Smart #5 concept is an all-electric off-road SUV

Mercedes-Benz and Geely’s Smart brand has previewed its new Smart Concept #5 ahead of its unveiling at the Beijing motor show this week, revealing a more rugged alternative to small electric SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQA and MINI Countryman Electric.

Set to launch in the second half of 2024, the new Smart #5 departs from the soft, curvy styling of the Smart #1 and Smart #3 for more of a traditional off-roader look.

Instead of sitting on a Mercedes-Benz architecture, the Smart #5 is believed to ride on Geely’s SEA platform that also underpins both the Polestar 4 and incoming range of Zeekr models – including the Zeekr X that’s confirmed for release in Australia later this year.

From launch, the Smart #5 will be offered with a dual-motor powertrain providing all-wheel drive. No power output has been released.

Its off-road capability is further suggested by the built-in winch, all-terrain tyres, front and rear bash plates, a high-lift kit, roof rack and LED light bar.

There’s even fold-out steps for easy access to the roof.

It’s not known if the off-road hardware will be available on the production Smart #5 or if this is all just show car fodder.

However, the front interlinked headlights, which are said to be able to display animated graphics, are expected to carry over into the road-going model.

When the production version arrives later this year, the Smart #5 will come powered by a new 100kWh battery that will provide a range of up to 550km.

A cheaper two-wheel drive version is expected to offer an even longer range.

Thanks to its powerful 800-volt electrical architecture, recharging the battery from 10-80 per cent should take just 15 minutes.

Inside, the flagship Smart SUV boasts triple screens, with two OLED displays reserved for the infotainment system alone.

The latter is said to deliver far quicker processing power than in the Smart #1 and #3, while offering a new advanced AI-powered assistant.

The front seats, meanwhile, are both heated and ventilated with a massage function.

Instead of the five seats normally associated with a small or medium SUV, the Smart #5 concept gains a more luxurious four-seat layout with rear recliners.

There’s also a star-light configuration on the door cards, a portable speaker mounted in the centre console and an unusual glass boot floor.

A rival for the MINI Countryman Electric, BMW iX1, Audi Q4 e-tron and Volvo EX40, the Smart #5 is expected to go on sale in Europe before the end of this year.

Smart vehicles were sold in Australia from 2003 and 2015, but were discontinued following disappointing sales.

There’s no word on a return under the Mercedes-Geely 50:50 joint venture, but the switch from small city cars to SUVs certainly makes the brand more appealing to Aussie buyers.

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