The Smart #5 SUV: Tesla Slayer or Overhyped EV?

Summary

The Smart Number 5 is an all-electric, family-sized SUV that offers cutting-edge technology and performance. Developed under the leadership of Mercedes-Benz and Geely, it features dual and single-motor configurations, with up to 588 horsepower. The SUV boasts an innovative interior with OLED displays, augmented reality, and a powerful sound system. It also supports ultra-fast charging and offers impressive luggage capacity. With a sleek design blending Mercedes-Benz influence and Smart DNA, the Smart Number 5 is positioned as a contender in the electric SUV market, offering a compelling mix of personality, space, and tech.

Takeaways

• 😀 Smart Number 5 is a full-sized electric SUV, 4.7 meters long with a 2.9-meter wheelbase, signaling Smart's evolution from a compact car brand to a family-sized EV.
• 😀 The Smart Number 5 will be available in both dual and single motor configurations, with the dual motor Pulse and Summit variants offering 588 brake horsepower and a 0-62 mph time of 4.9 seconds.
• 😀 The Smart Number 5 is powered by a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, with the engineering muscle of Geely backing it up alongside Mercedes-inspired styling.
• 😀 The exterior design combines Mercedes-Benz cues with Smart's DNA, featuring floating wheel caps, oblong headlights, and a boxy silhouette with a sharply curved rear window.
• 😀 The Summit Edition is designed for adventure, offering features like a roof rack and side ladder, while the Premium version has a more refined, car-like look.
• 😀 Inside, the Smart Number 5 boasts a tech-forward cabin, with a floating center console, two massive 13-inch OLED displays, and an augmented reality head-up display for driving information.
• 😀 The infotainment system runs on an AMDV 2000 processor, offering features like video playback and interactive games, along with a digital animal assistant that varies by model.
• 😀 Comfort is a priority, with the front passenger seat offering heating, ventilation, a leg rest, and massage functions. Rear seats are spacious and adjustable, with plenty of headroom.
• 😀 The Smart Number 5 has generous cargo capacity, with 63L of rear space that expands to 1,530L when the back seats are folded down. It also features a 72L front trunk for smaller items.
• 😀 The vehicle supports ultra-fast charging, able to go from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes using a 400kW charger, making it a strong contender in the fast-charging electric SUV market.

Q & A

What makes the Smart Number 5 different from other Smart cars?

The Smart Number 5 is a significant departure from the brand’s typical small city cars. It is a spacious, full-sized electric SUV, offering family-friendly features, a 4.7-meter length, and a wheelbase of 2.9 meters, making it much larger and more practical for everyday use than previous models.

How does the Smart Number 5 compare to other electric SUVs in terms of performance?

The Smart Number 5 offers dual motor configurations, with variants like the Pulse and Summit delivering up to 588 brake horsepower. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds, which places it in a competitive performance range for electric SUVs.

What are the key differences between the dual motor and single motor versions of the Smart Number 5?

The dual motor versions, such as the Pulse and Summit, are designed for better performance with all-wheel drive and off-road capabilities. They have 588 horsepower and focus on rugged terrain handling. The single motor versions, like the Pro and Pro Plus models, are tuned more for urban comfort and efficiency with less off-road focus.

What are the notable exterior design features of the Smart Number 5?

The Smart Number 5 blends Mercedes-Benz styling with Smart’s distinct features. It includes elements like oblong-themed headlights, a grille, wheels, and rear light clusters that retain Smart’s DNA. The vehicle also offers options like a roof rack and side ladder in the Summit Edition, which gives it an off-road, Defender-like appearance.

What technology features are highlighted in the interior of the Smart Number 5?

The interior features cutting-edge technology, including a floating bridge center console, dual 13-inch OLED displays, a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 25.6-inch augmented reality head-up display. The system runs on the AMDV 2000 processor, enabling high-end functionalities like video playback and interactive in-car games.

How does the Smart Number 5 cater to passengers' comfort?

The Smart Number 5 offers a range of comfort features, such as heated and ventilated front seats with a leg rest and massage functionality. The rear seats have ample headroom and can recline or fold flat. The vehicle also features a premium lounge experience with LED reading lights and a first-class mode for the rear passengers.

What are the storage capacities in the Smart Number 5?

The Smart Number 5 offers significant cargo space, with 563 liters in the rear trunk, which increases to 1,530 liters when the rear seats are folded down. Additionally, there is a 72-liter frunk for smaller items like charging cables.

What kind of charging capabilities does the Smart Number 5 have?

The Smart Number 5 supports ultra-rapid charging with an 800V architecture, allowing it to charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes with a 400 kW charger. More common 350 kW chargers will take around 25 minutes. A version with a smaller 74 kWh battery supports charging speeds of up to 150 kW.

What is the estimated range of the Smart Number 5 on a full charge?

With the 94 kWh battery, the Smart Number 5 offers a range of 366 miles according to the WLTP cycle. While this is a competitive range, it is slightly less than the Tesla Model Y (387 miles) and the Skoda Enyaq (365 miles), both of which have smaller batteries.

What is the expected pricing for the Smart Number 5 in the United Kingdom?

The expected pricing for the Smart Number 5 in the UK starts around £48,000 for the 74 kWh version. The premium mid-tier versions may cost about £53,000, and the higher-performance dual-motor trims like the Pulse and Summit may be priced around £55,000.