smart launches #5 mid-size SUV EV in Australia

After the global debuts of its first two new-generation models – the #1 and #3 (refer to them as hashtag 1 and hashtag 3) – in China, smart used Byron Bay in Australia for the world premiere of the #5, its third model.

“We are delighted to introduce the smart #5, our ‘Contemporary Adventurer’, to the world. The #5 was designed to inspire exploration of the great outdoors by making every journey a joyful, comfortable experience. The vehicle represents a new level of premium for smart and our entry into a new market segment. Join us as we go beyond conventional boundaries, ‘open your mind’ to new opportunities as a new world of possibilities presents together with our first-ever premium mid-size SUV,” said Mandy Zhang, Global CMO of smart.

Designed by Mercedes-Benz
Designed by Mercedes-Benz and continuing with design elements from smart’s new generation product portfolio, such as the panoramic halo roof and frameless doors, the #5 sits on the Geely Group SEA platform for EVs. The wheelbase has been extended to 2900 mm while the body is 4705 mm long.

Larger than the #1 and #3, the new model has a more boxy design with a stronger focus on the outdoor lifestyle. Accessories like a roof light bar and electric trailer hitch, together with underbody protection, a roof carrier, side steps, a side bag and side ladder in the Adventurers’ Package are available as options.

Most intelligent smart model
Besides having a spacious interior, the #5 is said to be the most intelligent smart model to date, with an intelligent cockpit and seamlessly integrated Human-Machine Interface. The intelligence come from the power of the advanced AMD V2000 high-computing-power chip, a cornerstone of the #5’s technological innovation.

The #5 draws on the design highlights of the Concept #5 for the interior. The Mercedes-Benz Global Design team went one step further, crafting a sophisticated decor complemented by noteworthy features. Premium touches such as oak wood trim and repeating curved oblong signature design elements maintain a premium standard interior.

Zero-gravity seats with 121 degrees recline angle, upholstered in leather with V-shaped head curtain airbags, cushion airbags and seatbelts integrated in the seats are among the highlights. In the rear, leather seats with an industry-leading 1060 mm of headroom, heating, seatback adjustment, electric sunshield and aeroplane-style LED reading lights are standard

To create a safe and comfortable rest area while enjoying the outdoors, all seating in the vehicle can be adjusted flat to create an in-car suite, allowing for a king-size, queen-size or single-mode sleeping space within the cabin.

Special features of the infotainment system include a built-in projector paired with a 20-speaker Sennheiser Signature Sound System and a portable speaker which can be used outside the vehicle. A raising speaker is a highlight, with ambient lighting which synchronizes with the rhythm of the music to create a stunning audio-visual experience. In addition, the vehicle contains 34 storage compartments, with a 72-litre frunk and cargo space of up to 1,530 litres in the rear.

Over 740-km range claimed
The 800V high-voltage platform allows the #5 to achieve new levels of performance in charging speed and range of over 740 kms. The 100 kwh battery pack has super-charging capability (4C) which can recharge to  70% charge capacity within 15 minutes (charging from 10% to 80%).

The #5 will debut in China at the Chengdu Auto Show tomorrow (August 30) and first deliveries of the SUV will begin in China before the end of the year. Malaysia, being a priority market for smart, should get the #5 sometime in 2024.

Find out more about smart EVs here

BRABUS and smart – not an odd couple