smart #5 Challenges Douro Valley’s Winding Roads and Steep Ascents

May 23, 2025, Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany. During the European media test drive of the first premium mid-size SUV from smart, participants explored the varied landscape of the Douro region in northern Portugal. In the course of two weeks, more than 170 journalists and content creators from 19 nations assessed the smart #5 performance across a wide range of driving conditions during one full day of all-electric driving each. The region, shaped by the winding Douro River, is known for its terraced vineyards carved into steep hillsides. These centuries-old engineering feats characterize the region’s cultural landscape and mark the heritage of port wine production.

The test routes covered approximately 300 kilometers, including a mix of winding roads, sections with notable elevation changes, and light off-road passages. Scheduled stops along the way offered opportunities for photo and video capture as well as exchanges with smart experts. The topography and road conditions of the Douro Valley – from serpentine climbs to unpaved stretches – provided a representative environment to evaluate the vehicle’s driving dynamics, comfort features, and versatility.

Performance and comfort across all terrains 

The smart #5 demonstrated its driving dynamics on the winding roads of the Douro Valley. The double wishbone suspension at the front axle of the new electric mid-size SUV ensured balanced handling and a high level of ride comfort even with a sporty driving style or on uneven surfaces. The five off-road driving modes2 (Adaptive, Sand, Snow, Mud and Rock), high ground clearance of up to 197 mm3 with 500 mm wading depth and practical ramp angle enabled confident handling off paved roads. The CyberSparksLED+ headlights with adaptive high beam assist4 and matrix technology provided additional visibility and safety, ensuring optimum illumination in every driving situation. 

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Efficient drive system and future-ready battery platform 

Developed for urban environments and far beyond, the smart #5 sets new standards with its efficient drive system and advanced 800-volt platform. The test drive in Portugal specifically highlighted the vehicle’s strong and consistent charging capabilities. Throughout the drive, especially the smart #5 BRABUS demonstrated its ability to support fast charging thanks to the vehicle’s high-voltage architecture and intelligent thermal management. All variants from the smart #5 Pro+ on are equipped with a 100-kWh battery based on Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NCM) chemistry, capable of 4C DC fast charging with a peak of up to 400 kW. In practice, this allows charging from 10% to 80% (SoC) in just 18 minutes under optimal conditions5. As experienced during the test drive, the vehicle is capable of delivering these values – with current infrastructure being the primary limiting factor. The system’s Plug & Charge functionality (ISO 15118), Vehicle-to-Load capability via a 230-volt outlet, and thermal preconditioning further support usability and convenience across all model lines. 

While the various configurations continue to cater for a broad spectrum of use cases – from long-distance efficiency to light off-road functionality – the consistent charging performance stands out as a defining feature of the lineup. 

Intelligent innovation for all the senses at your fingertips 

At the heart of the smart #5’s digital ecosystem is the latest-generation AMD V2000 chipset, powering an intuitive and responsive human-machine interface (HMI). This advanced system features a re-designed 25.6-inch Augmented Reality head-up display6, a 10.25-inch Full HD digital instrument cluster, and two 13-inch OLED center and passenger screens7, ensuring a seamless and interactive user experience. The enhanced AI-supported voice control, paired with the new digital avatar “Leo”, provides guidance and hands-free control of various vehicle functions. In addition, the new operating system (smart OS 2.0) offers optimized EV routing and a new video center that enables video streaming in the vehicle. Thanks to the 3D engine from Unreal, the display graphics are very smooth, detailed, and allow easy operating of all features of the digital user interfaces. 

For an unparalleled audio experience, the new smart #5 is equipped with the Sennheiser Signature Sound System, featuring 20 high-performance speakers8. During the test drive, the system’s capabilities were fully showcased, enhancing the driving experience with its rich, immersive sound. The combination of the lifting speaker on the dashboard and synchronized ambient light provided an audio-visual atmosphere that elevated the journey navigating the winding roads of Portugal. 

To ensure a personalized soundscape, users can fine-tune the audio to their preferences with a range of customization options, including Sound Effect Adjustment, Immersion Level, Bass Level, and Sound Focus Zones. With a maximum output of 1,190 Watts and onboard speakers designed to align with multiple input formats – from Stereo and Surround to a full 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos setup – the system can provide several acoustic experiences at the very highest level. Dolby Atmos spatial audio technology adds enhanced depth and dimensionality, allowing specially mixed tracks to create a spacious, immersive soundstage that surrounds the listener from every direction, delivering an elevated in-car listening experience. 

With this model, smart takes another step toward future-oriented mobility, expanding its portfolio with a versatile, all-electric SUV in the D-segment. Combining unconventional design, premium comfort, and intelligent technology, it enriches everyday urban life with a stylish outdoor twist. Through this test drive, smart‘s current and future-ready all-electric product portfolio with the smart #1, smart #3 and the all-new smart #5 has once again proven itself on European roads.

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