Spied: smart #5 In Malaysia – Preview At MAS 2025?

First of two 'spyshots' sent to us anonymously earlier today showing what appears to be the first sighting of the smart #5 here in Malaysia. 

Though the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 (MAS 2025) is just days away from opening its doors to both press and the public this week, several surprises have surfaced ahead of which, like this supposed local ‘spyshots’ of the new smart #5 sent to us anonymously earlier today.

No details were provided apart from the two images featured, which were originally sent to us in vertical form. This perhaps signalled that these images were snapped in haste using a smartphone. Indeed, the arrival of the smart #5 is something we’ve long anticipated.

Though with much of the car blocked off in this second image, the choice of matte black paint, striking wheels design, and added roof-mounted LED lightbar, indicates this could the the Brabus variant of the smart #5.

We’re willing to bet that the smart #5 pictured, which we reckon is in range-topping Brabus form thanks to its tasty matte black paint and rugged roof-mounted lightbar accessory, will be officially previewed at MAS 2025 later this week by PRO-NET (Proton New Energy Technology).

Adding to which too is the coincidence of the firm releasing teaser materials of the smart #5 Brabus model online via its official Facebook page yesterday too, which we've embedded below.

With the arrival of new metal in the form of the #5, it could perhaps give the smart Automobile brand a much-needed injection of excitement. That’s because of late, its sister brand Proton e.MAS, has been seizing the spotlight and making headlines.

Revealed back in Aug 2024, the smart #5 sees the Geely-runned smart Automobile brand, which is also still ‘co-owned’ by original founders Mercedes-Benz, take on a larger footprint versus its #1 and #3 siblings. It also takes on a more rugged appeal by boasting off-roading abilities.

First revealed in Aug 2024, the smart #5 underpins the PMA2+ base and boasts a larger footprint versus its #1 and #3 siblings.

Underpinning the Geely PMA2+ platform, the #5 sees four powertrain choices offered in China. The most powerful of which is of course the range-topping Brabus guise, which adopts a dual-motor setup outputting a whopping 646 PS to enable 0-100 KM/H sprints in just 3.8 secs.

Battery packs, on the other hand, sees both 76 kWh and 100 kWh capacity choices available, the former being in LFP form whilst the latter takes on an NMC composition instead. The PMA2+ base’s status as an 800-volt platform also grants ‘4C’ DC fast-charging abilities too.

Besides off-road driving abilities, the smart #5 is also set to offer a much more spacious cabin laden with more luxuries and tech.

Other highlights we can expect to see include massive dual 2.5K 13-inch AMOLED infotainment touchscreens, 10.3-inch digital instrumentation, new 20-speaker audio suite by Sennheiser, augmented reality (AR) heads-up display (HUD), and more.

Should an official preview happen at MAS 2025, which take place this week at MAEPS, Serdang from May 9 to May 15, we’re also willing to bet that PRO-NET could push to have the smart #5 officially launched in Malaysia perhaps in either the third (Q3) or final quarter (Q4) of this year.

However, with the fully imported (CBU) EV import tax break set to expire by 31 Dec, 2025, we reckon PRO-NET would perhaps push for earlier launch in Q3. We’re also not discounting the possibility of the #5, and perhaps its #1 and #3 stablemates, being localised (CKD) soon this year too.

Of course, don’t take our word on these speculations just yet. Certainly, we’ll know more later this week once MAS 2025 gets underway. Speaking of, if you haven’t purchased your tickets for which, you can still do so online at autoshow.my now…