Smart's Tesla Model Y rival delayed for Australia

Smart will have to make do with two models for a little while longer in Australia, with its upcoming flagship SUV copping a delay of around 12 months.

When the Tesla Model Y-rivalling Smart #5 was revealed in August 2024, the company’s local distributor LSH Auto confirmed it was expected to arrive in Australia late this year.

However, with just a few days left in the year, a spokesperson for the company has now confirmed the mid-size electric SUV is still some way off.

“The smart #5 launch for the Australian market has been delayed due to production demands for markets already launched,” said a spokesperson for the brand.

“Current aim is for a launch in the second half of 2026.”

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The spokesperson didn’t confirm any other product launches for 2026. Smart is busily expanding its lineup, having revealed this month its first sedan – the mid-size #6.

Smart has been co-owned by Mercedes-Benz and Geely since 2019, and sells the small, Chinese-built #1 and #3 electric SUVs in Australia after its return to the local market – distributed by LSH Auto – last year following almost a decade-long absence.

These vehicles share their underpinnings with a raft of models in the Geely ecosphere, including the Volvo EX30 and Zeekr X small SUVs sold here.

Since revealing the #5, Smart has debuted a fiery 475kW dual-motor all-wheel drive Brabus flagship and confirmed plans for a plug-in hybrid version – a strategic shift from the brand’s previous plans of being electric-only.

Measuring in at 4705mm long, the boxy Smart #5 is longer than its #1 and #3 siblings, with claimed best-in-class rear passenger space and a maximum boot capacity of 1530L. For reference, the #5 is slightly longer than the Toyota RAV4 but shorter than the Model Y.

It’s offered in the UK with a choice of 76kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and 100kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NCM) batteries, and single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrains.

With the smaller battery, the maximum AC charge rate is 11kW and the DC charge rate is 150kW. These are bumped to 22kW and 400kW, respectively, with the larger battery.

Range is between 465km and 590km on the WLTP cycle, depending on the variant.

Smart vehicles are imported and distributed here by Australia’s largest Mercedes-Benz retailer, LSH Auto, and sold via its dealerships in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with other outlets to follow.

The brand doesn’t report its sales figures for use in the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries’ monthly VFACTS reports.

However, it confirmed in May 2025 that it had delivered more than 500 vehicles since local sales started in October 2024.

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