Ahead of the smart #5 landing in the UK later this year, the covers have been pulled off the Brabus variant – which is by far the most powerful car in the smart range. Its dual-motor powertrain delivers 637bhp and 524lb-ft (710Nm) to all four wheels, propelling the car from 0–62mph in just 3.8 seconds. The #5 Brabus is also the fastest in the new model range, with 130mph limited top speed, and we suspect it won’t take long to reach it.

While the German tuning firm’s recent standalone creations are known for their bold exterior styling, the #5 Brabus opts for a subtle exterior makeover. Enlarged splitters at both ends and revised door trims all feature red highlights and the Brabus wordmark. Just like the #1 and #3 Brabus models, a red contrasting roof is optionally available, and reserved for the most powerful variant. At each corner, 21” Monoblock Z wheels feature the double-B logo at their centres, and a model-specific tune has been applied to the suspension – though it’s not yet clear whether it rides on steel or air suspension.

Between the axles sits a 94kWh usable capacity battery, which can offer a WLTP range of up to 335 miles. As the electrical systems come from the Geely family – which includes Lotus, Polestar and Volvo – the car uses an 800v system which allows for rapid charging at up to 400kW DC. A 10–80% top-up requires 18 minutes, while a full charge using a home wallbox will take around 12 hours to complete.

If the semi-sleeper exterior could hide the performance potential, there’s no mistaking which variant the cabin belongs to. A mixture of black leather and microfibre upholstery is contrasted by red stitching and accents, and the aluminium pedals are Brabus-specific. The model comes as standard with a full-width infotainment system, with one 10.25” display ahead of the driver and a pair of 13” OLED screens in the centre of the cabin and in front of the passenger seat. While some cars have to make do with only 64 ambient lighting colours, the #5 Brabus offers 256.

Further standard features will include a large glass sunroof, an augmented reality head-up display, a 20-speaker surround sound system and adaptive LED headlights. Four out of the five seats will be heated and ventilated.

Multiple smart #5 variants will arrive in the UK in the latter half of 2025, with a 74.4kWh battery offering up to 289 miles of range, or the 94kWh unit which returns up to 367 miles in the single-motor Pro+ and Premium models. The 4.69 metre long SUV is the largest model from smart so far, but offers the most cabin space, and a 630 litre boot with the rear seats up. 

The most powerful #5 and will go up against the Kia EV9 GT when it goes on sale later this year. The Kia is slightly larger and has three rows of seats available, but with 501bhp is down on power and range compared to the #5. Other rivals include the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Skoda Enyaq vRS, and the upcoming Alpine A390. 

UK pricing and specifications will be revealed when the car goes on sale in the coming months.