The smart #5 has secured six prestigious international awards during its debut year on the global market, cementing its position as one of 2025’s most acclaimed electric vehicles. The accolades span safety, design, and consumer choice categories, reflecting the premium mid-size SUV’s broad appeal across markets from Europe to Asia.
A Remarkable First Year for Smart’s Flagship SUV
Smart’s transformation from quirky city-car specialist to premium EV manufacturer reached a milestone with the #5’s launch. The model represents the brand’s first premium mid-size SUV and has rapidly accumulated recognition that typically takes years to achieve. In January 2026, the #5 earned Family Electric SUV of the Year at the What Car? Awards 2026, one of the automotive industry’s most respected benchmarks established in 1978. Judges highlighted the vehicle’s impressive range, fast charging capability, comfortable ride, and high-quality interior as decisive factors.
Beyond the UK accolade, the #5 claimed Norway’s 2026 Car of the Year award and achieved runner-up status in the Swiss Car of the Year 2026 competition. In Asia, the model secured the Up Car 2025 Grand Ten Awards in Hong Kong, where it ranked fourth in monthly EV sales during its inaugural delivery month—a strong indicator of market acceptance.
Safety and Design Excellence Drive Recognition
Two of the #5’s six awards address core engineering disciplines. The model earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating with the highest overall score of any large SUV tested in 2025, validating smart’s commitment to occupant protection. Complementing this achievement, the #5 secured two Red Dot Awards for Product Design, recognizing both its exterior styling and human-machine interface (HMI) innovation.
This dual recognition—safety and design—underscores that the #5 isn’t merely a competent EV but a comprehensively engineered vehicle that balances form and function.
Specifications That Justify the Awards
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Power Output | Up to 475 kW (637 bhp in BRABUS variant) |
| Range (WLTP) | Up to 590 km |
| 0-62 mph (BRABUS) | 3.8 seconds |
| Fast Charging (10-80%) | Less than 18 minutes (optimal conditions) |
| Boot Capacity | 630 liters |
| Platform | Advanced 800-volt architecture |
| Interior Screens | 10.25-inch digital cluster + two 13-inch OLED displays |
| Euro NCAP Rating | Five-star (highest in the large SUV category 2025) |
Market Positioning and Variants
The #5 launches in multiple configurations, from the entry-level Pro variant to the high-performance BRABUS edition. The Pulse variant introduces dual motors with 580 bhp and 4.9-second 0-62 acceleration, positioning the model across price and performance segments. This strategy has proven effective: smart now operates in approximately 40 countries and regions, with the #5 serving as the flagship for the brand’s 2025 global expansion push.
Competitive Context
The #5’s award sweep positions it ahead of established competitors in the premium mid-size electric SUV segment. While direct comparisons remain limited in available data, the model’s Euro NCAP performance exceeds most rivals, and its charging speed—10% to 80% in under 18 minutes—matches or exceeds category leaders. The What Car? Judges specifically noted the #5’s value proposition, emphasizing that premium features and performance don’t require premium pricing.
Verdict: A Credible Contender for Family EV Buyers
The smart #5’s six-award haul reflects genuine engineering achievement rather than marketing momentum. The combination of Euro NCAP’s highest safety score, Red Dot design recognition, and consumer awards from What Car?, Norway, and Switzerland suggests broad appeal across safety-conscious, design-aware, and value-focused buyers. The vehicle is positioned for families prioritizing range, charging speed, and interior quality—though long-term reliability data and real-world range validation remain pending as the model matures in the market.
