The Smart car brand, now partially owned by China’s Geely following a partnership with Mercedes-Benz, has introduced its largest vehicle yet, the #5. Departing from its traditional tiny city car designs, the #5 is a fully-fledged EV manufacturer with a focus on spaciousness and off-road capabilities. Featuring a battery pack with over 100 kilowatt-hours of capacity, the #5 boasts a WLTP range of 341 miles and 800-volt technology that allows for rapid charging. While the exact details of the production model are not yet confirmed, it is expected to offer an all-wheel drive option with dual motors, based on the SEA platform it shares with some Volvo and Polestar models.
The exterior design of the Smart #5 retains the brand’s signature styling cues but is adapted to fit the taller and more rugged body of an off-road vehicle. The concept features elements such as front and rear skid plates, folding steps, and a winch, although these may not all make it to the production version. The interior is centered around a three-screen array on the dashboard, with OLED technology and an AMD V2000 chip for smooth running. An onboard AI-powered assistant promises engaging conversations, while the front seats are described as having a “zero-gravity” design for a combination of comfort and safety. Smart CEO Dirk Adelmann emphasizes the versatility of the #5 concept, which is set to target a new segment of customers in Europe and worldwide.
The Smart #5 concept is scheduled to be unveiled at the Beijing motor show, with a production version expected to launch by the end of the year in China and Europe. The brand’s expansion into larger and more diverse vehicles marks a significant shift in its product lineup, reflecting its evolution as an EV manufacturer under new ownership. The emphasis on spaciousness, off-road capabilities, and advanced technology positions the #5 as a versatile and unexpected addition to the Smart lineup, appealing to a broader range of customers beyond its traditional city car market. With its powerful battery pack and rapid charging capabilities, the #5 aims to offer both practicality and performance in a package that pushes the boundaries of what Smart vehicles can deliver.
As part of the new partnership with Geely, Smart has integrated elements from the SEA platform to enhance the performance and capabilities of the #5. The use of dual motors and all-wheel drive capabilities further demonstrate the brand’s commitment to innovation and adapting to changing consumer preferences in the electric vehicle market. By introducing a larger, more off-road-focused model in the form of the #5, Smart seeks to attract a new audience of customers who may be interested in a versatile and high-performance electric vehicle option. The combination of advanced technology, spacious interior, and rugged design elements positions the #5 as a standout offering in the increasingly competitive EV market.
The launch of the Smart #5 represents a milestone in the brand’s transformation from a maker of small city cars to a full-fledged EV manufacturer with a diversified product lineup. As the largest vehicle to ever wear a Smart badge, the #5 sets a new standard for the brand in terms of size, range, and capabilities. The emphasis on off-road readiness and advanced technology features positions the #5 as a unique offering in the EV market, appealing to customers looking for a versatile and high-performance vehicle. With plans for a production version to be unveiled later in the year, the #5 concept signals a new era for Smart as it continues to evolve under the ownership and partnership of Geely and Mercedes-Benz.
