Currently reading: Smart #5 concept previews rapid-charging electric 4x4

Brand’s biggest model, due in UK in 2025, introduces off-roader-esque design language and new interior layout

The Smart #5 concept has been unveiled as a first look at the brand’s largest, most technologically advanced electric car to date.

Sized roughly in line with the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40, the #5 introduces a new styling direction with a harder-edged, more rugged appearance than Smart’s two smaller crossovers, the #1 and #3

Key to the new look are the segmented LED lights, a clear departure from the Mercedes-Benz-style light bars on the #5's siblings.

The off-road flavour of the #5 reinforces the more rugged look and signals a new commitment to the outdoor ‘lifestyle’ market that’s quickly growing in Smart part-owner Geely’s native China.

“With this vehicle, we leave all boundaries behind and open up a new segment for customers in Europe and worldwide,” said Smart CEO Dirk Adelmann.

The production version of the #5 is strongly tipped to share the SEA platform with its rangemates, as well as cars from elsewhere in the Geely portfolio, including the Polestar 4Volvo EX30 and Zeekr X

Smart #5 concept at Beijing motor show – side

Unlike those cars, though, the #5 will use an 800V electrical architecture for much quicker charging speeds, and it has been confirmed to feature a battery with more than 100kWh in capacity, which will be among the largest of any EV of this size.

Smart claims a range of more than 340 miles between charges and that charge can be replenished from 10-80% in 15 minutes.

For reference, the #1 uses a 400V architecture, delivering a maximum charging rate of 150kW, allowing a 10-80% top-up in under 30 minutes. Range meanwhile is up to 273 miles.

Smart also confirmed that the #5 has four-wheel drive, suggesting that it uses two electric motors, one mounted on each axle.

No power figure has been given yet, but the other dual-motor Smart car, the #1 Brabus, gets a 154bhp motor up front and a larger 268bhp motor at the rear, combining for 422bhp and 400lb ft of torque. 

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The production version of the #5 is likely to also offer a cheaper and longer-range single-motor variant. 

Inside, the #5 introduces a new-look dashboard, which integrates the digital instrument display and twin infotainment touchscreens into one large oval shape.

Smart #5 concept at Beijing motor show – interior

Its new on-board computer is underpinned by American chip maker AMD’s V2000 processor, offering sufficient power for a new, more advanced artificial intelligence assistant. This brings improved voice controls for functions such as text messaging, climate controls and sat-nav.

Physical buttons for critical features such as the window demisters and hazard light switch are omitted in favour of a permanent touch-sensitive panel.

The #5 will be unveiled in production form later this year and is tipped to land in the UK in 2025, priced from around the £35,000 mark in single-motor guise.

Charlie Martin

Charlie Martin Autocar
Title: Editorial assistant, Autocar

As part of Autocar’s news desk, Charlie plays a key role in the title’s coverage of new car launches and industry events. He’s also a regular contributor to its social media channels, providing videos for Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook and Twitter.

Charlie joined Autocar in July 2022 after a nine-month stint as an apprentice with sister publication What Car?, during which he acquired his gold-standard NCTJ diploma with the Press Association.

Charlie is the proud owner of a Fiat Panda 100HP, which he swears to be the best car in the world. Until it breaks.

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catnip 24 April 2024

What are those 'guy ropes' from the bonnet to the roof for? I see that one of Fandango's new models has them too. Must be the latest thing in China.

jason_recliner 27 April 2024
catnip wrote:

What are those 'guy ropes' from the bonnet to the roof for? I see that one of Fandango's new models has them too. Must be the latest thing in China.

To protect the windscreen from overhanging branches.