Smart #5

The smart #5 is a five-seat electric SUV currently offered in Malaysia in two variants: the Premium at RM209,800 and the BRABUS at RM259,800, both on-the-road without insurance. The Premium uses a single rear motor, while the BRABUS adds a front motor for all-wheel drive and significantly stronger performance.

Both variants use a 100-kWh NMC battery and an 800-volt electrical architecture, supporting up to 400-KW DC charging. Warranty coverage includes four years with unlimited mileage for the vehicle, eight years or 200,000 KM for the high-voltage battery and eight years or 150,000 KM for high-voltage components.

The dashboard incorporates a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 13-inch central AMOLED touchscreen and a separate 13-inch AMOLED display for the front passenger. A 25.6-inch augmented-reality head-up display places navigation and driving information within the driver’s forward view. 

The centre console provides covered storage, two wireless smartphone chargers and a temperature-controlled compartment. Frequently used vehicle functions are operated through the touchscreens, steering wheel or voice-command system. 

The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster presents speed, range, battery information and driver-assistance status. It is complemented by the large augmented-reality head-up display, reducing the need to look away from the road. 

The Premium receives Duo Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim and electrically adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, massage, memory and extendable cushions. Rear-seat heating is also included.

The BRABUS replaces the Nappa leather with Dinamica microfibre upholstery and red stitching. It retains heated and ventilated front seats, adds heated rear seats and features BRABUS embroidery and red seatbelts.

The long 2,900-MM wheelbase provides generous legroom for five occupants. Rear passengers receive electrically adjustable backrests, while a one-button comfort function moves the front passenger seat forward and reclines the rear backrest by up to ten degrees.

The seats can also be rearranged into several bed-style configurations, allowing the cabin to be used for resting or camping when the vehicle is parked.

The Premium uses a heated Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel with an illuminated smart logo. The BRABUS receives an Alcantara-wrapped sports steering wheel with illuminated BRABUS lettering and dedicated performance controls. 

Storage includes large door pockets, a glovebox, centre-console compartments and a hidden 110-litre area beneath the rear boot floor. The Premium also provides a 72-litre front boot, while the BRABUS offers approximately 47 litres because of its additional front motor. 

Two cup holders are provided within the front centre console. Rear occupants receive another two through the folding centre armrest, together with bottle storage inside the doors.

The cabin provides two USB-C ports at the front and another two for rear passengers, together with two wireless charging pads. Vehicle-to-Load capability and a 230-volt outlet allow compatible external equipment to draw power from the traction battery.

Nappa leather, real wood, soft-touch materials and 256-colour ambient lighting create a premium environment in the Premium. The BRABUS introduces Dinamica, Alcantara, carbon-look trim, alloy pedals and a microfibre headliner for a sportier presentation.

The rear luggage compartment provides up to 630 litres, including its underfloor storage area. Folding the 60:40 rear seats increases capacity to 1,530 litres, while the wide powered tailgate makes loading bulky items easier. 

The smart #5 measures 4,695 MM long, 1,920 MM wide and 1,705 MM tall, with a 2,900-MM wheelbase. Published specifications list kerb weights of approximately 2,260 KG for the Premium and 2,378 KG for the BRABUS, while unladen ground clearance is around 197 MM. 

Its upright front adopts a rugged, boxy design with a smooth EV-style fascia, active lower grille and rectangular CyberSparks lighting signature. The BRABUS receives a darker grille treatment, sportier front skirt and red exterior detailing.

The rear features a full-width LED lighting arrangement, roof spoiler and broad tailgate. A hands-free powered tailgate with kick activation is standard, while the BRABUS adds a sportier spoiler and model-specific bumper treatment.

CyberSparks LED+ matrix headlamps are paired with adaptive high-beam assistance and automatic operation. Their capsule-shaped design gives the large SUV a recognisable appearance during both daytime and night driving.

A continuous LED light bar stretches across the rear body, incorporating segmented graphics that echo the front lighting. Dynamic welcome and departure animations further enhance the vehicle’s visual identity.

The exterior mirrors are electrically adjustable, heated and power-folding, with memory functionality. The BRABUS receives a distinctive red-and-black mirror finish to match its exterior accents. 

Four-wheel disc brakes work together with regenerative braking, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution and stability control. The BRABUS is distinguished by red-painted brake calipers behind its larger wheels. 

The Premium rides on 20-inch Sundial alloy wheels fitted with 255/45 R20 tyres. The BRABUS receives larger 21-inch Monoblock Z wheels with 255/40 R21 tyres, giving it a more aggressive and performance-focused stance.

Active-safety equipment includes ABS, traction control, electronic stability control, tyre-pressure monitoring and autonomous emergency braking at the front and rear. Emergency Lane Keep Assist can intervene when the vehicle begins to leave its lane or approaches surrounding traffic.

Seven airbags are fitted, supported by a steel-aluminium body containing approximately 82% high-strength material. ISOFIX points can accommodate up to three child seats at the rear, with an additional mounting point available for the front passenger seat.

Child Presence Detection uses millimetre-wave radar to detect small movements inside the parked vehicle and can issue warnings if a child or pet is left behind. 

The Premium provides Eco, Comfort and Sport settings for normal driving. The BRABUS expands the selection with Snow, Sand, Mud and Rock terrain settings, together with a dedicated BRABUS mode featuring simulated performance sounds.

Regenerative-braking strength and one-pedal operation can also be adjusted according to the driver’s preference. 

The dual 13-inch AMOLED displays are powered by an AMD V2000 processor. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, connected vehicle functions and advanced voice assistance with ChatGPT integration.

The smart Pilot Assist package includes adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic lane-change assistance, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning.

Blind-spot monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Door Opening Warning, automatic parking, front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera with transparent-chassis view are also included. 

Both variants receive a 20-speaker Sennheiser Signature Sound System with Dolby Atmos and a central speaker that rises from the dashboard. The system works with the ambient lighting to create a more immersive audio experience. 

The Premium uses a single rear motor producing 267 KW or 363 PS and 373 NM. The BRABUS combines a 165-KW front motor with a 310-KW rear motor, producing a total of 475 KW or 646 PS and 710 NM.

Both variants use single-speed electric reduction gearing. The motors provide immediate power delivery without the conventional gear changes found in combustion-powered SUVs.

The Premium sends power exclusively to the rear wheels. The BRABUS uses an electronically controlled dual-motor all-wheel-drive system for improved traction and significantly stronger acceleration.

The Premium accelerates from 0 to 100 KM/H in 6.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 200 KM/H. The BRABUS completes the sprint in 3.8 seconds and has a higher maximum speed of 210 KM/H. 

Both variants use a 100-kWh NMC battery with an approximately 94-kWh usable capacity. The Premium provides up to 590 KM of WLTP range, while the more powerful BRABUS delivers 540 KM. Their respective WLTP energy-consumption figures are approximately 18.4 and 19.9 kWh per 100 KM.

Charging supports up to 22 KW AC and 400 KW DC. Under suitable conditions, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in approximately 15 minutes using a compatible high-output DC charger. 

Convenience equipment includes NFC key-card access, smartphone-based vehicle access, a gesture-operated powered tailgate, panoramic Halo Roof with powered sunshade, automatic wipers and remote functions through the Hello smart application. 

Dual-zone automatic climate control includes dedicated rear vents, a PM2.5 sensor and an N95-grade cabin filter. The temperature-controlled centre-console compartment can also help keep drinks or smaller items cool. 

Double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear setup provide stable handling and controlled body movement. The BRABUS receives a firmer sports suspension, although the Malaysian versions use conventional passive springs and dampers rather than air suspension. 

A soundproof and heat-insulating windscreen is joined by double-laminated glass for both the front and rear side windows. These measures help suppress wind and traffic noise within the large cabin. 

The smart #5 represents a major expansion from the compact models traditionally associated with the brand. Its spacious five-seat cabin, 630-litre boot, premium materials, advanced infotainment and exceptionally fast 400-KW charging make it a capable long-distance electric family SUV.

The Premium provides the better balance of its two variants, offering 590 KM of range, extensive comfort equipment and rear-wheel drive. The BRABUS adds dramatic 646-PS performance and all-wheel-drive traction but sacrifices some range and commands a substantial price premium.

Its considerable weight, large exterior dimensions and limited availability of 400-KW charging stations in Malaysia remain disadvantages. At the revised prices of RM209,800 and RM259,800, the smart #5 also faces strong competition from several less expensive electric SUVs.