New Smart fortwo & forfour

The Smart Concept #5 previews yet another all-electric SUV

New-age Smart unveils a ‘premium mid-size SUV’ concept that will turn into its third production car later this year

Smart is all set to launch its biggest car yet, and it’ll look a little bit like this Concept #5 when it eventually arrives later this year. Mmmm, boxy.

Yep, we’re about to get yet another SUV from the new-age, all-electric joint venture between Geely and Mercedes-Benz, and it looks as though the designers took a fair bit of inspiration from Merc’s own EQB.

Smart says that the #5 (yeah, that ‘Concept’ name is fooling nobody) will mark the brand’s “entry into the premium mid-size SUV segment”. It also says that #5 – which will be larger than the #1 and #3 – will feature a massive 100kWh+ battery and 800-volt technology. The latter should allow for properly rapid charging, with a 10 to 80 per cent top-up taking just 15 minutes, while the former will mean a range of over 341 miles.

Sounds promising. The chunky tyres, front and rear skid plates, hidden winch, folding rear step and roof-mounted light bar all help to give the Concept #5 a rugged look too, although we’d imagine pretty much all of those things we just listed will be dropped for the actual production car. Boo.

 
Smart 5 Concept

With the smart Concept #5, the brand introduces its most spacious and versatile vehicle to date. Combining an outdoor-inspired design with the functionality and approachability characteristic of smart vehicles, the mid-size SUV makes use of features such as all-wheel drive and off-road tires as well as state-of-the-art technology. This extraordinary concept vehicle goes beyond urban boundaries to represent a consistent and decisive evolutionary step for the premium brand, embodying its unique design philosophy.

Unexpected capabilities for all kind of adventures

The design of the smart Concept #5 combines the distinctive modernity of smart with the attitude of open mindedness to offer new perspectives and possibilities. Advanced technology, outdoor-orientated features, and unparalleled comfort make the smart Concept #5 the perfect companion for all kinds of adventures and activities, even beyond paved roads.

The vehicle features a drive system with 800-volt technology and a battery with a nominal capacity of 100+ kWh. This allows for super-fast charging, with the ability to regain up to 70% State of Charge (10-80%) in just 15 minutes. The versatile mid-size SUV concept offers an all-electric range of more than 341 miles2. Five driving modes ensure effortless maneuvering in different road conditions while a competitive ADAS solution uses smart Pilot on both the highway and in urban environments, providing safety and comfort in all driving situations.

 
Smart #5 Chinese debut confirmed for August 28

Smart, the former quirky city car brand known for its compact and efficient vehicles, is making yet another move into the electric SUV market. The company is ready to unveil its latest creation, the Smart #5, on August 28 in China.

The Smart #5, revealed by the Chinese MIIT in June, offers a fresh design language that departs from the brand's traditional rounded aesthetic. It features sharper lines, a through-type light strip connecting the polygonal headlights, and silver bumper accents that add a touch of ruggedness to its appearance. The sides of the SUV feature hidden door handles and the roof has luggage racks as standard, emphasizing its practical and adventurous nature.

The rear of the Smart #5 mirrors the front with its taillights stretching across the full width, prominent Smart branding, and a rear spoiler that somewhat confuses sporty attributes with the off-road ambitions of the #5. With dimensions of 4.705 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,705 mm in height, the #5 comfortably fits into the medium-sized SUV category, offering ample space for passengers and cargo. Curb weight varies between 1,800 kg and 2,450 kg according to the sources, and it depends on the trim level. We are a bit dubious about that difference, though - 650 kg is a lot of heft to be attributed to a larger battery and an extra electric motor.

The Smart #5 will offer both single-motor and dual-motor options, catering to different performance preferences. The single-motor version will deliver a maximum power output of either 250 kW or 267 kW. The dual-motor version will offer a combination of 165 kW and 267 kW, while a Brabus version will boast a more potent 310 kW rear motor for a combined output of 475 kW or 637 horsepower. This will be by far the most powerful Smart ever made.


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New Smart #5 electric SUV to be revealed later this month

Top-rung version will pack 637bhp; final design of brand's largest model already revealed by China's ministry of technology

Smart will reveal the #5 SUV, its largest and most powerful model yet, on 28 August ahead of planned sales in the UK next year.

When the wraps come off it at an event in Australia – a market Smart is keen to grow – it will be the first time the brand's third model has been officially seen by the public, following the publication of pictures of the car by China's ministry of technology in June.

The most eye-catching figure is the 637bhp output of the top-rung dual-motor model. That outpunches the most potent version of the smaller #1 and #3 crossovers by more than 200bhp - and is more, even, than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Kia EV6 GT.

 
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