Smart, the German brand known for its quirky city cars like the ForTwo, has unveiled the new #5, its biggest vehicle yet. A far cry from the brand’s original cars, the #5 measures 185.2 inches long and boasts a 114.1-inch wheelbase comparable to the fourth-generation BMW X3 (112.7 inches).

Smart is sailing in unchartered waters, so does the #5 have what it takes to play with the big boys? It certainly looks the part, with styling by Mercedes-Benz. The crossover has squared-off styling with oblong lights at the front and rear. It eschews the cutesy looks of its lesser siblings for a more premium aesthetic. Floating wheel trims feature central logos that remain static even when the car is on the move. Other high-end details include frameless doors and a panoramic glass roof. Overall, the #5 looks like a more playful, funkier version of the Mercedes GLB-Class.

Large Battery Offers Impressive Range

Smart hasn’t shared many technical details but notes the #5 has an 800-volt architecture and is equipped with a 100 kWh battery that can be replenished from 10-80% in a mere 15 minutes. The automaker claims an impressive range of 460 miles, but this has been calculated on the optimistic CLTC cycle. Should the Smart ever reach American roads, we anticipate a more realistic EPA estimate.

There are no official power figures, but an earlier leak from the Chinese government claims that four models will be available (two single-motor RWD and two dual-motor AWD). The base spec will reportedly deliver 335 horsepower, while the top-spec all-wheel-drive model is expected to boast 638 hp. Smart notes that the #5 will have five driving modes:

• Adaptive
• Sand
• Snow
• Mud
• Rock

“We are delighted to present our first-ever mid-size premium SUV, the all-new Smart #5, to the world. With this new vehicle, we are expanding into a new market segment, reflecting our commitment to quality, innovation, and addressing the evolving requirements of our customers. As we continue to broaden our product lineup, we remain focused on providing diverse mobility solutions that cater to different lifestyles and preferences in Europe and around the globe. This vehicle represents not only a new level of premium for Smart but also an opportunity to explore new possibilities in the realm of electric mobility.”

– Dirk Adelmann, CEO of Smart Europe

Luxury Cabin Is More Mercedes Than Smart

Inside, the #5 is suitably upmarket. There are ‘zero gravity’ front seats, trimmed in leather upholstery. They can recline up to 121 degrees, allowing occupants to relax when the vehicle is stationary. The seatbelts are integrated into the seats, and there are also V-shaped head curtain airbags and cushion airbags. Rear passengers also enjoy leather upholstery and 41.7 inches of headroom. The rear pews are also heated, and have adjustable seatbacks, an electric sunshield, and LED reading lights.

The leather trim is complemented by tasteful oak trim, giving the #5 a luxe feel. Other nice-to-haves include a 256-color ambient lighting system, and a 21-speaker Sennheiser Signature Sound System (which includes a portable speaker). There’s also a built-in projector, while the seats can be configured to create a sleeping space in the cabin – perfect for camping expeditions. And for those trips to the grocery store, the trunk provides up to 54 cubic feet, while the frunk has 2.5 cubic feet of packing space. Inside, there are no fewer than 34 storage compartments.

“The #5 is a very special project for us. It represents a new era in Smart’s commitment to premium design, going beyond boundaries and keeping an open mind. We stay true to our design philosophy of ‘Love, Pure and Unexpected’ – elevating the meaning of ‘Pure’ for an honest mid-size SUV design. The boxiness and the positioning of the wheels enable the customary smart ‘Body Space Index’.”

– Kai Sieber, Head of Smart Design, Mercedes-Benz Design

Tech, Pricing, And Availability

There is plenty of technology to be found within the #5. This includes a 25.6-inch head-up display with Augmented Reality, a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a pair of 13-inch displays. An increasingly popular feature in modern cars, Smart has integrated an AI voice assistant.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but Smart says European deliveries will take place at the beginning of next year. It’s unlikely that the #5 will reach America, but if the automaker were to penetrate the market, the latest model would be its best bet. We expect additional details to arrive closer to the on-sale date.