Smart will have to make do with two models in Australia for a while longer, as its upcoming flagship SUV faces a delay of around 12 months.
As a competitor to the Tesla Model Y Smart #5 was revealed in August 2024, the company’s local dealer LSH Auto confirmed it is expected to arrive in Australia by the end of this year.
However, with only a few days left in the year, a spokesperson for the company has now confirmed that the mid-sized electric SUV is still a long way off.
“The launch of the Smart #5 for the Australian market has been delayed due to production requirements for markets already launched,” a spokesperson for the brand said.
“The current goal is a market launch in the second half of 2026.”
With Daily Sparkz you can save thousands on a new car. Click Here to get a great deal.
The spokesperson did not confirm any further product launches for 2026. Smart is eagerly expanding its range and this month introduced its first sedan – the mid-size #6.
Jointly owned by Mercedes-Benz and Geely since 2019, Smart sells the No. 1 and No. 3 Chinese-built small electric SUVs in Australia after returning to the local market last year after a nearly decade-long absence – sold by LSH Auto.
These vehicles share their base with a number of models in the Geely eco range, including the Volvo EX30 and Zeekr X small SUVs sold here.
Since unveiling the number 5, Smart has unveiled a fiery 475kW dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Brabus flagship and confirmed plans for a plug-in hybrid version – a strategic departure from the brand’s previous plans to go all-electric.
At 4,705mm long, the boxy Smart No. 5 is longer than its No. 1 and No. 3 siblings, with claimed best rear passenger space in its class and a maximum boot volume of 1,530 liters. To illustrate, the No. 5 is slightly longer than the Toyota RAV4, but shorter than the Model Y.
It will be offered in the UK with a choice of 76 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and 100 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NCM) batteries, as well as single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive systems.
For the smaller battery, the maximum AC charging power is 11 kW and the DC charging power is 150 kW. With the larger battery these are increased to 22 kW and 400 kW respectively.
Depending on the variant, the range is between 465 km and 590 km in the WLTP cycle.
Smart vehicles will be imported and distributed here by Australia’s largest Mercedes-Benz retailer LSH Auto and sold through its dealerships in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with more stores to follow.
The brand does not report its sales figures for use in the Federal Chamber of the Automotive Industry’s monthly VFACTS reports.
However, the company confirmed in May 2025 that it had delivered more than 500 vehicles since local sales began in October 2024.
MORE: Smart No. 5: Tesla competitor Model Y launched with built-in bed linen and cinema
MORE: Why Smart doesn’t let its tiny car roots hold it back
MORE: Discover the Smart Showroom
