Tesla, Peugeot, and Renault Still Have Nothing to Fear from Smart

It’s time to accept the reality: the era of the two-seater small urban car has ended at Smart. Now, it’s time for SUVs, with the #5 that certainly piques interest.

In the new Smart lineup, after the Hashtag 1 and Hashtag 3, here is the Hashtag 5. A name that may be confusing, but one that we will probably get used to. This #5 bears a strong resemblance to the previous Concept #5, featuring a boxy silhouette with rounded corners and headlights as well as taillights that span the entire width of the vehicle. Its design, more rugged than elegant, evokes a deconstructed Jeep version—a bold aesthetic choice that the brand has embraced.

The interior is just as surprising, with seats that are almost fully reclining, transforming the cabin into a living or sleeping space while stationary. The dashboard includes a 10.3-inch HD screen for the driver and two 13-inch AMOLED displays, one central and one for the passenger. This setup is complemented by a 25.6-inch augmented reality head-up display and an AI-powered voice assistant. These features make the idea of getting closer to this larger Smart quite appealing.

An Impressive Technical Sheet for the #5

In terms of dimensions, the Smart #5 measures 4.695 meters in length, which is 10 centimeters shorter than a Tesla Model Y. With a width of 1.92 meters and a height of 1.70 meters, its 2.90-meter wheelbase ensures spaciousness. However, its weight is substantial: between 2.2 and 2.37 tonnes depending on the version. Inside, the atmosphere is upscale, featuring oak wood finishes, leather upholstery, customizable lighting with 256 colors, and heated and ventilated seats.

Practical features are also plentiful: a 72-liter front trunk (47 liters in all-wheel-drive version) and a rear hatch offering up to 1,530 liters of space with the seats folded down. The numerous storage compartments scattered throughout the cabin (34 in total) enhance its functional appeal.

Under the hood, the Smart #5 offers several configurations: rear-wheel drive with an electric motor producing between 340 and 363 horsepower, or all-wheel drive with 594 horsepower and a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. The 800-volt platform enables ultra-fast charging: from 10 to 80% in just 15 minutes, with a maximum power of 420 kW. Two batteries are available: 76 kWh providing 465 km WLTP range, and 100 kWh for 590 km.

However, these performance figures come at a cost. In France, the Smart #5 starts at €46,600 for the Pro version and goes up to €57,600 for the Summit Edition. These are ambitious prices, especially considering that competitors like the Tesla Model Y, Renault Scenic, or Peugeot 3008 offer comparable or superior features for slightly lower prices.

Ultimately, the technical specifications of this Smart #5 are impressive, and its premium positioning is undeniable. But the prices, although justified by the equipment, seem somewhat disconnected from the expectations of the European market. It remains to be seen whether this bold gamble will attract buyers.