#5

9 Things to Know Before Buying Smart #5 in Hong Kong

Based on real owner experiences and reviews

1. 01

   Real-world energy consumption ranges from 16 kWh/100km with high regenerative braking to 20 kWh/100km without regen. Highway driving sits around 19 kWh/100km. The car weighs over 2 tonnes, so consumption is noticeably higher than lighter EVs.

2. 02

   The charging port is on the side of the car rather than the rear. In HK's tight parking environments, a rear-mounted port is far more practical for connecting to public chargers. This is a recurring frustration for owners.

3. 03

   The Premium trim is widely considered the best value in the lineup. The roughly $80,000 jump from Pro adds the larger battery, Sennheiser 20-speaker audio, passenger display, cooled seats, 22kW AC charging, real leather, head-up display, and an extra wireless charger.

4. 04

   For cross-border driving to the mainland, the car system lacks built-in Gaode Maps. There is currently no official way to install it through the infotainment system, so owners need alternative navigation solutions for mainland trips.

5. 05

   The Brabus version delivers 637hp for around $430,000, but the standard suspension struggles to handle that output. Body roll in corners is pronounced, and the 2+ tonne weight works against the performance. Some owners are looking into importing air suspension parts from mainland 4S dealers as an aftermarket fix.

6. 06

   The Summit trim costs more than the Premium but drops key features including the Sennheiser speakers, heated and cooled seats, and other Premium-exclusive items. Most buyers consider it poor value compared to picking the Premium or jumping straight to Brabus.

7. 07

   The HK version does not include air suspension, which is available on overseas models. With the standard hydraulic setup on a 2+ tonne body, the ride leans soft and body roll is noticeable during cornering and spirited driving.

8. 08

   The infotainment system has had reports of freezing and going to a black screen. The car remains drivable during these episodes. The suggested workaround is to lock the car, walk away for about 15 minutes, then restart. OTA updates may address the issue over time.

9. 09

   The 22kW AC charging on Premium and above trims has limited practical benefit in HK. Very few public AC chargers support 22kW, so most owners charge at 7kW single-phase at home or use DC fast charging instead.