Highway Range and Lightning Fast Charging: Smart #5 BRABUS Tested

A detailed look at real-world highway range, ultra-fast charging capability, and high-performance driving behavior of the Smart #5 Brabus.

00:00 Intro
The Smart #5 Brabus is prepared for a controlled highway test, using high-precision GPS to maintain a constant 120 km/h regardless of speedometer variation. Environmental conditions such as temperature, sunshine, and air-conditioning usage are kept consistent to reflect everyday driving rather than optimized laboratory scenarios. The journey begins from the outskirts of Madrid toward Barcelona on open highways, with the intention of measuring usable range under realistic conditions.

A clear focus is placed on replicating the way most drivers would use the car. Climate control remains on, eco mode is avoided, and comfort mode keeps the vehicle operating in a normal, consumer-oriented configuration. Battery consumption is monitored closely from the first kilometer to prepare for the turnaround point where the state of charge meets the predicted return margin.

00:57 Traveling with the Smart #5
Energy prediction tools become essential as the Smart #5 progresses along the highway. The decision to turn back with 59% battery is based on projected arrival with a safe reserve, demonstrating how the vehicle estimates real-time consumption and calculates the remaining energy needed to return to the starting point. These calculations provide insight into how the car handles long-distance travel and how conservative or optimistic the internal algorithms are.

Navigation performance is also observed carefully. When entering a long-distance destination, the system proposes high-power charging stops, but occasionally selects stations that are not ideal for a 400 kW-capable vehicle. Even with filters for high-power chargers enabled, certain selections can involve overly long charging times or unsuitable locations. Nonetheless, the software reliably maps out a functional route, while manual input remains necessary to optimize the experience.

05:44 Charging the Smart #5
Once connected to a high-power Alpitronic charger, the Smart #5 Brabus immediately displays its ability to accept extremely high charging rates. Power surpasses 300 kW at low state of charge, demonstrating strong current intake from the moment the session begins. Voltage output varies depending on the station, and although this particular charger caps the car below its maximum potential, the delivered power remains among the highest available in Europe.

Rapid energy intake transforms into meaningful range quickly. The vehicle adds multiple kilowatt-hours within minutes, retaining charging speeds above 300 kW through a significant portion of the session. The required 47 kWh to cover 200 km is recovered in under nine minutes, setting a new benchmark and underscoring the importance of proper battery temperature and compatible infrastructure to achieve such results.

08:36 Driving the Smart #5
The Smart #5 Brabus offers several driving modes—eco, comfort, sport, and Brabus—each of which can be customized for steering weight, throttle response, and regenerative braking strength. Single-pedal driving is available through the S-pedal function, designed to bring the vehicle to a complete stop without using the brake pedal. While exceptionally practical, occasional inconsistencies in regenerative behavior appear under specific conditions.

Performance delivery is immediate and forceful. With 646 hp and instant torque, even light pressure on the accelerator produces rapid forward motion. Response tuning is sharp and intuitive, allowing the vehicle to react almost as if it anticipates the driver’s intent. Despite its height, the Smart #5 controls its mass well, though body movement is more noticeable than in lower, sedan-style vehicles. Seat bolstering could provide more lateral support when driving aggressively on curving roads. Using high-precision GPS timing, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h proves faster than the official figures, confirming the vehicle’s strong powertrain calibration.

13:31 Conclusion
The Smart #5 Brabus demonstrates a combination of long-distance capability, extremely rapid charging performance, and remarkable acceleration. Highway efficiency, thermal management, and navigation behavior together shape its real-world practicality, while its driving dynamics highlight the strengths of its performance-focused design.

This overview sets the stage for further exploration of the technology and engineering behind the Smart #5 to better understand how these characteristics translate into everyday electric-vehicle use.