For years, Smart was synonymous with tiny city cars. The Fortwo became an icon of urban motoring, squeezing into parking spaces that seemed impossible for anything else on four wheels. Fast forward to 2026 and Smart has undergone a complete transformation.

Now jointly owned by Mercedes-Benz and Geely, the brand has reinvented itself as a premium electric car manufacturer. Mercedes is responsible for the design, while Geely provides the engineering and EV technology. The result is a range of electric SUVs that couldn't be further removed from the original Smart formula.

The Smart #5 is the biggest Smart ever built and arguably the most ambitious. It's a family-sized electric SUV designed to take on the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Skoda Enyaq and Peugeot E-3008, combining premium styling, cutting-edge charging technology and a genuinely spacious interior.

Pricing and Value

The Smart #5 range starts from £39,900 for the entry-level Pro model, rising through the Pro+, Premium and Pulse trims before topping out at around £51,800 for the range-topping Brabus.

For buyers considering finance, competitive lease deals are already appearing through providers such as our sponsor Leasing.com, potentially making the #5 an attractive alternative to more established electric SUVs.

Exterior Design

The Smart #5 looks nothing like the Smarts of old. Instead of a compact city car designed to squeeze through busy urban streets, you get a chunky, upright SUV with strong proportions, squared-off styling and plenty of road presence.

At almost 4.7 metres long, the #5 is actually larger than many people expect, placing it firmly in the family SUV category alongside cars such as the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Skoda Enyaq. Its boxy silhouette gives it a distinctive look in a market increasingly dominated by rounded, aerodynamic crossovers.

There's more than a hint of Mercedes GLB about the design, particularly from the side profile. That's perhaps no surprise given Mercedes-Benz's involvement in Smart's design direction. The upright stance, strong shoulder line and squared wheel arches help give the #5 a rugged, almost off-road-inspired appearance, while also maximising interior space and practicality.

At the front, slim LED lighting and a full-width light signature create a modern look, while the rear features similarly distinctive lighting that helps the car stand out at night. Depending on trim level, wheel sizes of up to 21 inches further enhance the #5's visual presence.

It's not the most aerodynamic EV on sale, and that likely contributes to some of the efficiency criticisms levelled at the car, but it certainly stands out from the increasingly generic SUV crowd. While some rivals prioritise sleekness and efficiency, the Smart instead embraces a more rugged, lifestyle-oriented design.

Whether you love it or hate it, nobody is going to mistake this for a traditional Smart. The #5 represents a complete reinvention of the brand and makes a far bigger statement than its badge might suggest.

Interior and Technology

Step inside and it's immediately obvious where much of the budget has gone. The Smart #5 delivers one of the most impressive interiors in its class, combining premium materials, clever technology and a genuine sense of space that helps it feel more expensive than many of its mainstream rivals.

*The tech-laden interior takes some inspiration from Mercedes-Benz*

The dashboard is dominated by a trio of high-resolution displays, including a 10.25-inch digital driver's display and dual 13-inch OLED touchscreens on higher-spec models. The passenger screen allows the front-seat passenger to access entertainment, navigation and vehicle functions independently, giving the cabin a distinctly premium feel. Graphics are crisp, responses are quick and the overall presentation is among the most modern you'll find in a family SUV.

Material quality is generally excellent, with soft-touch surfaces, solid switchgear and a level of fit and finish that reflects Mercedes-Benz's influence on the design. Ambient lighting, premium upholstery options and thoughtful design touches help create an interior that feels genuinely special rather than simply functional.

Technology is another major selling point. The infotainment system is powered by AMD processing technology, helping deliver smooth performance and rapid responses. Features such as over-the-air software updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display on higher trims, voice control and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems ensure the #5 feels every bit as modern as its rivals.

Space is equally impressive. At nearly 4.7 metres long with a wheelbase stretching over 2.9 metres, the #5 offers generous accommodation in both rows. Rear passengers benefit from excellent legroom and headroom, while the flat floor enhances comfort for middle-seat occupants. Families will appreciate the abundance of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including large door bins, a sizeable centre console and numerous practical cubbies.

Boot space is another strong point, with up to 630 litres available behind the rear seats, expanding to more than 1,500 litres with the seats folded. Models equipped with the larger battery also feature a useful front trunk, providing additional storage for charging cables or smaller items.

The downside? Like many modern EVs, Smart has moved many key functions into the touchscreen interface. While the system itself is slick and responsive, simple tasks such as adjusting climate settings can require more attention than traditional physical controls. It's a common criticism of many modern electric vehicles and one that may frustrate buyers who prefer a more conventional layout.

Overall, the interior is one of the Smart #5's standout features. It combines premium quality, cutting-edge technology and impressive practicality in a way that makes many rivals feel a generation behind.

Driving Experience

The Smart #5 is at its best when you're simply covering miles. While some electric SUVs try to balance comfort with sporty handling, Smart has clearly prioritised refinement, making the #5 feel more like a long-distance cruiser than a driver's car.

At motorway speeds, the cabin remains impressively quiet, with very little wind or road noise making its way inside. The suspension is tuned towards comfort and does an excellent job of soaking up potholes, expansion joints and broken road surfaces. Combined with supportive seats and generous interior space, it's a car that feels perfectly suited to family road trips and daily commuting alike.

Visibility is good, the steering is light and accurate, and manoeuvring around town is easier than its dimensions might suggest. The elevated driving position also provides a commanding view of the road ahead, which many SUV buyers will appreciate.

That said, keen drivers may find it lacks the sharpness of some rivals. Weighing well over two tonnes in many versions, the #5 isn't a car that encourages enthusiastic cornering. Body control is respectable and grip levels are strong, but you remain aware of the vehicle's mass when changing direction quickly. This is a comfortable family SUV first and a sporty SUV second.

Performance is strong throughout the range. The entry-level Pro produces 340PS and reaches 62mph in around 6.9 seconds, which is more than adequate for everyday driving. Moving up the range brings increasingly powerful dual-motor all-wheel-drive options, culminating in the flagship Brabus model. With 637PS and 710Nm of torque, it can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds, putting it into genuine performance car territory despite its family SUV credentials.

While the Brabus is undeniably impressive, it's arguably more power than most buyers will ever need. The mid-range Premium and Pulse models feel like the sweet spot, offering effortless overtaking performance, all-wheel-drive security in the Pulse, and the same relaxed, refined driving character that suits the #5 so well.

Ultimately, the Smart #5 succeeds because it knows what it wants to be. Rather than chasing sporty handling figures, it focuses on comfort, refinement and effortless performance, making it one of the most relaxing electric SUVs to drive in its class.

Charging and Range

One area where the Smart #5 genuinely impresses is charging. Most versions are built around an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture, allowing DC rapid charging at up to 400kW on Premium, Pulse and Brabus models. Under ideal conditions, that means a 10-80% charge can take as little as 18 minutes, making the #5 one of the fastest-charging electric cars currently on sale.

The entry-level Pro model uses a smaller 76kWh LFP battery and a 400-volt architecture, reducing maximum charging speeds to around 150kW. Step up to the Pro+, Premium, Pulse or Brabus and you get a much larger 100kWh battery, along with the full benefits of the 800-volt system.

Official WLTP range figures vary from around 289 miles in the Pro to as much as 366 miles in the Premium. However, real-world efficiency is less impressive. Independent testing has recorded figures of around 2.4 to 2.8 miles per kWh, which is noticeably behind class leaders such as the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Renault Scenic E-Tech. In everyday driving, expect real-world range to fall well short of the headline WLTP figures, particularly during colder months.

Heat pump availability is also worth noting. Unlike some rivals that include a heat pump across the range, Smart only fits one as standard on Premium, Pulse and Brabus models. Pro and Pro+ buyers miss out, which could have a noticeable impact on winter efficiency and cold-weather range. Given the #5's already average energy consumption, the heat pump-equipped models are likely to be the better long-term choice for UK drivers.

Another clever feature is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality on Pro+, Premium, Pulse and Brabus models (not available on the smaller battery ‘Pro’), allowing the Smart #5's battery to power external devices such as laptops, camping equipment, e-bikes or even household appliances when you're away from a plug socket.

While efficiency may not be class-leading, the Smart #5 compensates with charging performance that few rivals can match. If regular long-distance journeys are part of your routine, those ultra-fast charging speeds could prove more valuable than a few extra miles of range.

Pros

Spacious and practical interior
Premium cabin quality and technology
Comfortable and refined ride
Extremely fast charging capability

Cons

Poor real-world efficiency compared with key rivals
Over-reliance on touchscreen controls
Limited UK dealer network

Verdict

The Smart #5 represents one of the biggest transformations of any car brand in recent years. What was once a manufacturer of tiny city cars is now producing one of the most convincing electric family SUVs on sale.

It's spacious, comfortable, packed with technology and offers charging speeds that many rivals can only dream of. The biggest drawback is its efficiency, which falls short of the class leaders, particularly the Tesla Model Y.

If you're looking for the most efficient EV in the segment, there are better options. But if you value comfort, practicality, premium quality and ultra-fast charging, the Smart #5 deserves a place on your shortlist. It's not the Smart we once knew, but that's exactly why it's so impressive.

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About the Author

Jim Starling is the founder of DefinitelyNotAGuru, a UK-based automotive media outlet focused on clear, honest, consumer-first journalism. His work cuts through marketing hype and technical jargon to help everyday drivers make sense of car buying, leasing, ownership costs, and the transition to electric vehicles.

An independent motoring journalist and long-term EV owner, Jim brings real-world experience to his reporting. Whether covering major international motor shows or testing new cars on UK roads, his focus remains the same: straightforward analysis and genuinely unbiased advice that puts the audience first.

2026 Smart #5 Review - The little car that grew up