We recently joined Smart for the European media test drive of the all-new #5, the brand’s first premium mid-size SUV. Set against the dramatic terrain of Portugal’s Douro Valley, the two-day adventure covered around 300 kilometres of winding roads, steep climbs, and light off-road trails—ideal for testing the #5’s versatility and handling.
A Bold New Design
The first thing that stands out about the Smart #5 is its striking design. Smart has successfully blended a rugged SUV stance with sleek, modern lines, setting it apart from the brand’s past models. The proportions and side profile evoked memories of the Mercedes-Benz GLB, while the futuristic ‘CyberSparks’ LED headlights give the #5 a distinctive, modern look.
Inside: Technology at Its Core
Inside, the Smart #5 feels like a tech-lover’s dream. The dashboard and screens are powered by the latest-generation AMD V2000 chipset, offering a smooth and responsive interface. The highlight is a massive 25.6-inch Augmented Reality head-up display, complemented by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and twin 13-inch OLED touchscreens for the driver and passenger. The new digital assistant, “Leo”, offers advanced AI-driven voice control for hands-free operation, although our pre-production test vehicle did experience a few glitches, which Smart assures will be resolved in the final customer models.
Sound That Impresses
One of the standout features is the Sennheiser Signature Sound System, boasting 20 high-end speakers and a maximum output of 1,190 watts. The system supports a range of audio formats, including full Dolby Atmos 7.1.4. The sound quality was extraordinary, delivering an immersive experience that felt as though we were in the centre of a live performance. It’s arguably one of the finest in-car audio systems we’ve ever experienced.
Practicality and Space
Despite its compact exterior, the Smart #5 offers impressive practicality. The boot provides 630 litres of space with the rear seats up, expanding to an incredible 1,530 litres when the seats are folded down. There’s also a 72-litre frunk under the bonnet, perfect for stowing smaller items like a cabin bag. Rear-seat passengers will find plenty of legroom, and the ability to fold the seats completely flat offers an option for ‘camp mode’—ideal for when you need to sleep in a pinch!
Impressive Performance
Our test model was the high-performance 645hp Brabus variant, and from the very first twist of the road, it became clear that the #5 is engineered to deliver both comfort and power. The finely tuned double wishbone suspension at the front ensures a smooth, composed ride, even when pushed hard in Brabus mode on mountain passes. Whether it was navigating the cobbled streets of the city or climbing rugged vineyard roads, the car felt comfortable and surprisingly agile, with the Brabus variant delivering impressive acceleration when needed.
While we were hesitant to take the Brabus variant off-road, Smart assures that the #5’s suite of five drive modes—Adaptive, Sand, Snow, Mud, and Rock—paired with ground clearance of up to 197mm and a wading depth of 500mm, provide excellent off-road capability.
A New Class for Smart
With the introduction of the #5, Smart is stepping into the competitive D-segment, offering a larger, more capable electric vehicle to complement the existing Smart #1 and Smart #3 models. While the #5 looks perfectly suited to the urban grind, it offers the hardware and versatility to handle longer trips and off-road adventures with ease.
The #5 feels like a strong evolution for the Smart brand, expanding its lineup into a more premium, capable space, while maintaining its characteristic urban charm. Though final trim levels and pricing for Ireland have yet to be confirmed, the first versions of the Smart #5 are expected to arrive in Ireland this October. In other European markets, the #5 will be available in six trims: Pro, Pro+, Premium, Pulse, Summit Edition, and the high-performance Brabus variant.
