What if the Smart #5 turned out to be a pleasant surprise?

We must face it, the era of the small urban two-seater car has ended for Smart. It’s time for SUVs with a #5 that certainly piques interest.

In the new Smart range, after Hashtag 1 and Hashtag 3, here comes Hashtag 5… let’s say we’ll get used to it. This new #5 closely resembles the Concept #5 that preceded it, with an exceptionally square shape, only rounded at the corners, and headlights and taillights that stretch across the entire width of the car. It may not be very elegant, somewhat like a deconstructed Jeep, but the robust effect intended and embraced by the brand is definitely there. Heads are sure to turn as it passes by.

But the vehicle is just as surprising on the inside with seats that can almost fully recline to transform the cabin into a true living space, even for sleeping. The dashboard features a gigantic dual screen, which includes a 10.3-inch HD screen for the driver and two 13-inch AMOLED screens, one in the center and one for the passenger. The setup is completed by a 25.6-inch augmented reality heads-up display and an AI-powered voice assistant. The more we discover it, the more we want to try this big Smart!

A well-thought-out big Smart

But the centerpiece of the car is its 800-volt platform. The 100 kWh battery features a supercharging function (4C), allowing it to charge from 10% to 80% in just 15 minutes. Smart claims a range of over 740 km, but that’s under the less stringent Chinese CLTC standard, compared to our dear European WLTP. So a solid 600 km would not be out of the question, and that would already be quite good. Finally, a 220 V outlet in the trunk offers a wide range of applications for venturing off the beaten path with confidence.

We had indeed scoffed at the adventurous ambitions of this Smart #5, we must admit. And what if Smart were to prove us wrong? We couldn’t ask for more, but let’s wait for the prices and the European specifications before giving an objective opinion.

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