The new Smart #5 takes the brand's essential character upmarket and offroad
Kai Sieber, head of design Smart at Mercedes-Benz Design, discusses the evolution and style of the new Smart #5
Now that Smart has been fully reborn as a grander, more premium all-electric marque, the next car to emerge from the German-Chinese partnership is this, the Smart #5. Billed as the ‘First-Ever Premium Mid-Size SUV from Smart’, it joins the Smart #1 and Smart #3 to complete a trio of SUVs that will have completely reshaped the brand.
The #5 will come as something of a shock to those used to Smart’s compact, urban-focused past. With rugged styling and off-road accessories like a roof light bar and electric trailer hitch (and the option to install underbody protection, a roof carrier and even a side ladder in Chinese markets), the #5 pitches itself as a bespoke off-roader with a side order of interior quality.
The latter includes aeroplane-style LED reading lights, oak trim, LED ambient lighting and even the ability to transform the seats into a ‘king-size, queen-size, or single sleeping space in the cockpit’. With no less than 34 different storage spots scattered around the cabin, as well as frunk luggage compartment and a sizeable boot, Smart is pitching the #5 as a competent all-rounder.
Three new partners also signal the #5’s multi-functional direction. These include the bespoke Project One bike from American bicycle brand Trek Bikes and ‘The Cave’, a custom version of one of outdoor gear manufacturer Heimplanet’s tents. Finally, there’s Sennheiser, the German audio brand, which has overseen the #5’s 2,000-watt sound system.
Wallpaper* spoke to Kai Sieber, head of design Smart at Mercedes-Benz Design, to talk us through the new model and what it means to scale up a brand that originally intended to make the most pocket-sized cars of all.
Wallpaper*: Tell us the story of the brand’s reboot
Kai Sieber: We switched Smart from being an A-segment car towards the B and C segment and formed a new partnership with Geely. As part of this process, we performed a reset for the brand, which involved a lot of research. For example, the Smart word cloud included things like ‘simple, sweet, kind, and colourful’, which told us it had established itself as a positive, playful brand. As a result, Smart is not against anything – it is about positivity.
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W*: What came first, the new approach or the partnership with Geely?
KS: When we did the Fortwo and Forfour, we were working with Renault [the pairing also resulted in the Renault Twingo]. Geely came forward with a platform and joint venture – it is a really excellent platform, a long wheelbase with very short overhangs.
W*: Where did the influences come from for the new design approach?
KS: It was about finding the sweet spot. It was clear that Geely’s new platforms would allow Smart to grow up slightly. More and more cars are alike – you need to find your USP and emphasise it. Our design philosophy was to create emotional, friendly design, inspired by product design and three key criteria: ‘love, pure and unexpected’.
W*: How did these criteria manifest in the new Smart #5?
KS: We have really pure, simple graphics, combined with unexpected elements like the ‘flying roof’. Then there are things like the low poly style of design for the animal assistants.
W*: How does the #5 evolve the Smart brand?
KS: Smart #1 and #3 have an obvious [relationship to old Smart], but #5 is the largest Smart to date. We didn’t have to compromise on space. Although a Smart should always have the same light signature front and rear, we shifted to what I call ‘squaricles’ for Smart #5, an evolution of the triangular forms on #1 and #3. These oblongs are carried through into the interior and create a more utilitarian look. Inside, the passenger has a separate screen, what we call a floating ‘tech island’.
W*: What about the material approach?
KS: Smart also stands for sustainability. With #5, all the touch points are finished in Napa artificial leather. There’s also real wood inside [on the dashboard and door trims]. Even the fabric we’re using on the most basic models is more upscale than #1 or #3.
W*: What’s the plan for selling Smart #5 around the world?
KS: We launched in China in October 2024, and the car will arrive in Europe in 2025. That’ll be followed by the UK, Australia and South America.
Smart #5, coming soon, UK.smart.com, @smart_worldwide
Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.
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