First details of smart #5 EV

While attention is focussed on the upcoming Proton e.MAS 5 (now being shown around the country at The MISI 5 Tour), most people may have forgotten that PRO-NET (PROTON’s subsidiary handling the New Energy Vehicle business) also has another ‘5 series’ model on the way. This is the smart #5 that was previewed at the Malaysia Auto Show 2025 in May as the third model in smart’s modern range of electric vehicles that began with the #1 (you do remember to say it as ‘hashtag 1′).

It’s exactly a year since smart – jointly owned by Geely and Mercedes-Benz –the #5 had its global launch in Australia, following the presentation of a concept model in China in April 2024. Deliveries began during the final quarter of last year and outside China, Germany was the first to start offering the new SUV in April this year.

One of first global markets
Malaysia would be among the first global markets for the new model, not surprising with the close connection that Geely has with the country through its partnership with DRB-HICOM in PROTON. In fact, before PRO-NET had the new Proton e.MAS EV brand, it started off with smart as its first product.

This gave PRO-NET a chance to gain insights into the EV market and understand customers’ needs and expectations, as well as the issues that needed to be addressed to promote EV adoption in Malaysia. The opportunity allowed the PRO-NET team to have ‘real-market experiences’ to prepare for the launch of PROTON’s own EV brand.

With each new smart model, Malaysia has been among the first markets outside China to start sales and with the #5, it is the first in Asia to do so. Ironically, although the new model had its global premiere in Australia, sales have not yet begun in that market.

Largest smart model
The #5 is the largest smart model in its 30-year history and like the #1 and #3, the design work is done by Mercedes-Benz Design while the technical elements are from Geely. The boxy and tall form has some design features from the other two models but also has a distinct look – bold, iconic and sporty – which emphasises an adventurous lifestyle.

If the form looks appealing, there is actually a scientific reason: its proportions conform to the ‘Golden Ratio’ which is a ratio found in nature that designers use. The proportion is made up of a length of 4705 mm, width of 1920 mm and height of 1705 mm. Using the same Geely Group SEA platform for EVs, the designers extended the wheelbase to 2900 mm to accommodate the longer body.

Rectangular shapes are used in many design elements all over and inside the vehicle. These complement the boxy form which has a futuristic array of ‘Cyberlight Matrix’ LED lights at the front and rear that have a digital theme.

Viewed from the side, smart says the profile ‘resembles the majestic chin of an African lion, exuding undeniable strength and presence that is unforgettable’… which we’ll leave to your imagination to visualise.

With this D-segment SUV, smart expects owners to be more adventurous and have provided a generous ground clearance of 197 mm with the standard suspension, allowing for 500 mm wading depth. We understand that there is adjustable air suspension for this model which can raise the clearance to 231 mm but this will not be available for the units sold in Malaysia. Incidentally, the rear end uses a multi-link suspension layout for comfort and stability.

Three versions
PRO-NET will be importing the #5 in 3 versions – Pro, Premium and BRABUS. There are two battery capacities, with the Pro having 76 kWh while the Premium and BRABUS have 100 kWh. Both the Pro and Premium are powered by single motors which are tuned to give different power outputs – 250 kW for the former and 267 kW for the latter, but the maximum torque is the same at 373 Nm and available from almost standstill. The BRABUS is the powerhouse and with 475 kW/710 Nm, it certainly needs the dual motors for all-wheel drive.

As we’ve seen with the #1 and #3, acceleration numbers are very quick and 3.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h for the #5 BRABUS is certainly going to give sportscars a challenge. The Pro and Premium are also quick and can get up to 100 km/h in under 7 seconds.

Travelling range keeps improving and the Pro can go a claimed 465 kms while the Premium, with its larger battery capacity, is said to have a range of 590 kms. PRO-NET didn’t give the range for the BRABUS but from other sources, we learnt that it is claimed to be up to 540 kms.

The platform uses an 800V electrical system which allows 4C supercharging capability and accepts up to 400 kW DC supply. This allows the battery pack to be recharged from 10% to 80% within 18 minutes; 15 minutes at the charging station is said to be able to provide up to 500 kms of range. However, the shortest times that manufacturers quote usually refer to the highest DC power supply which, in this case, would be 400 kW. If you use a charging station that has less powerful power supply, then the times will not be the same.

For those who drive the #5 off-road and travel over challenging ground, there are 5 drive modes to optimise grip and stability. Besides the balanced Off-Road mode, there are also modes for surfaces that are rocky, sandy, muddy or covered with snow. The BRABUS also has a Launch Mode which needs to be used if you want to get that 3.8-second time.

Spacious and premium interior
As would be expected from the exterior proportions, the interior is very spacious and the huge panoramic halo roof enhances the feeling. There are no window frames – a unique touch which reflects the premium image of the #5. Frameless windows aren’t new and have usually been seen on sportscars. To ensure that there is a proper seal to keep out wind noise and water, there is a system of strong rubber seals that compress when the door closes.

85% of the cabin is utilised for passenger accommodation and cargo storage, an impressively large proportion. The 2458 mm distance from the dashboard to the rear backrest allows for a long space that can accommodate the whole length of the body when extended to the boot area. The front and rear backrests can be folded flat and with a mattress, the cabin can become a bedroom for one or two persons.

This makes the #5 great for camping since you don’t have to set up a tent and sleep on hard ground in the open. And because this is an EV, you can also run the air-conditioner for a considerable length of time (the drain on the battery is not great) as well as listen to music or even watch movies on the infotainment system.

‘S-Class vibes’
The #5 cabin gives ‘S-Class vibes’, says smart, and we presume this refers to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class with its large and wide display screen that covers the entire dashboard. The same idea is used for the #5 with two 13-inch OLED 2.5K screens extending from the centre to the passenger side. The driver has his own full-colour LCD display which is 10.3 inches wide and can also use the 25.6-inch head-up display with Augmented Reality (AR).

Powered by an AMD V2000 chipset and built on the Unreal Engine, this high-resolution interface provides an immersive experience with detailed 3D graphics and augmented reality overlays directly on the windscreen, providing key information without taking their eyes off the road.

Sound system from Sennheiser
Also reflecting the premium positioning of smart is the choice of the audio system by Sennheiser, a German audio electronics specialist. The #5 is the first model that both companies have collaborated on. The Sennheiser Signature Sound System with its superior patented audio algorithms, Concerto with AMBEO technology and Contrabass, encompasses 20 speakers and 1 portable speaker with peak output exceeding 2000W. With options like Immersion Level, Bass Level, and Sound Focus Zones as well as 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos sound enhancements, the occupants will enjoy a superlative spatial sound experience while on the move.

All materials used are premium, of course, and nearly 90% have soft touch. The selected Nappa leather goes through 68 tanning and finishing processes while pure natural oak wood (Italian Alpine) is used for the trim panels. This material has passed FSC Environmental certification, is formaldehyde-free, and guaranteed not to deform for at least 10 years.

Storage all around the cabin
With the electric drivetrain having less large components, more space is available for storage. The boot, accessible through the large opening with a top-hinged door, has a volume of 620 to 1,530 litres, with another 110 litres in a compartment in the floor. At the front, the ‘engine bay’ has another deep storage space (called the ‘frunk’) which has a 72-litre volume. Within the cabin are storage spaces for each person and there is even a teh tarik hook so you can safely carry that plastic bag of drink.

ADAS Level 2
The #5 has advanced driver assistance systems to keep the driver aware of traffic conditions and also help in critical situations to avoid an accident. It operates with 23 sensors (12 ultrasonic radars, 5 millimetre-wave radars, and 6 vision cameras) that constantly scan all around the vehicle. The intelligence of the 5R6V ADAS technology gives the #5 Level 2 functionality with faster, more precise, and better tracking (even at night and in the rain).

The ADAS has the typical driver-assist systems such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, etc and also includes smart Pilot Assist to provide more autonomous driving capabilities. Many of the active systems have been improved or enhanced since being developed for the #1 three years ago, thanks to newer technologies.

When is it launching?
PRO-NET has not said when exactly the #5 will be launched but we think that it is likely to be within two months. It will probably be launched ahead of the Proton e.MAS 5 which, understandably, will grab a lot of attention. With the smart range, PRO-NET offers EVs across a broad spectrum from entry-level to premium, giving Malaysians a variety of choices.

As the largest model and the flagship of the smart range, you can expect the price to be higher than the #1 and #3 which go from RM169,000 to RM255,000. It’s possible that the BRABUS version could be knocking on RM300,000. One thing though – as the duty-exemption for imported CBU EVs ends on December 31, 2025, if you want a smart SUV, get it before then as the prices will increase in 2026. Unlike the e.MAS models, local assembly is very unlikely anytime soon.

BRABUS and smart – not an odd couple