New 348-mile Smart #5 goes toe-to-toe with Tesla Model Y

Smart’s largest e-SUV aims to offer ‘a new level of premium’ and versatile, ‘outdoor-oriented features.’ But how does it stack up against the current crop of all-electric crossovers?

At over 4,700 mm long, the all-new #5 is physically larger than any Smart that’s gone before. However, while it might look like it’s from a different universe to the original Fortwo supermini, the new SUV still subscribes to the brand’s ‘Body Space Index’ mantra. 

Just like its ancestors, the #5 puts every millimeter of that wheelbase to work. By forcing the wheels out to the extremities Smart has achieved a more spacious cabin and a greater boot capacity — up to 1,530 litres with the seats folded down — compared to its #1 and #3, despite all three offerings sharing the same platform. Granted, that’s still some way shy of both the Tesla Model Y and the Skoda Enyaq’s colossal load bays, but the Smart counters with no less than 34 storage cubbies (good luck working out which one you left your gloves in). Plus, there’s an additional 72 litres courtesy of a ‘froot’ (front boot), or ‘frunk’, if you prefer.

As for the styling, the #5 looks pleasingly similar to the distinctive concept model which preceded it – itself, drawing more than a few quirks and cues from Mercedes’ styling catalogue. We particularly enjoy the oblong-shaped headlights and clean, simple side-profile.  

So it pulls off the rugged-handsome aesthetic, but has it got the substance to back up that style? Well It’s certainly no Land Rover Defender or Toyota Land Cruiser, however unlike many of its electric crossover peers, the #5 has the rare promise of some legitimate off-road ability. Five dedicated all-terrain modes, ranging from sand to snow, configure the car’s computers for maximum traction. That said, if you’re going to venture into the wildness often then it’s probably best to avoid the single motor, rear-wheel drive variants.  

Unlike some other off roaders, this versatility isn’t married to a no-frills, agricultural interior. Quite the opposite, in fact: the #5’s cabin is billed as the most luxurious the brand has ever created. And initial pictures suggest it hits that premium bullseye, with so much Mercedes influence in the ambient lighting, twin 13-inch AMOLED 2.5K displays, and oak wood accents, that you could swap the Smart badge for a three-pointed star any day of the week.

Audiophiles are in luck, too, thanks to Smart’s latest partnership with industry expert Sennheiser. Don’t worry if you never managed to bag Oasis tickets, with a staggering 2,000 watts of power the #5’s 21-speaker sound system makes you feel like you got the best seats in the house. 

Less is known about the oomph being sent to the wheels. One certainty is that a range of battery and motor configurations will be offered, with at least one four-wheel drive, high-performance variant topping the tree. Moreover, Smart has promised a driving range of up to 348 miles and a 10-80% charging time of just 15 minutes. Given Tesla’s leggiest Model Y offers 331 miles, and Skoda’s Enyaq an identical 348 miles, the #5 is impressively competitive on this front. Plus, thanks to energy-efficient Continental EcoContact 7 tyres, the Smart should have little trouble achieving those claimed figures. 

How much should expect to pay for this impressively equipped, handsomely styled e-SUV, then? Unfortunately, no concrete pricing data has been revealed, but given its target market and key rivals, an entry point north of £40,000 is realistic. You can’t snap one up just yet though; first deliveries are slated for early 2025.  

Is Smart’s electric #5 on your radar, or does Tesla’s cutting-edge tech have a stronger allure? 

Hero image credit:  Smart