Most people who know the smart brand remember those tiny two-seater city cars that used to zip around European streets (we had a couple here, too). They were quirky, efficient and almost toy-like in size. Those cars defined smart for years. Today, the brand is in a very different chapter. Backed by Mercedes-Benz and Geely, smart has reinvented itself with a new purpose. The smart #5 sits right at the centre of that reinvention.
The EV SUV segment has become a bit like a shopping mall food court. Everything looks good, everything claims to be the next big thing, and everyone is shouting for your attention. The smart #5 enters this crowded arena with one very clear angle. It dares to look different.
And that might be the smartest thing about it.
A Funky Design That Stands Out
The smart #5 doesn’t try to blend in. Its styling leans into playful shapes, rounded surfaces and a youthful vibe that feels refreshing in a sea of serious, angular SUVs. It may not be to everyone’s taste, but at least it has character, and that counts for a lot in this competitive space.
Inside, the design stays fun. The panoramic roof opens via a small toggle switch that resembles a speaker, immediately putting a smile on your face. It’s the kind of detail that shows someone had fun designing this car.
Easy to Drive with Controls That Just Work
On the road, the #5 Pro 76 kWh is smooth and punchy. Power delivery is immediate without being aggressive, and the car feels well-calibrated for day-to-day driving in Singapore. The brakes are strong with good pedal feel, which is reassuring for an EV of this size.
The controls are intuitive, too. Many of them feel familiar if you’ve driven a Mercedes before, which makes sense since smart sits under the same parent company. Shortcut buttons, touch panels, and menus feel straightforward rather than overwhelming, which is becoming increasingly rare among modern EVs.
The 360 camera deserves a mention. The resolution is crisp and the stitching is accurate, which makes manoeuvring in tight multi-storey carparks much easier.
Little Quirks That Don’t Quite Land
Not everything is perfect. There is an occasional pinging alert sound in the cabin (which I believe is from the proximity sensor). After a while, it becomes a bit of a distraction. Additionally, the interior door button and handle appear cute and futuristic, but they are not particularly practical. It takes some effort to grasp them naturally.
These are not deal breakers, just quirks that come with a design-heavy personality.
Competitive Segment, Unique Position
This is where things get interesting. The EV SUV space is overflowing with options at similar price points. You could spend the same amount and get outright performance from something like the BYD Sealion 7 Performance, but let’s be honest, where would you use all that power in Singapore? Or you could choose from the many established players already on the road.
But the smart #5 does something different. It packages usable performance, ease of driving, intuitive controls and a standout design into one cohesive product. It also benefits from having Daimler’s backing behind the scenes and a reliable local dealership network to support owners.
In other words, it feels like a car built with thought rather than just another EV rushed to market.
A smart choice?
The smart #5 Pro 76 kWh is quirky, capable and surprisingly well-rounded. It drives smoothly, offers punchy performance, has user-friendly controls and brings a sense of fun back into EV motoring. It also has a design that stands out for the right reasons.
In a crowded segment, that uniqueness might just be its biggest strength. A very smart package indeed.
Technical Specifications
smart #5 Pro 76 kWh
Engine: Single Electric Motor
Powertrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 335 bhp
Torque: 373 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0100km/h: 6.9 Seconds
Top Speed: 200 km/h
Battery Capacity: 76 kWh
Drive Range: 465 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 5.4 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$224,000 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
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