smart has unveiled its latest EV, called the smart #5, at a world premiere event in Byron Bay, Australia. It is the OEM’s first premium mid-size SUV, representing its entry in the segment, and will provide advanced electric drive, ADAS, and cockpit technologies. smart confirmed that it’s all-new EV will be launched and delivered in Europe at the beginning of 2025.
Designed by Mercedes-Benz, the #5 carries over smart’s typical design elements – such as the panoramic halo roof, the frameless doors, and the short front and rear overhangs. Inside, occupants will benefit from an array of comfort features, including the ability to create a king-size, queen-size, or single sleeping space in the cockpit
Heading up the interior’s entertainment offering is a built-in projector, which is paired with a Sennheiser Signature Sound System comprised of both 20 in-vehicle speakers, and a portable speaker, that together offer a peak output exceeding 2000 watts. The system’s overhead, ‘raising’, speaker offers ambient lighting that synchronizes with the music being played to create a more immersive audio-visual experience.
At the core of the #5’s infotainment system is a pair of 13-inch AMOLED 2.5K displays, which operate alongside a 10.3-inch full-colour ultra HD LCD instrument cluster, and a 25.6-inch AR HUD. A proprietary generative AI voice assistant featured within this system helps provide the driver with precise answers to a broad range of questions, leveraging a variety of sources to do so. The assistant, when paired with smart’s intelligent avatars, can also help users control key functions with their voice, including phone calls and messages, music and media, climate control, navigation, personal settings and vehicle control, as well as all internet functions.
The assistant and the infotainment system more broadly are powered by an advanced AMD V2000 computing power chip. While rending the #5’s low-poly smart OS UI, which itself is based on Epic’s Unreal Engine, the chip also processes real-time effects that help facilitate a smooth, responsive user experience.
Leveraging a 800-volt platform, the smart #5, in tandem with its 100-kWh battery, offers enhanced charging speeds and range estimates. The battery itself is equipped with a super-charging function (4C) that allows for up to 70% of its full capacity to be replenished in 15 minutes while enabling a maximum range of more than 459 miles (740 km). Through this setup, the vehicle also offers a mixture of on- and off-road driving modes, including Adaptive, Sand, Snow, Mud, and Rock.
While equipping the smart #5 with its premium speakers, Sennheiser’s presence in the vehicle will be extended through a new partnership between the companies. Through it, the audio company will equip the e-SUV with its patented audio algorithms – Concerto with AMBEO technology and Contrabass – to deliver a more immersive in-car listening experience.
