The Smart #5 is the brand’s largest model yet and marks its entry into the family SUV segment. While the standard versions focus on practicality and long driving range, the Brabus flagship transforms the SUV into a high-performance electric model with supercar-rivalling acceleration and upgraded materials.
The Smart #5 is officially on sale in the UK, with the Brabus sitting at the top of the range. We recently spent some time with the global-spec Smart #5 Brabus to experience its design, space, and features.
Design
The Smart #5 Brabus adopts a bold, upright SUV design that differs significantly from the smaller Smart #1 and #3. Its got boxy proportions, squared-off lighting elements, and clean body surfacing give it a distinctive identity.
Exclusive Brabus touches help distinguish it from the regular models. The SUV receives a dedicated Brabus body kit, red-painted brake calipers, unique exterior accents and 21-inch Monoblock alloy wheels, giving it a noticeably sportier appearance. Frameless doors and a panoramic Halo Roof are also available with this version.
At the front, the CyberSparks LED+ matrix headlights feature Adaptive High Beam Assist, while the full-width lighting signature creates a modern look that is instantly recognisable at night.
Interior
The Smart #5 Brabus features a five-seat cabin with Brabus-specific materials and trim. Dinamica upholstery and an Alcantara sports-style steering wheel immediately differentiate it from the standard models, while red accents reinforce its performance character.
The dashboard incorporates dual 13-inch AMOLED displays for the central infotainment and passenger screens, alongside a 10.25-inch HD digital instrument cluster and an Augmented Reality Head-Up Display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both supported.
The Brabus variant is equipped with a Sennheiser Signature Sound System comprising 20 speakers plus one central raising speaker, for a total of 21 speakers, together with Dolby Atmos technology.
Comfort features include electrically adjustable and heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, Ambient Lighting+ with 256 colours, NFC key card access and a gesture-operated tailgate. Smart Pilot Assist, a 360-degree camera and 12 front and rear parking sensors with Automatic Parking Assist are also included.
The Smart #5 offers up to 1,530 litres of luggage capacity with the rear seats folded, while the Brabus variant includes a 47-litre front storage compartment (frunk). The vehicle also features a one-button Comfort Mode that moves the front passenger seat forward and reclines the rear seat by up to 10 degrees.
Experience in the Smart #5 Brabus
Getting into the front requires a slightly higher step because of the battery pack, but it did not feel unusual. For my UK size 11.5 shoes, the pedal box and dead pedal felt well designed. The electrically adjustable front seats felt supple and supportive, with good shoulder support, very good back support, adjustable headrests, well-judged side bolstering and very good under-thigh support.
The cabin also gives off a premium impression, with frameless doors, a wide dashboard screen, adjustable cupholders and wireless charging pads. However, the front pillars are thicker than I would like, which slightly affects visibility.
The rear seat was spacious and airy, helped by the huge panoramic glass roof and large windows. I had more than 10 cm of headroom, while knee room behind my driving position was about 6 cm.
The rear backrest is electrically adjustable for recline, and amenities include AC vents, a USB charger and premium touch-operated reading lamps. Under-thigh support could be better, though, as I sat slightly knees-up.
Specifications
The Smart #5 measures 4,695 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width and 1,705 mm in height, while the wheelbase measures 2,900 mm. These dimensions make it substantially larger than previous Smart models and place it firmly within the family SUV segment.
Unlike the rear-wheel-drive variants in the Smart #5 lineup, the Brabus features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 475 kW (646 PS). The dual-motor AWD system produces 475 kW (646 PS), allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 3.8 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 210 km/h (130 mph).
It is equipped with a 100 kWh battery pack and benefits from Smart’s 800V electrical architecture. Under the official WLTP test cycle, it delivers a driving range of 540 km (336 miles).
The advanced electrical system supports DC fast charging, enabling the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 18 minutes under optimal conditions using a compatible 400 kW DC fast charger. AC charging is supported at 22 kW, making it one of the quickest-charging electric SUVs currently available.
The Smart #5 Brabus rides on an adaptive all-wheel-drive system that continuously distributes power between the front and rear axles to maximise traction and performance. It also features a multi-mode drive system.
Alongside the standard road modes, the Brabus offers Adaptive, Sand, Mud, Snow and Rock modes for improved capability on loose or slippery surfaces. Regenerative braking can be adjusted, ranging from a conventional coasting feel to one-pedal driving.
The vehicle supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing external electrical devices to be powered from the battery. It also includes a Camping Mode with multiple seating and sleeping configurations that can create a flat bed measuring up to 1.4 m × 2.7 m.
Pricing
The Smart #5 Brabus is officially sold in the UK and is priced from GBP 51,800 On-The-Road (OTR). It sits at the top of the Smart #5 lineup above the Pro, Pro+, Premium, Pulse and Summit Edition.
At this price, it competes with premium electric SUVs such as the Tesla Model Y Performance, Kia EV6 GT, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and higher-spec versions of the Cupra Tavascan.
Trained as an automobile engineer, I’ve been following the global car market since 2005. Over the past 17 years, I’ve been involved in online automotive analysis and publishing, traveling the world to drive, evaluate, and experience new cars and technologies.
