Smart has given the world its first look at the #5, a mid-sized electric SUV to rival the Tesla Model Y and Toyota RAV4.
Unveiled in Australia, the #5 is not only Smart’s biggest car to date but also its boldest, promising genuine off-road capability alongside family practicality.
It’s expected to hit the Australian market late next year, according to Smart’s local distributor LSH Auto.
Details surrounding specifications of the #5 remain fragmented – there’s no word yet on the electric motor options available, nor any indication of pricing. However, a dual-motor setup is likely, with prices to top the smaller #1 and #3.
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Measuring in at 4705mm long, the boxy Smart #5 is longer than its #1 and #3 siblings, with claimed best in class rear passenger space and a maximum boot capacity of 1530L. For reference, the #5 is slightly longer than a RAV4 but shorter than a Model Y.
Two versions were debuted at the world premiere – the base Pro+ and the Summit, an off-road focused variant. Both will be available at launch.
All examples of the #5 will come equipped with a 100kWh battery, good for a driving range of 740km based on China’s lenient CLTC testing.
Rapid charging is possible courtesy of 800V architecture – when hooked up to a DC charger the #5 can jump from 10-80 per cent in 15 minutes.
The interior of the #5 is headlined by dual 13.0-inch AMOLED screens stretching across the dash, while navigation with augmented reality is incorporated into a 25.6-inch head-up display.
Tech aside, the cabin contains ‘zero-gravity’ leather front seats with 121 degrees recline angle, and rear seats with heating, seat-back adjustment, an electric sunshield and aeroplane style LED reading lights.
Wood trim accents hint at Smart’s push to be seen as a premium player in the market.
Positioned by Smart as the ‘contemporary adventurer’, the #5 features flat-folding seating that can be configured into a king-size, queen-size or single sleeping space.
Avid campers may also appreciate the inclusion of a projector built into the front grille of the car, paired with a 20-speaker sound system and a portable speaker which can be used outside the vehicle. Movie night at the campsite has never been so easy.
On top of the standard equipment found across the range, the rugged Summit variant gains a roof light bar and electric trailer hitch, together with the ‘Adventurers’ Collection’ package, which includes underbody protection, a roof carrier, side steps, a side bag and side ladder.
Both the Pro+ and Summit feature selectable off-road driving modes, including Adaptive, Sand, Snow, Mud and Rock.
While Australia is unlikely to get the Smart #5 for at least another 12 months, Chinese deliveries – where the electric SUV is made – will kick off by the end of 2024.
Australian deliveries of the #1 and #3 small SUVs are due to commence imminently, with LSH Auto responsible for distribution Down Under.
Smart vehicles will initially be sold at LSH dealerships in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with the opportunity for future expansion.
Co-owned by Geely and Mercedes-Benz, Smart returns to Australia almost a decade after it departed the local market in 2015. Geely also owns Volvo, Polestar and Lotus, all of which sell EVs Down Under.
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