Smart enters mid-size SUV market with #5 and slashes compact EV prices
The brand targets family buyers with the new #5 while repricing the #1 and #3 to combat intensifying competition.
Smart is expanding its electric vehicle footprint in Australia with the introduction of the #5, a mid-size electric SUV. The move marks a strategic shift for the brand as it seeks to capture a larger share of the family-oriented EV market.
The new Smart #5 is positioned to compete directly with established mid-size contenders, including the Skoda Enyaq, Toyota bZ4X, and the Zeekr 7X. Alongside the launch of the larger SUV, Smart has revised the pricing of its existing compact lineup to maintain competitiveness. Specifically, the 2026 Smart #1 Pro+ now starts at $49,900, excluding on-road costs, as part of a broader repricing strategy for both the #1 and #3 models.
A shift in strategy
Smart, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, is currently undergoing a fundamental transformation. Once known exclusively for its iconic micro-cars, the brand has spent the last few years pivoting toward a range of electric SUVs. The #1 and #3 models first established the brand's presence in Australia within the compact and coupé-crossover segments. The introduction of the #5 represents the next logical step in this evolution, moving the brand into the high-volume mid-size segment where consumer demand for family-sized electric transport is highest.
Market implications
This expansion signals a push to create a comprehensive "EV ladder" for Australian consumers. By offering a range that spans from compact city cars to mid-size family SUVs, Smart is attempting to insulate itself from aggressive pricing strategies employed by both European legacy brands and emerging Chinese manufacturers. The decision to reprice the #1 and #3 simultaneously with the #5 launch suggests that Smart is prioritizing volume and market share over premium pricing in an increasingly crowded electric landscape.
Looking ahead
While the #5 is confirmed for the Australian market, the brand has yet to release the full suite of local specifications and pricing for the new model. Industry observers will be watching to see how the #5 is priced relative to the Toyota bZ4X and Skoda Enyaq, as this will determine whether Smart can successfully disrupt the mid-size SUV hierarchy. For now, the focus remains on the updated pricing of the compact range as the brand prepares for the larger SUV's arrival.