Smart #5 review: Tesla-rivalling family SUV is both big and clever
Built by Chinese firm Geely and designed by Mercedes-Benz – both share custody of the Smart name and DNA – the 4.7m long Smart #5 is about as far from the brand's compact roots as you can get. But besides a faint sense of loss for the goofy pocket-cars of yesteryear, the Smart #5 gives you little reason to dislike the brand's change of direction.
So yes, the Smart #5 is big – you could parallel park the original Smart Fortwo inside its 2.9m wheelbase – but its boxy proportions, wide-apart wheels and flat floor make it lavishly spacious inside. The rear seats are as well-appointed and roomy as those in the front. The 800V architecture of the top-spec models means it charges faster than most UK charging points will allow, and most versions of the car offer some impressive tech as standard.
How we tested
We drove the Smart #5 Brabus around Porto and its surrounding countryside, assessing its performance, handling, interior tech and practicality on a variety of challenging roads.
Independent rating: 7/10
Smart #5 specs
Price range: From £32,000 (estimated)
Battery size: 76kWh / 100 kWh
Maximum claimed range: 366 miles
Miles per kWh: 3.8
Maximum charging rate: 150kW / 426kW
Battery, range, charging, performance and drive
The Smart #5 comes with two battery sizes. There's the entry-level Pro with a 76kWh battery and 288 miles of range which will probably cost around £32,000. Move up to the Pro+ and beyond and you'll get the 100kWh battery, which offers 366 miles in RWD rear-drive configurations and 335 in the 4x4 AWD car.
Those higher trims include the over-the-top Brabus version which could cost something in the region of £55,000. It does away with some comfort and efficiency to deliver a whopping 637bhp and nail a 0-62mph time of 3.8s – just in case that's something anyone would ever want to do in a Smart car. That's silly performance for an SUV of this heft and weight (and something few customers will choose) but thankfully the Smart #5 is fast in ways that matter, too.
Charging speeds are where the Smart #5 excels. The biggest battery will charge at speeds of up to 400kW in optimal conditions, taking the Smart #5 from 10 to 80 per cent in under 18 minutes. That's quicker than the Porsche Taycan and the new Tesla Model Y, but you're unlikely to find those optimal conditions in the UK any time soon – where typical motorway fast chargers currently top out at 350kW. The entry-level Pro edition won't worry our current charging infrastructure, with 150kW charging speeds capable of getting from 10 to 80 per cent in under 30 minutes.
We test drove the Smart #5 Brabus which, even on its 21in alloy wheels, feels composed and comfortable whether you're crawling along cobbled streets or cruising at motorway speeds. The top-spec Brabus is incongruously powerful for an otherwise sensible family SUV, but switch to a less sporty driving mode and you'll get something closer to the performance of lower trim models. Things gets more business-like then with nicely weighted steering and smoother, more predictable power delivery.
Ironically, city driving isn't the Smart #5's strong point. The 2.4 tonne SUV is more than comfortable in start-stop traffic, and the boxy body shape gives you excellent road visibility, but the car's size and fairly unremarkable turning circle makes it naturally unsuited to squeezing around tight bends and out of tricky spots.
Interior, practicality and boot space
The Smart #5 is surprisingly cavernous. A flat floor and long wheelbase, coupled with the overall boxiness of the shape, creates a huge amount of headroom and legroom for even the tallest front and rear passengers. Boot space is generous at 630 litres, expanding to 1,530 litres with the seats down. There's also 74 litres of space in the frunk, should you need it.
The Smart #5 comes with some decent kit as standard. Even the basic Pro gets a panoramic roof, plus heated driver seat, a 360-degree parking camera and climate controls for passengers in the back. Move up to higher trims and you get features like dual wireless charging pads for your phone, a touchscreen display for your passenger, a heat pump for better battery efficiency and an augmented reality head-up display.
Technology, stereo and infotainment
Smart has gone all-in on displays with the #5. The dashboard is dominated by a bright and responsive 13in OLED central touchscreen – it's an impressive, pill-shaped panel that stretches all the way over to the passenger side on Pro+ models and above. Somewhat alarmingly, your passenger can watch movies on their side of the car if they're sufficiently bored of your company – though Smart says the passenger display will disable if the driver tries to sneak a peek at whatever's on.
The OLED display is vibrant, fast, isn't overly fussy and intuitive to navigate. While you don't get physical buttons on the display, you do get a few on the steering wheel and the most essential controls are always within reach on screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work wirelessly and seamlessly, integrating neatly with Smart's underlying interface.
You've got your usual list of driver assist systems, which as with many modern cars includes a few overly judicious safety warnings. Overtaking a truck on a motorway with ample space, for example, we received the rather stark message that the car was 'taking evasive action'. Yawn just once and you'll be told to take a break and grab a coffee. The car's lane keeping can get a little jaunty with adaptive cruise control too, sometimes meandering in the lane like it's looking for something.
Premium models and above get an impressive 20-speaker Sennheiser system with Dolby Atmos support, all 1,190 watts of which sound great in the the arena-sized cockpit of the Smart #5.
Prices and running costs
The Smart #5 will be available in the UK later this year, with prices still to be announced. Estimates put the entry-level Pro at around £32,000 which, if Smart could manage that, would offer good value in a competitive mid-size SUV market considering the #5's size, the amount of standard kit, and that impressive charging tech. The top-spec Brabus model could well top the £55,000 mark when prices are announced.
Efficiency is nothing special, but still decent at around 3.8 miles per kWh, meaning running costs will be typical for a large EV. That means cheap if charging at home on off-peak tariffs, but potentially pricey if you want to make regular use of the Smart #5's impressive charging speeds at public chargers.
FAQs
How long does it take to charge?
Models with the 100kWh battery and 800V system can theoretically charge 10 to 80 per cent in under 18 minutes on a 400kW+ charger. The 76kWh Pro model takes under 30 minutes on a 150kW charger.
How much does it cost - is it worth it?
Estimated from £32k to over £50k. Mid-range models offer a strong blend of space, tech, and range for the money, making it a compelling premium EV choice if you can live with the screen-heavy interface.
Does Smart replace batteries for free?
Like most EV manufacturers, Smart will offer an 8 year/100,000 mile warranty on the high-voltage battery, covering significant degradation or failure.
Why trust us
Our team of motoring experts have decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are reached with every kind of driver in mind. We thoroughly test drive every car we rate, so you can be sure our verdicts are honest, unbiased and authentic.
The verdict: Smart #5
Big enough to swallow the old Smart Fortwo whole, the Smart #5 is about as far from the brand's dinky heritage as you can get. Impressively large, crammed with technology and with a few too many screens in the cockpit, the family SUV delivers a premium driving experience, copious interior space, plenty of kit and enough character to avoid feeling generic. The Brabus is bonkers fast, but the standard versions will be the smarter buy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Guardian
11 minutes ago
- The Guardian
White House to end US tariff exemption for all low-value overseas packages
The United States is suspending a 'de minimis' exemption that allowed low-value commercial shipments to be shipped to the United States without facing tariffs, the White House said on Wednesday. Under an executive order signed by Donald Trump on Wednesday, packages valued at or under $800 sent to the US outside of the international postal network will now face 'all applicable duties' starting on 29 August, the White House said. The US president earlier targeted packages from China and Hong Kong, and the White House said the recently signed tax and spending bill repealed the legal basis for the de minimis exemption worldwide starting on 1 July 2027. 'Trump is acting more quickly to suspend the de minimis exemption than the OBBBA requires, to deal with national emergencies and save American lives and businesses now,' the White House said in a fact sheet, referring to the bill known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Goods shipped through the postal system will face one of two tariffs: either an 'ad valorem duty' equal to the effective tariff rate of the package's country of origin or, for six months, a specific tariff of $80 to $200 depending on the country of origin's tariff rate.
The Sun
11 minutes ago
- The Sun
I've made £200k in over a year from a side hustle & I even get the summer holidays off to have fun with my kids
A SIDE hustle that rakes in a staggering £200,000 in just over a year, all while leaving the summer holidays free for family fun? It sounds like a dream, but for one savvy individual, it's a very real and incredibly lucrative reality that speaks volumes about the power of modern entrepreneurship. 1 With the cost of living crisis making it tougher than ever for young people to fly the nest, or for anyone to simply make ends meet. Which is why side hustles have become a lifeline for many across the UK. In fact, two in five British people (39%) have a side hustle in 2025, according to It proves that they offer financial security, a chance to pay off debt faster, build up savings, or even fund big life goals like holidays or a house deposit. Taking to TikTok, Niamh Minton - known as @ neveminton - shared her inspiring journey, proving that sometimes, taking a leap on a 'second job' can completely transform your life. "One moment you're looking for a second job, the next you're living your best life as you gave that side hustle a go and since starting you've made almost £200k," she wrote. Her earnings are nothing short of impressive, especially considering the flexibility it offers. She even revealed: "In fact, so far in July you've earned over £6,000 in between the madness of half-term." In the caption, she went on to explain that she does digital marketing and that it has "truly changed everything" for her little family. Niamh explained that just 12 months ago, she was living paycheck to paycheck and constantly worrying about finances. I'm a mum-of-2 and was a broke teaching assistant on £840 a month - now I've made 46k doing a side hustle anyone can do But she told her partner that 2024 was going to be the year they would try and change that. And so, that's what she did, learning how to make money with digital products. She now sells digital products and mini courses. Niamh, who currently has 20.8k followers, often sees her comments section flooded with people wanting more information and advice on how they can achieve similar success. Easy money tricks Master Your Time, Master Your Money Ever heard the saying, "Time is money"? It's a mantra the wealthy live by, and for good reason. They understand that every moment can be leveraged to generate income or progress towards their financial goals. This powerful mindset means they're incredibly selective about how they spend their hours, often saying "no" to anything that won't add value or a substantial return. You can easily adopt this principle in your own life. Before committing to something, pause and ask yourself: Is this truly a good use of my precious time? Can I genuinely afford the time commitment, let alone any associated costs? By being more discerning, you'll avoid overstretching yourself and instead channel your energy into activities that directly align with your financial aspirations. Cultivating this focused approach will undoubtedly boost your effectiveness and long-term success. Maximise Your Money, Minimise Your Tax Bill Smart individuals know that giving away money unnecessarily to the taxman is simply not an option. Their strategy? Diligently utilise every available tax allowance. One of the most effective ways the wealthy shield their money is through an Individual Savings Account (ISA). You can squirrel away up to £20,000 into an ISA each year, and crucially, any investment growth or interest earned within this account is completely tax-free. Compare this to a standard savings account, where you might find yourself paying tax on your hard-earned interest, depending on your income. Basic-rate taxpayers (earning under £50,270) can earn up to £1,000 in savings interest tax-free annually. However, if you're a higher-rate taxpayer (earning between £50,271 and £125,140), that tax-free allowance drops to £500. For additional-rate taxpayers (earning over £125,140), every penny of interest earned is taxable. As Sarah Coles, Head of Personal Finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, points out: "It makes a big difference to higher and additional rate taxpayers, but is very valuable for basic rate taxpayers too." Making the most of your ISA allowance is a fundamental step towards optimising your finances and ensuring more of your money stays in your pocket.
The Guardian
24 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Aston Martin's 24-hour scramble to get lower US tariffs pays off
Aston Martin scrambled to deliver three months' worth of cars to dealers in the US within 24 hours as it rushed to qualify for lower tariffs that came into effect on 30 June. By invoicing the whole quarter's cars on that same day it avoided having to report a sales slump that might have alarmed investors. The operation may not have matched the drama of the James Bond films that have long featured the brand, but it 'was quite exciting, to put it mildly', said Adrian Hallmark, Aston Martin's chief executive. Donald Trump has shaken the global economy with a trade war, causing a particular stir in the car industry with his imposition of a 25% tariff on 3 April on top of an existing 2.5% levy. Germany's Mercedes-Benz said on Wednesday Trump's border taxes would cost it about €360m (£311m) this year, while the sportscar-maker Porsche said it had taken a €400m hit from the levies in the first half of the year. However, in early May, the US president and Keir Starmer agreed a deal to limit tariffs on 100,000 British-made cars per year to 10%. That rate came into force at one minute past midnight on 30 June, the final day of the second financial quarter. Aston Martin Lagonda manufactures all its cars in factories in Gaydon, Warwickshire, and St Athan, south Wales. It shipped 328 cars to dealers in the Americas between April and June but the majority were sent on 30 June. It was a 'mammoth task', Hallmark said. 'This left us with 24 hours to invoice the entire quarter's-worth of vehicle sales in the US.' The one-day scramble illustrates the tariff turmoil causing headaches for goods exporters around the world. Aston Martin revealed that it had raised prices for US customers by 3% to absorb some of the hit from the border taxes. Getting the cars to dealers early would have meant a big financial blow from absorbing the higher tariff rate, while late arrivals that missed the quarter-end would have meant reporting a big slump in sales. So Aston Martin decided to send hundreds of cars to bonded warehouses in the US – where goods can be stored without being subject to tariffs – before delivery firms raced to get them all to dealers before the end of day on 30 June. Those cars attracted the 10% rate, rather than 27.5%. Other carmakers face higher costs. The EU reached a deal with the US to cut tariffs on most goods including cars to 15%. Mercedes-Benz boss Ola Källenius said he did not expect any improvement on that for the car industry, despite lobbying for a lower rate from Germany's carmakers. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion Aston Martin also said it had cut production and limited exports to the US to try to limit the financial impact. Even after its 30 June operation, Aston Martin could still be hit later in the year when it launches its million-dollar Valhalla, a mid-engine hypercar that it hopes will be a major contributor to profits. However, it is worried that the quota of 100,000 cars covered by the 10% tariff could be used up before it can get the Valhalla to dealers – potentially adding more than £100,000 to the price if importers must pay the 27.5% rate. British companies exported just over 100,000 cars to the US last year, with the bulk being Range Rovers shipped by JLR. The quota could mean an end-of-year race between British carmakers to get their vehicles into the country, with 'pressure on the number of slots available on the 100,000 quota', Hallmark said.
