive, the consistency of its battery usage was particularly notable, even on the challenging route! Speaking of which, how does it drive?
Well our test model was indeed the 645hp Brabus variant and from the outset, it felt at home on the twisting backroads soaking up road imperfections with little fuss. With finely tuned double wishbone suspension at the front, the chassis offered a smooth and composed ride even when pushed in Brabus mode over the switchback mountain passes. Whether navigating cobbled city streets or climbing rugged vineyard roads, it delivers a mix of comfort with staggering performance when needed. This hints at a strong future for smart brand. Although we were a little reluctant to take the Brabus variant off road, we were assured the suite of five drive modes to include Adaptive, Sand, Snow, Mud and Rock, combined with a ground clearance of up to 197 mm and a wading depth of 500 mm, provide reassuring confidence off the beaten track.
With the introduction of the #5, smart are moving into the challenging D-segment, bringing a new class of vehicle to its all-electric line-up. Whilst it probably looks more suited to the urban grind, it surprisingly delivers the hardware and practicality to take on longer trips and off-road escapes with ease. We believe it’s a strong evolution of the brand, complementing the existing smart #1 and smart #3 models with a larger, more capable sibling. Though final trim levels and pricing for Ireland are yet to be confirmed, we were told to expect the first versions of the smart #5 to arrive on Irish roads in October. In other European markets, the car will be offered in six trims: Pro, Pro+, Premium, Pulse, Summit Edition and the high-performance Brabus variant, which we had on test. Watch this space for a week long test drive when it arrives to Irish roads!
