Tag Archives: Smart

NEW CARS

Smart Gets Serious: The Smart #5 Takes on Munich

Once upon a time, the word “smart car” conjured up an image of something small, quirky, and—let’s be honest—a bit like driving around in a designer toaster. Cute, clever, city-bound, and as far from an SUV as you could possibly imagine. Fast forward to 2025, and smart has clearly been downing protein shakes and hitting the automotive gym. At this year’s IAA Mobility in Munich (September 8–14), smart is rolling out its entire portfolio, headlined by the new smart #5—a premium mid-size SUV that’s here to prove that the brand has grown up, bulked up, and is ready to spar with the big boys.

And it’s already collecting trophies. The #5 has just bagged a Red Dot Design Award for Product Design, which is shorthand for: “Yes, it looks good, and no, it doesn’t resemble a hairdryer anymore.” Instead, what you get is a spacious, versatile, tech-laden electric SUV running on a cutting-edge 800-Volt platform. Translation: faster charging than your phone and enough range to turn the term “range anxiety” into nothing more than a punchline.

Inside, it’s all about space, flexibility, and brains. The intelligent cockpit and advanced driver assistance systems are designed to make driving easier, safer, and—dare we say—more enjoyable. The #5 promises to handle everything from daily school runs to long-haul road trips, all while whispering “premium” in your ear with every soft-touch surface.

But this is Munich, and smart isn’t just here to show us a sensible SUV. Oh no, they’re throwing art into the mix. Enter the Keith Haring Art Car, a one-off sculptural statement on wheels, created in collaboration with the Keith Haring Foundation. It’s funky, bold, and just the right amount of “look at me.” Smart’s booth at the Summit will use Haring’s work to celebrate the idea of streets as living canvases—a reminder that the brand has always been about urban mobility and breaking conventions.

Elsewhere, at the Open Space on Odeonsplatz, smart is going full lifestyle brand: the #5 Premium, #5 Summit Edition, and #1 BRABUS will all be on display, alongside interactive art studios, photo booths, and activities for families. It’s not just a car showcase—it’s a playground for anyone who likes their EVs with a side of culture.

And of course, no TopGear-style reveal would be complete without the spicy bit: the smart #5 BRABUS. Yes, the German tuning legends are back at it, sprinkling horsepower, aggression, and just enough lunacy onto the SUV to make sure it can keep up with the Teslas and Porsches of the world. If the standard #5 is the stylish all-rounder, the BRABUS version is the one that shows up to the party in a leather jacket and dares you to race it.

So, what’s the takeaway? Smart is no longer the brand of tiny cars that squeeze into half a parking space. The new smart #5 is bigger, bolder, and more ambitious—a proper SUV that might just redefine how we see the badge. Add in a bit of Keith Haring street cred, and suddenly smart isn’t just about moving people. It’s about moving ideas.

The press conference kicks off September 8 at 10 a.m., Hall B2, booth B01. Expect premium EVs, a splash of art, and probably a few raised eyebrows from those who thought smart would never grow up.

Source: Smart

News

Smart Hints at Roadster Revival Amid EV Expansion

Smart, the German electric carmaker known for its compact city vehicles, could be preparing an unexpected twist in its future product lineup. According to recent statements and industry speculation, the brand is exploring the possibility of reviving the beloved Smart Roadster as a fully electric convertible. Though nothing is officially confirmed, the timing may align with the upcoming launch of a new-generation Smart ForTwo.

Originally produced between 2002 and 2005, the Smart Roadster gained a cult following thanks to its quirky design and agile handling. The sporty two-seater was powered by a small 0.7-liter three-cylinder engine, with power outputs ranging from 61 to 101 horsepower, depending on the variant. A coupe version and a high-performance Brabus model added further flair to the short-lived series.

Now, as Smart transitions fully into the electric era, the idea of bringing back the Roadster with a zero-emissions powertrain has begun to circulate. The modernized Roadster would target rivals like the Mazda MX-5 — a popular benchmark in the small convertible segment — but with a unique electric twist.

Jason Albutt, head of Smart’s UK division, shared his enthusiasm in an interview with Auto Express, recalling his personal experience with the original model: “We had one in the family and it was a lot of fun. For a country that gets more rain than any other European market, we’re big fans of coupes and convertibles. So yes, I see the potential for a car like that in the UK.”

However, even Albutt remains cautious. While he acknowledges the appeal of a compact electric roadster, he also expressed uncertainty about how it would be received in a market traditionally drawn to the visceral experience of internal combustion engines.

“I think a lot of people who drive these cars have always been passionate about traditional cars. Part of the joy of the open top is hearing the sound of the engine,” he said. “There may be a new audience that might be interested in a different way. I’m not sure what kind of buyers they are. It’s too early to say, but we’ll see.”

Indeed, the potential revival of the Smart Roadster would mark a bold move for a brand that has rebranded itself as a premium EV specialist in partnership with Chinese giant Geely. With the new ForTwo expected soon, the company has an opportunity to expand its portfolio — and potentially reignite passion among enthusiasts who long for compact, driver-focused electric cars.

For now, there’s no official green light. But in the ever-evolving EV landscape, Smart’s flirtation with the Roadster’s return is a story worth watching. As the old saying goes: where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

Source: Auto Express

Tuning

Smart #5 Brabus has 646 HP

In August 2024, Smart launched its largest and most spacious car, the Smart #5. This mid-size SUV, whose tech-rich interior is worthy of comparison with Mercedes cars, got its tuned version, the Smart #5 Brabus.

The Smart #5 Brabus is the latest project from the German tuning company that combines modern usability and aesthetics. It is 4,705 mm long, which is similar in size to the Mercedes-Benz GLB, with a wheelbase of 2,900 mm. It is equipped with new bumpers and sills, as well as 21-inch Brabus wheels behind which are red brake calipers.

Inside, the heated/cooled front seats are upholstered in imitation suede, while the seat belts and other details are red. In front of the driver is a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel, as well as two 13-inch screens (one for the infotainment system and the other containing a small lion avatar named Leo, as well as a state-of-the-art generative voice AI assistant that uses various sources to accurately respond to almost all questions). Also, there is a 25.6-inch AR head-up display. Other equipment includes a 2,000W Sennheiser sound system with 20 speakers, a panoramic glass roof, and sports pedals.

#5 Brabus is the most powerful Smart car powered by two electric motors with a total power of 646 hp, which is enough to accelerate the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds (with Launch Control) with a top speed of 210 km/h. Its 800V electrical architecture uses a 100 kWh battery in the #5 Premium model and ensures a range of about 540 kilometers. Thanks to fast charging, the battery can be charged to 80 percent of its capacity in 18 minutes.

When it comes to sales, this version will be available to customers in Germany first, starting at the end of April, and will cost 60,900 euros.

Source: Brabus

Gallery:

Smart #5 Brabus has 646 HP