Smart’s #5 Electric Vehicle Takes on Tesla with 400 kW Charging Power

Key Takeaways

The Smart #5 is a mid-size electric crossover featuring advanced tech, including multiple large displays and impressive charging capabilities.
It offers fast charging up to 400 kW and a range of up to 366 miles, with various battery options available.
The model will not be available in the United States, starting at approximately $49,620 in Europe.

Introducing the Smart #5

The Smart #5 marks a significant evolution for the brand, transitioning from its origins with the compact ForTwo to a larger model in the EV market. As a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, Smart now exclusively produces electric vehicles. The #5 is a mid-size crossover recently introduced in Europe, equipped with cutting-edge technology and notable performance specifications.

The base model, Smart #5 Pro, features a rear-mounted electric motor supported by a 76-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. Although not explicitly stated, it is presumed that this battery operates at 400V. This configuration allows the vehicle to accept a 150-kW charge from DC fast chargers, enabling it to charge from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes. The #5 Pro boasts a WLTP-rated combined driving range of 289 miles (465 kilometers) and can accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour (0-100 kilometers per hour) in 6.9 seconds, thanks to its 335-horsepower motor.

The lineup becomes more competitive with the Pro+ variant, which equips a larger 100 kWh (94 kWh usable) 800V lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) battery. In this configuration, the motor’s output rises to 358 horsepower, delivering a range of 366 miles (590 km) on a full charge. Opting for the dual-motor all-wheel-drive version increases power to 579 horsepower but reduces the range to 335 miles (540 km). This setup accelerates from a standstill to 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds.

A standout feature of the larger battery is its rapid charging capability of up to 400 kW, which outpaces competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y. Smart claims that the #5 can achieve an 80% charge in under 18 minutes, demonstrating its efficiency.

The interior of the Smart #5 is designed for modern convenience and entertainment, featuring three screens: a 10.25-inch display for the gauge cluster and dual 13-inch OLED displays. An impressive 25.6-inch Augmented Reality heads-up display is also part of the setup. The vehicle’s infotainment system, backed by an AMD V2000 chipset running Smart OS 2.0, provides optimized routing for EV users and supports video streaming.

The audio experience is enhanced by a 20-speaker Sennheiser Signature Sound system with a total output of 1,190 Watts. In terms of safety, the Smart #5 is equipped with an array of features including adaptive cruise control, V-shaped curtain airbags, and seat-integrated seatbelts.

The top-tier Summit Edition includes additional features like an electric trailer hitch and off-road enhancements, although the effectiveness of these accessories may be debated.

Notably, Smart has confirmed the #5 will not be offered in the United States market. In Europe, pricing begins at approximately $49,620 for the Pro models, increasing to around $61,500 for the fully equipped Summit Edition. This comprehensive EV marks an ambitious step forward for Smart as it seeks to redefine its brand for the electric future.

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