Meet the New Electric Powerhouse: Smart #5 Dominates with 637bhp
The new Smart #5 has arrived, and it’s more than just the biggest Smart model to date—it’s the most powerful too. With an astonishing 637bhp in its peak form, this electric SUV is set to shake up the market. Initially previewed as a concept at the Beijing Motor Show, the details of the production model were kept under wraps until now.
A New Contender in the Electric SUV Market
The Smart #5 is poised to compete against heavyweights like the Volkswagen ID 4. Official images from China's Ministry of Technology have revealed its final design and confirmed its impressive specifications. The flagship twin-motor version packs a whopping 637bhp, outstripping even tough competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Kia EV6 GT, although interestingly, it doesn't come with Brabus branding as some of its performance-oriented siblings do.
Lightning-Fast Performance
Smart hasn't released full performance figures just yet, but it's expected that the high-powered variant can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in less than 3.0 seconds. There’s also a slightly less potent twin-motor option with a formidable 579bhp. For those seeking a more modest power output, the single-motor, rear-wheel drive versions are available with either 335bhp or 358bhp.
Battery and Charging Capabilities
Powering these motors are two types of batteries. The single-motor cars use lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) batteries, while the all-wheel-drive models utilize lithium-ion batteries. Though exact capacities haven't been disclosed, Smart has confirmed that the SUV will offer over 100kWh in its longest-range configuration and support 800-volt charging architecture, allowing for rapid 10-80% battery top-offs in just 15 minutes.
Design and Dimensions
The Smart #5 is a sizable vehicle measuring 4705mm in length, 1920mm in width, and 1705mm in height. It is comparable to competitors like the new Peugeot 5008, but it opts for a five-seat configuration rather than seven. The design stays true to the blocky, straight-backed concept but shifts from an off-road focus to a more urban, road-centric design.
Interior and Pricing
Although interior images haven't been shared yet, we can expect a digital-heavy, minimalist cabin based on the concept car's design. Initially anticipated to hit the UK market by 2025 with a starting price around £35,000, new tariffs on Chinese-made EVs in Europe raise questions about its availability in the region.
Smart, a 50:50 venture between Mercedes and Geely, manufactures this cutting-edge vehicle in Xi’an, China. With its blend of power, performance, and futuristic design, the Smart #5 is set to redefine what we expect from electric SUVs.