We Test Drive the Most Powerful Smart Car Ever, the Brabus #5

Smart is no longer what you remember; it's no longer the majority of utility models that measured no more than 2.70 meters in length, nor is it what you mostly see on the streets. Three years ago, the German manufacturer embarked on a new journey, starting with the launch of the Smart #1 in 2022, a model with SUV proportions measuring over 4 meters. The goal? To chart a new course in the ever-growing electric vehicle segment. This model was followed by the Smart #3 last year, and just a month ago, they launched and released for sale their largest model to date, the #5.

But we are not just looking at a simple #5; this is the top-of-the-range, high-performance version known as BRABUS. In fact, it is the most powerful model ever produced by Smart. Officially named Brabus #5, its design is truly intriguing, featuring a high front, CyberSparksLED+ headlights with adaptive high beam assistant and matrix technology, 21-inch wheels, and red accents on the side skirts, mirrors, roof, and brake calipers. There's also a distinctive red line on the rear bumper.

The double-wishbone suspension on the front axle of the new mid-sized electric SUV, with a starting price of 48,000 euros, ensures balanced driving and a high level of comfort, even with a sporty driving style or on uneven surfaces. The five off-road driving modes (Adaptive, Sand, Snow, Mud, and Rock), the high ground clearance of up to 197 mm with a wading depth of 500 mm, and a practical ramp angle allow for safe driving off paved roads.

And despite being designed for the city, as it is 100% electric like any respectable Smart, we had the chance to get in and test its up to 646 horsepower and all-wheel drive. Its acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is just 3.8 seconds, with Launch Control, making it a beast! And you have 540 km of range to unleash your "Sunday driver" mode, or hit BRABUS and even hear the engine "roar" (always artificially).

Developed for all types of environments, the Smart #5 sets new standards thanks to its efficient propulsion system and advanced 800-volt platform, demonstrating an ability to support fast charging due to its high-voltage architecture and intelligent thermal management. All variants of the Smart #5 Pro+, except for the Pro - equipped with 76 kWh - are fitted with a 100 kWh battery, capable of offering a DC charging power of up to 400 kW, allowing it to go from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes.

Its interior is also truly striking. It is full of details and color, featuring an advanced system with a 25.6-inch augmented reality head-up display, a 10.25-inch Full HD digital instrument panel, and two 13-inch OLED screens, one central and one for the co-driver, ensuring a smooth and interactive user experience.

The enhanced voice control with integrated AI, along with a new avatar Leo as a personal assistant, allows for hands-free control of numerous vehicle functions. Additionally, the Smart OS 2.0 operating system offers optimized charging routes for electric vehicles and a new video center, enabling video playback in the vehicle. Thanks to the 3D graphics engine by Unreal, the screen graphics are smooth, detailed, and allow for easy handling of all interface functions.

But something quite unusual in the automotive market, and where this model excels, is its audio experience. The new Smart #5 is equipped with Sennheiser's Signature sound system, featuring 20 high-fidelity speakers. In combination with the retractable dashboard speaker, synchronized with ambient lighting, the audio system enhances every journey. To ensure a personalized soundscape, users can adjust the audio according to their preferences with a wide range of options, including sound effect adjustment, immersion level, bass level, and zonal audio outputs.

With a maximum power of 1,190 watts and integrated speakers designed to align with multiple input formats, from stereo and Surround to a full Dolby Atmos setup, the system offers immersive ambient sound. Additionally, it adds greater depth and dimensionality, allowing specially mixed tracks to create a spacious and immersive soundstage that surrounds the listener from all directions, providing an unprecedented auditory experience.

Not forgetting all the cargo capacity. It can accommodate 5 people, with plenty of legroom and headroom, multiple well-organized and distributed compartments, and a double trunk. The front offers 47 liters, and the rear 630, which becomes 1530 if you fold down the seats. Is there anything that doesn't fit in the #5?