Smart #5 (2025 onwards) | Expert Rating

6 minutes reading
Thursday, 2 Jul 2026 12:31 0 1 autotech

Summary

The Smart #5 is a large upmarket electric SUV, and the third model to join the refreshed Smart line-up, sitting above the smaller #1 and #3 SUVs.

Smart’s largest model yet, the #5 – pronounced as ‘Hashtag Five’ – has received a warm initial reception from the British motoring media, and has been earmarked by a number of reviewers who highlight the car’s pricing which undercuts premium brand rivals and its high-quality interior trim.

Slightly bigger than mid-sized electric SUVs like the Skoda Enyaq and Tesla Model Y, but smaller than premium rivals like the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, electrifying.com’s Thomas Geiger argues that the #5 “could be the new ‘one to beat’ in the family electric SUV class”, as the car’s tech, styling and price tag stack up well when compared to other upmarket large EVs.

That said, reviewers share a collective disappointment with the car’s battery efficiency and range which Ellis Hyde of Auto Express calls “woefully inefficient”. Top Gear’s Greg Potts also takes issue with the top-spec Brabus model, which he says is too fast and “hardly that fun to drive”, explaining that owners will “tire of a throttle pedal that acts like an on-off switch for warp speed.”

As of July 2026, the Smart #5 holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 81%. The SUV’s higher-than-average reviews scores are helped by the car’s excellent Euro NCAP safety credentials and unlimited-mileage warranty.

#5 highlights

  • Agile handling for an SUV this size
  • Comfortable, high-quality cabin fit and finish
  • Intuitive on-board tech
  • Competitively priced

#5 lowlights

  • Rivals offer a longer battery range
  • Not much ‘frunk’ storage space
  • Not many physical buttons and switches inside
  • Top-spec ‘Brabus’ not very fun to drive

Key specifications

Body style: Large SUV
Engines:
electric, battery-powered
Price:
From £39,800 on-road

Launching: Winter 2025/26
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Adult protection: 88%
Child protection: 93%
Vulnerable road users: 84%
Safety assist: 92%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of July 2026, the Smart #5 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the #5 is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it takes place. Check back again soon.

Running cost rating

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Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Battery range Average Score Variation Score
EV models 338 miles A
Electrical efficiency Average Score Variation Score
EV models 3.3 m/KWh E

The Smart #5 is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

We don’t have the full running cost picture for the #5 just yet, but the EV’s average battery range of 338 miles is competitive in the large SUV category. That said, its average electrical efficiency (the electric car equivalent of miles per gallon) is bested by its closest rivals.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of July 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Smart #5 to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops. 

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the #5, we’ll publish the results here.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Smart #5

New car warranty duration 3 years
New car warranty mileage Unlimited miles
Battery warranty duration 8 years
Battery warranty mileage 100,000 miles

Smart’s new car warranty is better than average, and better than rival brands in a similar price bracket as the #5.

The duration is three years, with no limit on mileage. In addition to the standard new car warranty, the electric car has an eight-year/unlimited-mile warranty for the battery components.

Warranty on a used Smart #5

  • If you are buying an ‘Approved Used’ Smart #5 from an official Smart dealership, you will get a minimum twelve-month/100,000-mile warranty included.
  • If you are buying a used Smart #5 from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
  • If you are buying a used Smart #5 from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.

If you’re looking to buy any used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Smart #5

As of July 2026, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the Smart #5. However, recall information is updated very regularly, so this may have changed.

You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Smart dealer.

Awards

Significant UK trophies and awards that the Smart #5 has received

Similar cars

If you’re looking at a new or used Smart #5, you might also be interested in these alternatives

BMW iX | Ford Explorer | Hyundai Ioniq 9 | Kia EV9 | Leapmotor C10 | Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV | Mini Countryman Electric | Nissan Ariya | Polestar 3 | Renault Scenic E-Tech | Skoda Enyaq | Tesla Model Y | Toyota bZ4X | Volkswagen ID. Buzz | Volvo EX90 | Xpeng G6

More information

More news, reviews and information about the Smart #5 at The Car Expert

Buy a Smart #5

If you’re looking to buy a new or used Smart #5, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.

Lease a Smart #5

If you’re looking to lease a new Smart #5, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.

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Personal contract hire deals from Select Car Leasing. Find out more

Subscribe to a Smart #5

Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)

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