Smart used to be all about small, quirky city cars. Now, it’s heading in a different direction. The Smart #5 is a full-size electric SUV – the biggest car the brand has ever made – and it’s coming to the UK later in 2025.
At nearly 4.7 metres long, the #5 is more in line with something like a Honda CR-V than the tiny Smart cars people might remember. It’s got a boxy shape and some chunky styling touches that set it apart from other electric SUVs, but it’s a big step away from the brand’s usual design.
Different Versions, Decent Performance
The #5 will be available with either one or two electric motors. The single-motor version drives the rear wheels and should be enough for everyday use, while the dual-motor version adds four-wheel drive and quicker acceleration – around 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds for the most powerful version.
There are also different drive settings for rougher surfaces like sand or snow, though how useful those will be for most UK drivers is up for debate.
Range and Charging
There’ll be two battery sizes. The smaller one should manage around 289 miles on a full charge. The larger 100kWh battery is expected to do up to 366 miles, depending on how it’s driven.
What stands out more is the charging speed. With the right charger, the #5 can go from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes – quicker than most other electric cars on sale today. It’ll also support features like plug-and-charge (where the car sorts out payment automatically) and even the ability to power small appliances from the car itself.
Inside the Car
The interior has been designed to feel more upmarket than Smart’s smaller models. Higher-spec versions come with three large screens, including a 25.6-inch head-up display, and there’s an AI-based voice assistant that uses a lion avatar – though how useful that is in real life remains to be seen.
Storage is good. There’s a 630-litre boot, which grows to over 1,500 litres with the back seats folded, and a small storage compartment under the bonnet for things like charging cables. Smart is also working on accessories to turn the back into a sleeping space, but that’s still in development.
What Will It Cost?
Prices haven’t been confirmed yet, but it’s expected to start from around £40,000 and go over £50,000 for higher trims. There’ll be at least six versions, including a performance-focused Brabus edition later on.
The Takeaway
The Smart #5 marks a clear shift in direction for the brand. It’s big, fully electric, and aimed at a completely different type of buyer than the old Smart cars. Whether it’ll appeal depends on how it drives, how the tech holds up in everyday use, and whether people are ready to see Smart as something more than a city car brand. We’ll find out more once it hits the road later this year.
