smart’s largest and most powerful EV yet has been previewed over here in left-hand drive form.
smart Malaysia has given visitors at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 an early look at its most advanced and ambitious model yet: the #5. Though this isn’t the official launch, the preview offers a clear indication that a Malaysian debut is on the horizon.
Measuring 4,705 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,705 mm in height, the smart #5 is the brand’s largest model yet, and incidentally matching the size of a current Honda CR-V. This e-SUV sits on the PMA2+ platform, a new-generation EV architecture shared with Geely’s wider EV portfolio, and features an 800 V electrical system for high-speed DC charging.
In its home market of China, the smart #5 is available in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with up to four different powertrain options. Outputs range from 340 PS (250 kW) in the base RWD model, all the way up to 646 PS (475 kW) in the performance-focused Brabus AWD variant.
Battery options include a 76 kWh LFP unit for the RWD models and a 100 kWh NMC battery for the AWD range. Depending on the variant, the smart #5 is capable of delivering between 541 km to 590 km of WLTP-rated range, with DC fast charging that can replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in as little as 15 to 18 minutes.
The previewed Summit Edition at the autoshow features the dual-motor AWD setup and the larger 100 kWh battery, though final configurations for Malaysia have yet to be confirmed. What is certain is that the Brabus version — complete with aggressive styling and a 3.8-second 0–100 km/h sprint — is planned for our market.
smart has taken a bold departure from the sleek lines of its smaller models, opting for a more boxy and robust design for the #5. The front end of this e-SUV features a distinctive dog-bone LED lighting signature, which is echoed at the rear with four squircle holes in the central light bar, creating a striking, symmetrical look.
Inside, the smart #5 offers a futuristic cabin that more akin to a luxurious lounge than a traditional SUV. Up front are dual 13-inch AMOLED displays, a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and an expansive 25.6-inch augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD). The cabin’s premium features are then further enhanced by a 20-speaker Sennheiser Signature Sound System and a 256-colour interior ambient lighting setup.
Practicality is also a key focus, with 630 litres of boot space that expands to 1,530 litres when the rear seats are folded flat. Smart has designed the interior with clever storage solutions, including a 72-litre frunk and a 110-litre hidden compartment in the rear. In a nod to adventure lovers, the rear seats can be fully reclined to create a king-sized in-car suite, perfect for camping or long trips.
Advanced driver assistance is handled by Smart Pilot Assist 3.0, a comprehensive suite that includes blind spot monitoring, lane change assist, traffic jam assist, and forward/rear collision mitigation. The system is powered by dual OrinX processors and is supported by eight airbags as standard.
While this is just a preview and the model on display is left-hand drive, smart Malaysia has indicated that right-hand drive variants are already in the pipeline and could arrive within the next few months. Final specifications, trim levels, and pricing will be announced closer to launch.
