Smart #5 bows in China, Europe will have to wait

Smart has unveiled the #5 SUV – its largest model so far. China will get it later this year, while customers in Europe will have to wait until the next.

The electric soft-roader is sized 4,705 x 1,920 x 1,705 millimeters (183.8 x 75 x 66.6 inches) large with a wheelbase spanning 2,900 mm (113.2 inches). It rides on wheels sized up to 20 inches large and offers up to 1,530 liters (54 cubic feet) of trunk space. Another 72 liters (2.5 cu. ft.) of luggage fits into the frunk.

Those interested in maximizing the travel potential of their SUV may opt for a special edition called Summit. It comes pre-equipped with an expedition rack, a hinged box for miscellaneous items, skid plates and guards, and additional lighting.

Inside, the infotainment system runs an Unreal Engine UI and comprises three displays – a 10.3-inch dash cluster and a pair of identical 13-inch screens. There is also a HUD with a projected image size of 25.6 inches corner-to-corner, as well as a 21-speaker Sennheiser audio system. A voice assistant app can hold conversations, provide answers to virtually all kinds of questions and engage in small talk to lift your mood.

When folded down, the seats inside form a bed suitable for two people to sleep in. The trim all around uses natural leather and wood veneer applications.

Powertrain-wise, the biggest battery pack on offer gives you up to 740 km (460 miles) of range. Charging it from 10 to 80 percent only takes 15 minutes. The motor data leaked via patent applications in China back in June, so it’s far from new. The cheapest Smart #5 versions get only one motor rated at either 340 or 363 metric PS (335 or 358 hp; 250 or 267 kW, respectively). The entry-level AWD spec drives the front axle with 224 PS (221 hp / 165 kW) and 363 PS (358 hp / 267 kW).

And then there is the range-topping Brabus Edition, which takes the same front e-motor as above and compounds it with a superior 421-PS (415-hp / 310-kW) motor at the rear axle for a combined 646 PS (637 hp / 475 kW). This is the most power any Smart vehicle has commanded so far.

If you don’t need the large 100-kWh battery pack, you can go for a cheaper 76-kWh one that the company claims is still enough for 570 km (354 miles) per charge.

All production will take place in China. Smart is a brand owned in equal parts by Geely and Mercedes-Benz, so this is nothing new.