FIRST DRIVE REVIEW: 2025 Smart #5 – A Smart Ready to Take on Land Rover?
The Smart #5, revealed in production form in 2024 and test-driven in 2025, is a shock to the system for anyone who still sees Smart as a quirky city car brand. With Mercedes-Benz design flair, Geely's EV engineering, and ambitions to rival premium SUVs like the Range Rover Evoque and Defender 90, the Smart #5 might just be the brand's most ambitious vehicle ever.
Tech & Interior
Surprise Package: The Smart #5 drives better than expected, feels properly premium, and has the hardware to back its Land Rover-baiting claims. The AWD version is a performance monster with legit off-road potential — at least for snow, gravel, and adventure driving.
Reality Check: While it can’t match the Defender in extreme off-road conditions or brand heritage, it offers a smarter, tech-forward alternative to urban and semi-rural SUV buyers who want speed, comfort, and EV credibility.
Bottom Line:
The 2025 Smart #5 is no gimmick. It’s a fully capable, fast, and futuristic SUV that might just shake up the premium segment — and give Land Rover, BMW, and Audi something to worry about.
Overview: From City Car to Rugged SUV
The Smart #5, revealed in production form in 2024 and test-driven in 2025, is a shock to the system for anyone who still sees Smart as a quirky city car brand. With Mercedes-Benz design flair, Geely's EV engineering, and ambitions to rival premium SUVs like the Range Rover Evoque and Defender 90, the Smart #5 might just be the brand's most ambitious vehicle ever.
Quick Specs (Top AWD Version)
| Spec | Smart #5 Launch Edition (Est.) |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Dual-motor AWD |
| Power Output | Up to 638 hp |
| 0–100 km/h (62 mph) | ~3.5 seconds (Launch model) |
| Battery | 100 kWh CATL Qilin (LFP) |
| Range (CLTC) | Up to 700 km (~435 mi), WLTP est. ~600 km |
| Charging | 800V, 15–20 min 10–80% fast charge |
| Drive Modes | Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Snow |
| Suspension | Air suspension with adaptive damping |
| Ground Clearance | ~200+ mm (adaptive) |
Driving Impressions
Pros:
- Brutal Performance: Even in pre-production form, the top Smart #5 pulls hard — more like a BMW iX M60 than a city crossover.
- Ride Comfort: With air suspension, the car glides over potholes, gravel, and mild off-road terrain like a premium SUV.
- Steering & Handling: Surprisingly agile for a ~2.5-ton SUV, thanks to well-tuned chassis dynamics and dual-motor torque vectoring.
- Build Quality: Mercedes-style interior, big dual screens, haptic feedback, and premium leather all over.
- Off-Road Potential: With AWD, off-road mode, and real ground clearance, it's not just for show.
Cons:
- Weight: At over 2.5 tons, it’s no featherweight; spirited driving shows some inertia in tight corners.
- Brand Image: Will luxury SUV buyers take Smart seriously as a Land Rover rival?
- Unknown Resale/Support: New model, new market territory – long-term reliability and resale remain a question.
- Price (Est.): €60,000–€85,000 for high-end trims — this is premium territory.
Tech & Interior| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Infotainment | 12.8” center screen + 10” driver display |
| ADAS | L2+ autonomy, automatic lane changes, adaptive cruise |
| Voice Assistant | Smart AI, Geely-Mercedes powered |
| Sound System | 13-speaker Beats or Harman system |
| Seats | Heated, cooled, massage front seats |
| Panoramic Roof | Available with electrochromic tint |
Charging & Efficiency
- 800V fast-charging means 10–80% in ~15 minutes at a 350 kW charger.
- LFP battery = long lifespan, safer, and less expensive than NCM packs.
- Real-world WLTP range is expected to be 520–600 km (320–370 mi) depending on the trim.
Smart #5 vs Land Rover Defender 90 (PHEV / ICE)
| Category | Smart #5 | Land Rover Defender 90 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Fully Electric (BEV) | Gasoline / PHEV / Diesel |
| Range (EV) | ~600 km WLTP | ~50 km EV (PHEV) |
| Charging | 800V fast-charging | PHEV: 7.2 kW AC charging |
| Off-Road Tech | AWD, torque vectoring, hill descent | True 4WD, low-range gearbox |
| Interior Tech | High-end Mercedes-style cabin | Rugged-luxury Land Rover style |
| Brand Prestige | Upstart luxury | Iconic off-road heritage |
| Price (Est.) | €60k–€85k | €65k–€100k+ |
Final Verdict: Smart #5 – All Flash or Serious Contender?
Surprise Package: The Smart #5 drives better than expected, feels properly premium, and has the hardware to back its Land Rover-baiting claims. The AWD version is a performance monster with legit off-road potential — at least for snow, gravel, and adventure driving. Reality Check: While it can’t match the Defender in extreme off-road conditions or brand heritage, it offers a smarter, tech-forward alternative to urban and semi-rural SUV buyers who want speed, comfort, and EV credibility.Bottom Line:
The 2025 Smart #5 is no gimmick. It’s a fully capable, fast, and futuristic SUV that might just shake up the premium segment — and give Land Rover, BMW, and Audi something to worry about.