The Smart brand has officially entered a new market segment with the launch of the Smart #5, offering impressive performance and a wealth of features at a competitive price point.

The Smart #5 is designed to support rapid charging, boasting capabilities of up to 400 kW. While many charging stations in Germany typically max out at 350 kW, the Smart #5 aims to stand out not just with its peak charging power but also with a pricing strategy that poses a challenge to competitors.

Fast Charging in Just 18 Minutes

As manufacturers continuously learn and adapt in the electric vehicle market, one key takeaway is that consumers are not easily swayed by just peak charging speeds. Instead, a more meaningful metric is the time it takes to charge from 10% to 80%. The Smart #5, particularly with its larger battery, is expected to achieve this in under 18 minutes. This model features a usable energy capacity of 94 kWh, which allows for a net charging increase of 65.8 kWh in that timeframe, resulting in an average net charging power of over 219 kW, though charging losses must also be considered. This positions Smart favorably in the charging speed hierarchy.

Substantial Power from the Base Model

The Smart #5 will feature two battery options and four different powertrains. The base model, known as "Pro," comes equipped with a 250 kW motor and utilizes a lithium iron phosphate battery with a capacity of 74.4 kWh. The manufacturer claims a range of 465 km under the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). On AC charging, it can handle up to 11 kW, while DC charging is capped at 150 kW. For practical charging needs, the essential 70% range from 10% to 80% is expected to be restored in about 30 minutes, which equates to 52 kWh at an average net charging rate of 104 kW. Smart confirms that the base model operates on a 400-volt system.

Advanced Voltage Systems

All other versions of the Smart #5 will feature an 800-volt architecture alongside the larger battery utilizing nickel-manganese-cobalt cell chemistry. This enhancement increases the DC charging capacity to 400 kW, and AC charging speeds can reach up to 22 kW. Depending on the configuration, the range with the 94-kWh battery can vary between 540 and 590 km. Enhanced performance is also evident, with the "Pro+" and "Premium" trims featuring a rear motor capable of 267 kW. The "Pulse" and the limited "Summit Edition" versions will offer all-wheel drive with 432 kW. A high-performance Brabus variation is set to be revealed in April, promising even greater power outputs.

Size and Interior Features

The Smart #5 marks a significant shift for the brand, as it ventures into the SUV market, measuring approximately 4.69 meters in length--comparable to models like the Mercedes EQB and Genesis GV70 Electrified. With a wheelbase of 2.9 meters, the vehicle promises ample interior space, complemented by a substantial cargo area of 630 liters and an additional front storage compartment offering 72 liters in rear-wheel drive models and 47 liters in all-wheel drive configurations.

Smart has upgraded its infotainment system with Smart OS 2.0, moving away from the more playful interfaces of previous models to a more sophisticated user experience. The initial images showcase premium trim levels featuring a passenger display as standard. The system is powered by a high-performance AMD Ryzen Embedded V2000 processor, which can include up to eight Zen 2 cores. Certain higher trims will feature a sound system developed in collaboration with Sennheiser, incorporating a 1.2 kW amplifier.

Competitive Pricing Strategy

Orders for the Smart #5 will open at the end of April, with a pricing strategy that may disrupt the current market landscape. The base model starts at EUR45,900, while the "Pro+" trim is set at EUR50,900. The "Premium" and "Pulse" versions, which cater to different consumer preferences, are priced at EUR55,400 each, and the limited "Summit Edition" is available for EUR56,900.

While these prices may still seem substantial, they represent a strategic challenge to rivals, particularly in the context of comparably sized combustion-engine vehicles that typically cost at least as much. For reference, vehicles like the Peugeot 5008 and the upcoming VW Tayron start at EUR43,140 and EUR45,475, respectively, while Skoda's Kodiaq and Enyaq models begin at EUR42,990 and EUR44,400. Tesla's Model Y is currently offered from EUR44,990. Given the Smart #5's combination of power and features at similar price points, it is poised to attract significant attention in the electric vehicle market.