When the smart #5 was previewed to the world’s motoring media last October, in Byron Bay, the ‘star turn’ was Mercedes-Benz Head of smart Design, Kai Sieber. At that event, Kai outlined the design philosophy behind smart’s first mid-sized SUV and the design principles driving the look and feel of the revived, now all EV smart brand.

With the market launch of the smart #5 in European markets Kai has now taken the opportunity to live the smart design philosophy in his driving life by taking delivery of a smart #5 as his new daily driver.

“I’m very happy with my new smart #5 – it’s a super practical and spacious all- electric car in everyday life. And I love being surrounded by the great work of my team - both the shape of the exterior and interior as well as the colors and materials. On top, seeing the design being honored with a Red Dot Award makes me very proud. It’s a great recognition for the whole design team”, - Kai Sieber, Mercedes- Benz AG, Head of smart Design.

Kai Sieber and his team at Mercedes-Benz have been responsible for the design of the new smart EV range, covering the already launched smart #1 and smart #3, as well as the just launched in some markets, smart #5 which is the brand’s first venture into a midsized, active lifestyle 4x4 SUV.

Recently, the smart #5 joined its stable mates by being awarded the coveted Red Dot Design Award. For over 70 years, the Red Dot Design Award has been internationally recognized as one of the most sought-after seals of quality for good design. The smart #1 and smart #3 were awarded Red Dot Design Awards in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

The smart #1 and smart #3 were both launched onto the Australian market in late September 2024 with three levels of specification each, including the very sporting BRABUS versions of both cars, offering styling my Mercedes-Benz and performance engineering by BRABUS, the famed German automotive performance house.

The smart premium EV range is exclusively offered and supported in Australia by the world’s largest retail group for both Mercedes-Benz and smart, LSH Auto, a can be seen and driven at smart Experience Centres within the group’s Mercedes-Benz Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane retail outlets.

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About smart

Since the birth of the brand in the 1990s, smart has always maintained the vision of exploring the best solutions for future urban mobility. In late 2019, Mercedes-Benz AG and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group officially established smart global joint venture.

From 2019 to 2024, after the comprehensive renewal of its brand, products, and business model, smart successfully achieved the strategic objectives set for its initial five-year phase. Adhering steadfastly to the "China-Europe, Dual Home" global development strategy, smart has transformed into a leading premium intelligent electric automotive brand. It now boasts an expanding product matrix and a global footprint spanning around 40 countries and regions. In 2025, smart aims to boost its global business operations.