Back in June we reported that the Smart brand is returning to New Zealand, with distribution under the Armstrong wing. We also said that the #5 SUV model premiered at the Beijing Auto Show as a concept car and it will also soon be destined for our shores.
Now that looks like it is coming to pass for the Smart #5 is due launch in a fortnight or so. It will be a family-sized ID.4/Enyaq rival, and will expand the all-electric brand into a new size bracket. Smart recently posted images of the #5 showcasing its off-road ability.
Evidently Smart has been testing its SUV in proper off-road conditions ahead of its global reveal event in Australia. The production car probably won’t come with the roof-mounted lightbar or knobbly tyres. Smart now descbribes it as a ‘luxury SUV’.
Compared with the sleek Smart #1 and Smart #3 this is more upright with a bluff nose, a steep windscreen and a more traditional SUV profile. The front end closely resembles the Beijing concept vehicle, with four indents along the faux grille that may light-up like on the concept car.
There’s a fresh alloy wheel design for the #5 with four-spoke rotary rims. And a Smart C logo appears on the rear pillar. At the rear are four more indents as on the front, these filled with individual lights running along the bootlid.
This is the largest Smart car yet at 4705mm, 56mm longer than an Enyaq. So expect a generous amount of interior space for the family-friendly vehicle that rides on a 2900mm wheelbase.
It will run 800-volt architecture and its battery pack will exceed 100kWh. Expect around 550km of range, and a 10 to 80 per cent recharge time of “just 15 minutes”.
Several variants will be offered, including a 475kW dual-motor monstering range topper. Even the single-motor versions should go hard, with power outputs of 250 and 288kW. A second dual-motor model evidently makes 432kW.
AutoExpress says the short rear overhang precludes a seven-seat variant. No interior details are to hand but expect two large touchscreen displays for the driver and passenger, along with a further driver’s display and few physical controls.
