There was a time when Smart was synonymous with tiny cars so small a stiff breeze could knock them over. The ForTwo, for instance, was so compact you could park it sideways in a spot and still have room for a toaster. But those days are gone, folks. Smart has thrown in the towel on cute little city mice and gone full throttle for something bigger, brasher, and – brace yourselves – pricier. Meet the Smart #5, the biggest, most powerful, and most wallet-draining Smart ever to grace the earth.
Let’s dive into the numbers, because they’re downright staggering. At 4.7 meters long, this isn’t a car anymore—it’s a statement. For context, that’s roughly two ForTwos glued end-to-end, with a few extra inches thrown in for attitude. It’s longer than a BMW X3 and boasts a 2.9-meter wheelbase, meaning you could camp out in the back if you wanted. And the weight—or rather, the lack of lightness. With a 100 kWh battery onboard, this thing probably weighs more than a small truck. Nimble city transport? Forget about it.
But what really makes this Smart scream is its power. The top-tier version—a four-wheel-drive beast—churns out a whopping 588 horsepower. That’s enough to blow your hair back and make your neighbors think you’ve parked a fighter jet in the garage. Zero to 100 km/h? In the blink of an eye, though charging that massive battery takes a bit longer. Thanks to an 800-volt architecture, though, you can fast-charge at 400 kW, zipping from 10 to 80 percent in about 15 minutes. Range? Smart brags about 550 kilometers on the WLTP cycle, which is decent, but let’s be real: with that much power, you’ll only hit that if you drive like your grandma.
Inside, it’s just as over-the-top. Three screens—yes, three!—dominate the dashboard, like you’re in a rolling movie theater. The central display is so big you could probably watch Netflix on it, while the passenger gets their own little screen to… well, what exactly? Play Candy Crush? The seats are electrically adjustable, heated, and likely comfier than your sofa. There are 34 storage compartments—I repeat, 34—and a boot that expands to 1,530 liters with the rear seats folded. That’s enough for a small move or a spontaneous road trip with full camping gear.
And then there’s the looks. Smart has clearly raided Mercedes’ toolbox, because the #5 sports a rugged grille with LED dots, wheels that look like they’re from a sci-fi flick, and a straight, beefy rear. It’s not subtle. This is an SUV that yells, “Look at me!” And good thing, too, because with a starting price of €46,700 for the base model (the Pro, with 340 hp and rear-wheel drive) and a top spec nearing €60,000, you’d better stand out.
But let’s pause for the irony. Smart started as a revolutionary idea: small, affordable cars for the city. Now, under the wing of China’s Geely (which also owns Volvo and Polestar), it’s a brand chasing big, pricey SUVs. The #5 isn’t just a break from the past—it’s a middle finger to everything Smart once stood for. And yet… it works. In a world where everyone wants an electric SUV, this colossus fits right in.
Is it practical? Well, with a 72-liter “frunk” for your charging cables and a standard panoramic roof, you can’t complain about luxury. Is it necessary? Not in the slightest. But since when has the car world been about necessity? This is a ride for people who want to show off, who love horsepower, and who don’t lose sleep over a few extra zeros on their bank statement. Available from May 2025 in Belgium, and likely soon after here, the Smart #5 proves even the smallest brands can dream big—and crash hard if the market doesn’t bite.
So, what’s the verdict? It’s brilliant, it’s ridiculous, and it’s everything you wouldn’t expect from Smart. Part of me misses the adorable ForTwo, but another part can’t wait to thrash this monster around a twisty road. Smart’s back, and they’re playing harder than ever. Who’d have thought?
