smart #5 Crowned Family Electric SUV of the Year

Judges cited #5’s impressive range, fast charging, comfortable ride and high-quality interior.
The smart #5 has been crowned Family Electric SUV of the Year at the prestigious What Car? Awards 2026 in London. The victory sees the #5 follow in the footsteps of its fellow smart models, with the #1 having claimed Best Small Electric SUV at the 2024 What Car? Awards and the #3 earning the same title in the What Car? EV Awards 2025.
Speaking of the achievement, Jason Allbutt, smart UK CEO, said: “For each model in the smart line-up to have received such outstanding recognition is testament to the quality, capability and value of our current range. In the #1, #3 and #5, smart now has a clean sweep of truly industry-leading options for buyers from across the market.”
The new smart #5 is the brand’s most capable model to date, with power of up to 475 kW and a range as great as 366 miles. Available in the UK in six variants, from entry level Pro to range-topping BRABUS, the model’s efficient drive system and advanced 800-volt platform can allow charging from 10% to 80% (SoC) in less than 18 minutes under optimal conditions.
Its spacious cabin, high quality interior and advanced standard features - including a 10.25-inch full HD digital instrument cluster and two 13-inch OLED centre and passenger screensiv - combined with a generous 630-litre boot capacity and a best-in-class Euro NCAP safety rating, make it the ideal choice for everything from the school run to weekend fun.
“In our recommended Pro Plus trim, the Smart #5 has an impressive 366-mile official range,” said Steve Huntingford, Editor, What Car? “But just as importantly, when its battery eventually runs low, the #5 will have you back on the road quicker than any of its rivals, because it can charge faster. It’s also an incredibly comfortable car, soaking up bumps and potholes with ease. And the interior only adds to the luxurious feel, because it’s very spacious and all of the materials look and feel expensive.”
Find out why the smart #5 is winning over families and industry experts alike – click here to learn more today and speak to one of Sandown’s smart specialists to arrange your test drive.