The smart #5 electric SUV has officially launched in the UAE, marking the latest expansion of smart’s all-electric lineup in partnership with AW Rostamani Group, the brand’s local distributor. Unveiled at Skydive Dubai, the mid-size SUV enters a market that is steadily building momentum around electric mobility, supported by federal policy targets and growing charging infrastructure.
The timing aligns with the UAE’s National Electric Vehicles Policy, which aims for 25 percent of vehicles on the road to be electric or hybrid by 2030. Industry forecasts project strong EV market growth through the end of the decade, creating room for new entrants across multiple price and performance segments. In that context, the smart #5 electric SUV is positioned as a premium mid-size option designed for both city commuting and weekend travel beyond urban centers.
Built on a dedicated EV platform, the smart #5 uses 4C fast-charging battery technology capable of charging from 10 percent to 80 percent state of charge in around 15 minutes under optimal conditions. While real-world charging times depend on infrastructure and environmental factors, the specification reflects a broader industry push to reduce downtime and address range concerns. Depending on variant, the vehicle offers up to 590 km of WLTP-rated range.
Inside, the cabin centers on dual 13-inch OLED touchscreens and a 20-speaker Sennheiser sound system with Dolby Atmos support. Smart also cites an 86.5 percent articulation index for cabin clarity, a metric related to speech intelligibility and acoustic refinement. As with many new electric SUVs, the focus is on digital interfaces, connected features, and a quieter driving experience enabled by the absence of an internal combustion engine.
Four variants of the smart #5 are available in the UAE. The Pro model starts at AED 159,900, offering rear-wheel drive, 250 kW of power, a WLTP range of 465 km, and 0–100 km/h acceleration in 6.9 seconds. The Premium variant, starting at AED 199,900, extends range up to 590 km and adds higher-end interior and audio features. The Dune edition, priced from AED 209,900, is a UAE-specific configuration aimed at drivers who intend to venture into desert terrain, with styling and capability adjustments tailored to sand driving. At the top of the lineup, the BRABUS variant starts at AED 219,900 and delivers up to 475 kW of peak output with all-wheel drive, reaching 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, alongside unique design elements developed with the performance tuning brand.
The launch of the smart #5 reflects the brand’s shift from compact city cars toward larger, more versatile electric SUVs. Since restructuring as a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz AG and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group in 2019, smart has repositioned itself within the premium EV segment and expanded into roughly 40 markets. The UAE introduction continues that expansion strategy while adding another option to the country’s growing portfolio of electric SUVs.
AW Rostamani Group, a diversified family-owned business operating across automotive and other sectors in the Middle East, will handle distribution and aftersales support locally. As competition intensifies among electric SUVs in the UAE, pricing, charging speed, real-world range, and long-term ownership costs will likely shape how the smart #5 electric SUV performs in this evolving market.
