Smart #5 variants explained - Premium vs Brabus – Which one should you choose?

After the #1 and #3, here comes smart’s new electric car, the #5, touted as its boldest EV yet. Introducing a new dimension of electric mobility to Malaysia, the smart #5 offers more space, more range, and more presence with a dynamic driving experience tailored for modern lifestyles.

smart Malaysia launched the #5 EV earlier this month and offers it in two fully-imported (CBU) variants - Premium and Brabus, priced as follows - 

Variants	Price (on the road, without insurance)
Smart #5 Premium	RM 199,800
Smart #5 Brabus	RM 249,800

Notably, these prices are applicable to the first 300 units sold in the country and include the following warranty package - 

• 8-Year 200,000km High-Voltage Battery Warranty
• 8-Year 150,000km High-Voltage Component Warranty
• 4-Year Unlimited Mileage Vehicle Warranty
• 2-Year Unlimited Mileage Spare Parts Warranty
• 24/7 Roadside Service Assistance

In today’s article, we are going to pit these two smart #5 variants against one another, helping prospective buyers make an informed decision.

Smart #5 Premium vs Smart #5 Brabus: Spec-to-spec comparison

Dimensions 

In terms of dimension, the Premium and Brabus variants are almost identical; they both measure 4,695 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,705 mm in height. The wheelbase is estimated at 2,900 mm, placing it firmly within the D-segment (mid-size) SUV category.

The luggage capacity remains the same for both trims i.e. 630 litres with rear seats upright and 1,530 litres with rear seats folded down. However, when it comes to the frunk (front trunk) capacity, we can see a difference. Equipped with a dual motor setup, the Brabus has a smaller frunk due to a front motor compared to the Premium trim, which features only one motor at the rear. 

Variants	Smart #5 Premium	Smart #5 Brabus
Length	4,695 mm	4,695 mm
Width	1,920 mm	1,920 mm
Height	1,705 mm	1,705 mm
Wheelbase	2,900 mm	2,900 mm
Boot capacity	630 litres (expandable up to 1530 litres with rear seats folded)	630 litres (expandable up to 1530 litres with rear seats folded)
Frunk capacity	72 litres	47 litres

Drivetrain, range, and charging

Built on a state-of-the-art EV architecture, the smart #5 comes in RWD and AWD setups, both paired with a 100kWh battery (the highest capacity when compared to the smart #1 and #3). This is also the first smart EV in Malaysia to launch with the 800V fast-charging architecture, juicing up the battery from 10- 80% in just 15 mins, making road trips effortless and more efficient.

The top-spec Brabus is a high-performance model featuring a dual motor setup, which delivers a whopping power of 646 PS, enabling the EV to sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.8 seconds. Additionally, it exclusively features nine drive modes (including five off-road modes) and an advanced suspension system, helping it adapt to various terrains with ease.

However, in terms of range, the smart #5 Premium is ahead of the smart #5 Brabus.

Check the detailed comparison below -

Variants	Smart #5 Premium	Smart #5 Brabus
Electric motor	Single rear-wheel drive	Dual motor setup
Power	363 PS	Front - 224 PS  Rear - 421 PS  Combined - 646 PS
Torque	373 Nm	Front - 270 Nm Rear – 440 Nm Combined -  710 Nm
0-100 kmph	6.5 seconds	3.8 seconds
Top speed	200 kmph	210 kmph
Drive modes	3 - Eco, Comfort, Sport	9 - Eco, Comfort, Sport, Snow, Sand, Mud, Rock, Adaptive, and Brabus
Battery	100 kWh nickel manganese cobalt	100 kWh nickel manganese cobalt
Range (WLTP)	590 km	540 km
Charging	22 kW AC 400 kW DC	22 kW AC 400 kW DC
Charging time	4.5 hours (SOC 10% - 80% AC Charging) 15 mins (SOC 10% - 80% DC Fast Charging)	4.5 hours (SOC 10% - 80% AC Charging) 15 mins (SOC 10% - 80% DC Fast Charging)

Features

The smart #5 boasts a boxy, confident exterior paired with a lounge-inspired interior wrapped in soft-touch Nappa leather and a tie-clip-inspired dashboard design. Both trims come loaded with tons of features, offering a safe, comfortable and tech-forward driving experience. 

Some of the notable bits are - 1.7m² panoramic glass roof, onboard chiller, soundproof double-layered glass, three configurable bed modes, dual 13-inch OLED screens, a 25.6-inch AR head-up display, a ChatGPT-powered smart avatar, and a 20-speaker system with Dolby Atmos sound.

The top-spec Brabus trim sets itself apart with a Brabus exterior body kit and Brabus-specific red interior accents.

Here’s a detailed comparison of exterior, interior, and safety features -

Variants	Smart #5 Premium	Smart #5 Brabus (over Premium)
Exterior	Active front grille CyberSparks LED+ with matrix headlights  Adaptive high beam Daytime running lights (DRLs) Full-width LED tail lights Puddle lights Electronically-adjustable side mirrors with heating and memory function Flush illuminated door handles Gesture tailgate Soundproof and heat-insulating front windshield Soundproof glass for windows Rear privacy glass  Panoramic halo roof with electric halo roof blind 20-inch alloy wheels	Adaptive headlights Brabus dark front grille Red painted brake callipers Brabus badges with a high-gloss black sport emblem Brabus sport front skirt Brabus sport rear spoiler Brabus red and black side mirrors Brabus red trim Brabus high-gloss black window frame Brabus red and black door handles Brabus puddle lights Smart light show 21-inch Monoblock Z lightweight alloy wheels
Interior	13-inch AMOLED infotainment unit Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ChatGPT and over-the-air update support 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster 25.6-inch augmented reality heads-up display 13-inch AMOLED display for the front passenger Dual-zone automatic climate control with air filters Duo Nappa Leather Seats Leather steering wheel Electrically adjustable, heated front seats and rear seats ‘Boss button’ on the rear passenger seat Ambient Lighting+ (256 colours) Automatic 2-zone climate control Ventilated Driver and Passenger Seat 20-speaker Sennheiser sound system Two wireless charging pads Chilled centre console with rear AC vents NFC Key Card V2L capability	Dinamica® seats Alcantara® Sports-style steering wheel BRABUS exclusive interior color Simulated Engine Sound Brabus sport pedals Brabus red sports seatbelt
Safety	Seven airbags (including a front centre airbag) Stability control Cornering brake control Adaptive cruise control  Traffic jam assist  Traffic sign recognition  Autonomous emergency braking (front and rear) Lane departure warning  Automatic lane change assist Lane keep assist  Emergency lane keep assist Rear cross traffic alert  Blind spot monitoring Smart Pilot Assist 12 front & rear parking sensors with automatic parking assist Automatic parking assist Door opening warning  360-degree surround view camera with transparent view

Colour options 

The Premium trim is available in four colours, all featuring an Eclipse Black roof, while the Brabus variant offers three exclusive finishes with the same roof treatment. Please note the matte shade mentioned below costs an extra RM 5,000.

Variants	Smart #5 Premium	Smart #5 Brabus
Exterior	Meta Black Cyber Silver Metallic Pulsar Ruby Saturn Beige (matte)	Meta Black Digital White Metallic Atom Grey (matte)

Which smart #5 EV variant should you choose?

Well, the answer depends on what you value more - style, performance, or range. 

• Opt for the Premium trim if you want a slightly more affordable EV with a longer range, and don’t prioritise sportier styling or super high performance.
• Go for the Brabus if you prefer sportier styling, higher performance and speed, and are okay with slightly reduced range and a higher price tag. 

Also read: Pro-Net expands EV network across Malaysia; opens new e.MAS and smart outlets