Smart Chooses Australia for World Premiere of #5 Electric Premium SUV

smart, the premium intelligent all-electric auto brand, has officially launched its highly anticipated #5 at a world premiere event in Byron Bay, Australia and Neerav Bhatt was there for zecar to capture the zeitgeist.

Smart #5 global launch at Byron Bay Australia

This new #5 model marks a significant departure from the smart brand's urban roots, venturing into the premium mid-size SUV segment.

The all-new smart #5 is a product of the joint venture between European brand Mercedes-Benz and Chinese brand Geely, two automotive powerhouses that joined forces to reinvigorate the smart brand in 2019.

This partnership combines Mercedes-Benz's renowned expertise in premium vehicle design and brand management with Geely's strengths in manufacturing, supply chain management, and the Chinese market.

The collaboration is evident in the smart #5, which features design elements from Mercedes-Benz's Global Design team, while leveraging Geely's capabilities in electric vehicle production and technology integration.

This strategic alliance aims to position smart as a leading player in the premium electric vehicle market, blending German engineering and design prowess with Chinese manufacturing efficiency and market understanding.

The launch of the smart #5 in Australia demonstrates the global ambitions of this German-Chinese joint venture, as they seek to expand smart's presence beyond its traditional European and Chinese markets.

A Contemporary Adventurer

The #5 is more than just an electric SUV; it's a "Contemporary Adventurer" designed to inspire exploration beyond conventional boundaries.

Packed with state-of-the-art electric drive and ADAS technologies, this vehicle offers a seamless intelligent cockpit experience, making it the most spacious and intelligent smart car to date.

Bold and Boxy Exterior

The #5's design, crafted by Mercedes-Benz, maintains the signature smart elements like the panoramic halo roof and frameless doors while introducing a bolder, boxy silhouette.

The exterior is a blend of muscular elegance and a touch of power, with iconic oblong-shaped lights and a distinctive smart logo.

Enhanced Premium Interior

Inside, the #5 offers a spacious, refined, and tech-savvy interior. Zero-gravity seats, premium materials, and a host of comfort features create a luxurious ambiance.

The #5 on screen avatar assistant is a Lion, following on from the #1 Fox and #3 Cheetah.

The vehicle even has a built-in projector and a 20-speaker Sennheiser AMBEO Signature Sound System for an immersive entertainment experience.

Cutting-Edge Technology

The #5 boasts a cutting-edge intelligent cockpit with a 25.6-inch AR HUD, 10.3-inch instrument cluster, and dual 13-inch AMOLED displays.

Powered by advanced AI, the vehicle provides intuitive voice control for various functions, including phone calls, music, navigation, and climate controls.

Impressive Performance and Range

The #5's 800V high-voltage platform enables rapid charging and a long driving range.

With super charging capabilities, the vehicle can achieve up to 70% charge in just 15 minutes. The #5 also offers impressive off-road capabilities with various driving modes.

The quoted range is 740km CLTC, which could result in a more realistic WLTP range of about 600km.

Premium Partnerships

Smart has partnered with renowned brands like Trek and HEIMPLANET to create outdoor-focused accessories that complement the #5's adventurous spirit.

Additionally, a collaboration with Sennheiser brings a premium audio experience to the vehicle.

A New Era for Smart

With the launch of the #5, Smart is embarking on a bold new journey, expanding its reach beyond urban areas. This vehicle represents a significant step forward for the brand, offering a premium electric SUV that combines style, technology, and adventure.

About the author

Neerav Bhatt

Neerav Bhatt has been a technology journalist and photographer for over 20 years appearing in online, print, radio and TV media. His current focus is on helping Australians switch to electric vehicles as well as making their home fully electric, sustainable and climate resilient.