Discover the #5 Production Smart electric SUV with up to 637 hp

The fully electric SUV is similar in size to a BMW X3, making it the largest Smart ever made

It’s only been a few weeks since the Smart Concept #5 debuted at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, but photos and specifications of the production version have already been released. As expected, the Smart #5 loses some of the concept’s ruggedness but retains its boxy stance, making it the automaker’s largest and most spacious offering to date.

According to the filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the production version of Smart #5 measures 4,705 mm (185.2 inches) long, 1,920 mm (75. 6 inches) wide and 1,705 mm (67.1 inches) high, with a wheelbase of 2,900 mm (114.2 inches). This makes it 265 mm (10.4 inches) longer than the No. 3 coupe-SUV which is currently the largest model in the Smart range.

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The footprint of the Smart #5 is similar to that of the new Honda CR-V, but with an 8-inch longer wheelbase. In fact, it rivals vehicles like the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC, approaching the dimensions of the Tesla Model Y.

The production version has significantly lower ground clearance than the concept car, trading its off-road tires for a more conventional setup. It also loses features like the roof rack, suicide doors, and fender-mounted hanger screens. Nonetheless, the sophisticated LED headlights and taillights have been largely carried over, along with the flush door handles and the majority of the bodywork.

The bumpers are also slightly different, with an oversized skid plate incorporating the lower front air intake. The photos show different trim versions of the Smart #5, including a sporty-looking derivative with red accents and matching brake calipers, typically found in Brabus’ flagship versions of the Smart EV models. Besides the alloy wheel designs, there are also variations in the front and rear fascias, as well as the side moldings.

The smart Concept #5 (left) compared to the production version (right)

No photos of the interior are available, but it is speculated that it could be similar to the concept. The latter featured a three-screen layout on the dashboard, packed with plenty of technology. Unlike the four-seat concept, the production model features a five-seat configuration, emphasizing practicality.

Four powertrain options

The fully electric SUV will offer four powertrain options. RWD variants will generate either 335 hp (250 kW / 340 hp) or 358 hp (267 kW / 363 hp) from a single rear-mounted electric motor. In both configurations, power will come from a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.

There will also be an equal number of all-wheel-drive variants, but with nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries. These will pair a 221 hp (165 kW / 224 hp) front-mounted electric motor with 358 hp (267 kW / 363 hp) or 416 hp (310 kW / 422 hp) rear-mounted units. Together, the Smart #5 AWD will deliver up to 637 hp (475 kW / 646 hp), suggesting serious performance capabilities.

Note that the Smart #5 concept used an 800-volt architecture sourced from parent company Geely. Therefore, the battery, with a capacity of more than 100 kWh, can recharge from 10 to 80% in just 15 minutes. The company also claimed a WLTP range of more than 341 miles (549 km). Expect comparable figures for the production version, especially for the flagship version.

Smart, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, has confirmed that the production-ready No. 5 model will debut in the second half of 2024. Besides China, the model is also expected to be offered in Europe.

Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)