Smart, the brand that used to mean tiny two-seater city cars smaller than some of the family-sized refrigerators, has reached a new milestone with its all-time most powerful production car –2025 Smart #5 Brabus.
Delivering a massive 475kW (637 hp) from its dual-motor setup, this high-performance electric SUV signals not only the brand’s dramatic transformation but also challenges to established electric performance-makers such as Tesla.
“Smart producing something that can take a Porsche off the line would have seemed crazy to me fifteen years ago,” said James Wilson, a long-time Smart ForTwo owner who attended the exclusive preview in Berlin.
“But now we’re doing just that–and after feeling the speed, I’m seriously thinking about selling my Model Y Performance,” he remarked with a grin on his face which clearly indicated that the test drive had paid off.
From City Car Specialist to Performance EV Powerhouse
The Smart brand’s journey from producing the ForTwo — a vehicle barely larger than some golf cars! — to producing a legitimate performance SUV is one of the most dramatic transformations ever to have happened in the car industry.
Following the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely Automobile, Smart rapidly extended its line-up with larger, more ambitious products. The culmination of these new models has been this flagship performance model which differs radically from all of its lineal predecessors except for a name.
Smart’s Chief Product Officer Sarah Chen told unveil, “We maintain Smart’s urban efficiency and crafty design ethos, but push it into completely different territory entirely.”
In the words of Smart’s Chief Product Officer, Sarah Chen, “We’ve kept Smart’s DNA of urban efficiency and clever design intact. But we have taken it to completely new ground.”
“The #5 Brabus underlines that being sustainable and having a thrilling drive aren’t mutually exclusive; you can have responsible transportation and still be startled.”
Performance That Makes an Impression
The headline figures leave no room for doubt as to the car’s performance capabilities: 0-100 km/h in a claimed 3.2 seconds, a maximum speed of 250 km/h (electronically restricted) and 475 kW from under its hood–all these are figures solidly in supercar territory.
Developed in collaboration with Brabus – the legendary German tuning outfit which in the past modified Smart’s minuscule models into something resembling expressionist sculptures for drag racing – #5 stands out for substantial chassis and powertrain alterations over its standard counterpart.
“The power delivery, suspension geometry and torque vectoring systems have been retuned as a result,” says Thomas Müller, Technical Director of Brabus.
“It’s not just a car for straight-line speed–though it certainly has lots of that. The #5 Brabus is designed to provide genuine driving enjoyment on twisty roads and even the occasional circuit, something previously unthinkable in a Smart.”
Many journalists who tried prototypes at Germany’s mighty Bilster Berg track came away visibly impressed, with some finding it hard to reconcile such high performance from the smart brand.
Unmistakable Design
In terms of design, the Smart #5 Brabus proclaims its sporting credentials through a distinctly aggressive look that clearly sets it apart from lesser models.
The standard car’s already angular design has received further aerodynamic treatment including a larger front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser and subtle roof spoiler. collectively these improve high, speed stability while reducing lift.
The car’s performance is suggested by 22-inch forged wheels and special Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires, while the big red brake calipers breaking through the unique wheel design make clear that this vehicle comes equipped with its own highly specialized high-performance braking system as well.
” We didn’t want to add any extraneous disproportions or frills,” remarks Alexia Rodriguez, Smart’s Design Director.
“Each visual change serves a definite purpose – performance with a purpose, not just for show.”
Interior: Where Technology Meets Driving Focus
Inside, Smart #5 Brabus marries digital wizardry to an ergonomically oriented cockpit.
Carbon-fiber trim pieces and microfiber upholstery give the cabin a suitably sporting atmosphere, and heavily bolstered sports seats provide essential lateral support in energetic driving.
The standard model’s large central touch screen remains, but now there’s an additional display on the other side of the steering wheel that’s dedicated to performance needs. Its screen gives, for example, power output and torque distribution as well as tire temperatures and even lap timing functions.
“The Brabus Performance Mode puts the displays and vehicle settings in a more sporty configuration,” explains Chen.
“.From the intensity of regenerative braking to the artificial sound profile and the way the accelerator pedal responds, everything can be worked up just the way you like things–from comfortable touring right through to flat-out attacking.”
Battery Technology and Charging: Performance Without Compromise
But even in the face of its performance focus, the #5 Brabus makes no sacrificesin practicality.
A 100-kWh battery pack is loaded in the back, reputedly good for 420 kilometres of range (WLTP). This is less than the 520 kilometres in the standard model, but still above useful for general overseas work–erm, sorry, living.
The capability of quick charging, with support for 350kW DC, is also nerve-rackingly impressive. Under ideal circumstances, this can restore 80% of the battery from 10% to complete in only about twenty minutes.
The development of special battery conditioning protocol can cause the group to pre-warm or cool, getting optimal charging times. This came from research done at Volkswagen, where it was discovered that if electrolyte reaches a certain temperature just before charging starts then you save both money and inconvenience.
Using navigation data, the system can either start conditioning when you approach a known charging place or when a charging port lay on your rout will be saved.
Market Positioning and Pricing Goals
With its numbers putting pressure on established players in the field such as Tesla Model Y Performance or Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, DS # 5 Brabus lands a crowded segment where aura is as important as the math.
In Europe the new car is expected to sell for around €85,000, slightly less than what other similarly-capable cars from Porsche and Audi fetch. It is a premium product in European terms.
“The badge we have doesn’t come with the same kind of performance history that some rivals can offer,” Chen admits.
“But we believe in our product’s merits. With one test drive, most people come around. And before the car hits showrooms we’ll be giving Europeans the chance to put such an idea to test on an extensive tour circuit.”
For a brand that once capitalized on being able to squeeze into traffic-choked city centers no longer than a men’s size shoe, the Smart #5 Brabus demonstrates ambitions at once technological and global.
Whether or not traditional performance customers will accept such a drastic reinvention remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Smart will no longer be made fun of for by those with class than tiny cars themselves are themselves the butt of jokes.