Car review: Smart packs #5 with space, comfort and efficiency

SINGAPORE – Smart is a joint venture between China’s Geely and Germany’s Mercedes-Benz. In the new Smart #5 mid-sized crossover – the brand’s largest model to date – there are signs of the mixed parentage.

Electrical seat adjustment switches are identical to what you see in a Merc. The steering column drive shifter is another Merc mainstay, although several electric vehicles now sport it. The Pro variant reviewed here has heated seats, but no ventilated seats – a quirk also seen in Mercedes and other German cars here.

The #5’s Chinese genes are harder to spot at a glance, but they are there. For instance, it is built on a Geely platform shared by other group vehicles such as the Zeekr X, Polestar 4 and Volvo EX30.

The Chinese penchant for fanciful electronic door openers is present – in the form of push buttons. (Emergency manual override levers are found within the door pockets.) And there is Leo the Lion, an on-screen avatar which accompanies the car’s voice command.

The purpose of voice command is to allow the driver to focus on the road. So what is the point of an avatar? Possibly to infuse cuteness, since Smart is known for cute cars.

The #5, however, is not exactly cute. Like the Mini Countryman, it is a square-jawed giant in a household of midgets. It is bigger than the Countryman. In fact, it sits between the BMW iX2 and iX3.

Obviously, size does come with benefits. The #5 has a super-spacious cabin, with room in the second row that almost matches a Toyota Alphard’s. It has a 630-litre boot, which is enormous for a car that is 4,695mm long, 1,920mm wide and 1,705mm tall.

The stowage – augmented by a sizeable 72-litre frunk – is generous on account of the car’s relatively high ceiling. Floor space is not quite enough to accommodate a bi-fold bicycle with its handlebar intact. But it is more than sufficient for everyday chores.

At the same time, everyday driving is never a chore, thanks to a lively drivetrain. The car has a rear-mounted motor which makes 250kW and 373Nm of torque. The century sprint is accomplished in 6.9 seconds, and top speed is a respectable 200kmh – higher than the steroidal Smart #1 Brabus’ peak of 180kmh.

You experience immense acceleration with the slightest pedal pressure, even in Normal mode. Sport mode is hair-raising, and rather unnecessary in Singapore. If not for overly jiggly body movements which most tall cars are cursed with, the #5 would be downright fantastic at the wheel. Positive traits include quick steering and good visibility.

Despite its long 2,900mm wheelbase, the car negotiates corners neatly. Older multi-level carparks and U-turns on smaller roads are tackled with not much difficulty – another Mercedes quality.

Ride quality is above average, and external noises are kept well at bay even at higher speeds despite the car’s tall, boxy silhouette.

Non-driving operations are a mixed bag. Recessed door handles extend automatically as you approach the car, although this does not happen all the time. So, here is the thing about newfangled tech features: They are clever and convenient when they work, but downright infuriating when they do not. Conventional door handles may be boring, but they never fail.

The #5’s door handles are also heavily sprung and require effort to operate. The rear doors close with a tentative sound, which makes you wonder if they are properly closed. A big plus point is the walk-away door-locking feature.

Another brilliant quality lies in the infotainment touchscreen, which is the quickest and most touch-sensitive one I have sampled in memory. Touchscreens which do not respond to touch immediately are little more than fingerprint magnets.

Android Auto reconnects instantly and unfailingly – something which you would think is a given, but does not happen in too many cars. Credit probably goes to the #5’s AMD V2000 chip, touted as a high-performance processor.

High responsiveness does not extend to the remote key, though. The boot and bonnet opening buttons need to be pressed hard and long before they work. Not great on normal days, but worse when it rains.

The car’s biggest feat may well be its range. For this test drive, the #5 averages 16kWh/100km, which is better than the stated 18.5kWh/100km. Based on this, the car has a range of 475km if driven exclusively in Singapore. Which means it has the longest range of any car of its size, performance and battery capacity.

And that is something the Germans and Chinese can be proud of.

christan@sph.com.sg

• Follow Christopher Tan on Instagram @chris.motoring

Smart #5 Pro
Price: $312,888 with COE, before applicable discounts
Motor: Rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous with 76kWh battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Power: 250kW
Torque: 373Nm
0-100kmh: 6.9 seconds
Top speed: 200kmh
Power consumption: 18.5kWh/100km
Charging capacity: 11kW AC; 150kW DC
Agent: Cycle & Carriage
Rating: ★★★☆☆

Comparable considerations

Jaecoo J6 205kW ($267,999 with COE)

The J6 is slightly smaller than the #5, and hence cabin space does not match the Smart’s. But surprisingly, its boot has more usable space and can accommodate a bi-fold bicycle with handlebar intact. The Jaecoo is a dual-motor all-wheel drive which will take to unpaved roads with ease and confidence. It is a well-equipped, stylish and quicker car, but is substantially thirstier. In addition, it has a smaller battery. Hence, its range is much more limited.

Xpeng G6 AWD ($272,999 with COE)

The refreshed G6 feels much more complete than the pre-facelift version, which it largely resembles. For instance, it no longer has infotainment glitches. And its drive is more refined, with a composure and agility uncommon among cars of its size. The dual-motor all-wheel drive is a speedster that will leave the #5 in the dust. It is a noticeably larger car, with its cabin wrapped in Nappa leather, and seats with ventilation and massage functions.