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Audi e-tron vs Smart #5
Selected trim50 quattro · 2019-23Change trim209 mi · 71 kWh · £59,900
At a glance
The Audi e-tron was replaced by the Audi Q8 e-tron in 2023. Compare the Audi Q8 e-tron with the Smart #5
In this comparison, Audi e-tron stays competitive across the board, while the Smart #5 leads on value for money, family practicality and charging speed.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Smart #5 if...
- you want the most for your money - best overall spec per pound
- you have a family - it has the best combination of boot space, safety, and rear legroom
- you need the fastest charging of these options
- you need the best car for city driving and tight parking
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Smart #5 wins almost every category - it's the clear choice unless price is the deciding factor.
ValueSmart
Audi
4.2
Smart
6.4
FamilySmart
Audi
8.3
Smart
9
ChargingSmart
Audi
3.1
Smart
5
City DrivingSmart
Audi
1.6
Smart
3.2
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Audi e-tron50 quattro | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £59,900 | £39,800 (better) |
| Official range | 209 miles | 288 miles (better) |
| Boot space | 660 L (better) | 630 L |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 30 min | 30 min |
| 0-62 mph | 6.8 sec (better) | 6.9 sec |
Size Comparison
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Audi e-tron
Smart #5
Length
Audi e-tron4,901mm
Smart #54,695mm-206mm
Width
Audi e-tron1,935mm
Smart #51,920mm-15mm
Height
Audi e-tron1,629mm-76mm
Smart #51,705mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Audi e-tron50 quattro | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,901 mm | 4,695 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,935 mm | 1,920 mm (better) |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,189 mm | 2,169 mm (better) |
| Height | 1,629 mm | 1,705 mm |
| Turning circle | 12.2 m | Not available |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 465 mm spare | 480 mm spare (better) |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Audi e-tron50 quattro | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| ISOFIX child-seat points | 2 | Not available |
| Boot space (seats up) | 660 L (better) | 630 L |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1725 L (better) | 1530 L |
| Frunk | Not available | 47 L |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 1,800 kg (better) | 1,600 kg |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
Audi e-tron
- At 4,901 mm, longer than 85% of SUVs we track.
- Boot space of 660 L is bigger than 90% of SUVs we track.
Smart #5
- Boot space of 630 L is bigger than 90% of SUVs we track.
- One of 33 of 232 UK EVs in our catalogue with V2L (vehicle-to-load) support.
Full specifications
| Specification |  Audi e-tron 50 quattro |  Smart #5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.90m | 4.70m-206mm |
| Width | 1.94m | 1.92m-15mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.19m | 2.17m-20mm |
| Height | 1.63m | 1.71m+76mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.93m | 2.90m-28mm |
| Ground Clearance | 172mm | 190mm+18mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 660L (better) | 630L |
| Boot (seats down) | 1725L (better) | 1530L |
| Frunk | Not available | 47L |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 12.2m | Not available |
| Kerb Weight | 2,190kg (better) | 2,200kg |
| Towing Capacity | 1,800kg (better) | 1,600kg |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 71kWh | 76kWh (better) |
| Range (WLTP) | 209 mi | 288 mi (better) |
| Max DC Charge | 120kW | 150kW (better) |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £59,900 | £39,800 (better) |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | SUV | SUV |
| Available | 2019–2023 | 2025+ |
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Audi e-tron50 quattro | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 209 miles | 288 miles (better) |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 174 miles | 202 miles (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 30 min | 30 min |
| Max rapid charge rate | 120 kW | 150 kW (better) |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Energy consumption | Not available | 185 Wh/km |
| Usable battery capacity | 64.7 kWh | 76 kWh (better) |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | LFP |
| Battery architecture | 400V | 800V (better) |
| Heat pump | Standard (better) | Not standard |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Audi e-tron50 quattro | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 6.8 sec (better) | 6.9 sec |
| Power | 230 kW | 250 kW (better) |
| Torque | 540 Nm (better) | 373 Nm |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests.
Audi e-tron
50 quattro
Smart #5
Pro
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Audi e-tron
All 3 videos
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - Audi e-tron 50 quattro
Tested 2019
Adult Occupant91%
Child Occupant85%
Vulnerable Road Users71%
Safety Assist76%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - Smart #5 Pro
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant88%
Child Occupant93%
Vulnerable Road Users84%
Safety Assist92%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | Audi e-tron50 quattro | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,000 km | Not available |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Shared watch-outs for both cars
Owners of every car here flag real-world range. Worth checking on a test drive whichever you choose.
Audi e-tron
50 quattro
Owners love
- Owners consistently praise the refinement, comfort and build quality: quiet, smooth and very well finished.
- Rapid charging holds around 150 kW for much of the charge, so long trips are practical despite the modest range.
- It is roomy for a family, with all-wheel drive that copes well in snow and bad weather.
Watch out for
- Efficiency is poor, around 2 to 2.6 miles per kWh, so real-world range is often well under 200 miles and drops 20 to 45% in winter.
- Some 2019-2022 55s were caught by a high-voltage battery recall, with owners reporting an 80% charge limit and rapid-charging restrictions while waiting for a fix.
- A minority report water leaks into the footwells or from the panoramic roof, and problems with the optional camera mirrors.
Owner tips
- On a 55, check whether battery recall work is done and whether any charging limit is still in place.
- Keep the Audi service history complete, as owners report warranty claims refused over missed services.
Smart #5
Pro
Owners love
- Exceptional interior space with comfortable rear legroom, reclining seats, and 630 litres of boot space
- Outstanding acceleration (3.8 seconds 0-62mph) and impressive 800V fast charging (10-80% in 18 minutes at optimal conditions)
- Advanced infotainment with three screens, superb conversational voice control, and premium materials (Alcantara, vegan leather)
Watch out for
- High energy consumption significantly impacts real-world range compared to competitors despite 335-mile WLTP rating
- Design is polarizing and divisive; frequently compared unfavorably to the Nissan Cube with questionable styling details
- 335-mile WLTP range underwhelming for a 100kWh battery and not class-leading compared to rivals
Owner tips
- Test drive the rear-wheel drive base models which offer better steering feel, more dynamic handling, and additional frunk space compared to all-wheel drive variants
- Visit dealerships in person to confirm driver's seat comfort if over 6 feet tall and test voice assistant behavior to ensure it suits your driving style
Buying options
Get a quote
Audi e-tron
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Smart #5
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
Audi e-tron
- £23,5992023Car360View
- £44,1992023Car360View
- £38,9992023Car360View
Smart #5
No active listings.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi e-tron worth the extra £20,100 over the Smart #5?
The Audi e-tron costs £20,100 more than the Smart #5. On the headline specs that premium buys little measurable advantage - the two are closely matched on range, charging and space. The Smart #5 is not just cheaper - it also offers 79 miles more WLTP range and 30 kW faster peak rapid charging. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the Smart #5 comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the Audi e-tron or the Smart #5?
The Smart #5 is £20,100 cheaper to buy. The Smart #5 is cheaper to charge, roughly £200 a year versus £232 for the Audi e-tron, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the Smart #5 comes out roughly £20,260 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the Audi e-tron and Smart #5 like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 174 miles for the Audi e-tron and 202 miles for the Smart #5 - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The Smart #5 goes roughly 28 miles further between charging stops. Both rapid-charge to 80% in a similar time, around 30-30 minutes.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Audi e-tron or the Smart #5?
The two are within 15 mm on width, so neither is meaningfully easier to thread into a tight space. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 480 mm of total clearance for the Smart #5 and about 465 mm of total clearance for the Audi e-tron.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the Audi e-tron or the Smart #5?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 84% battery health for the Audi e-tron and 90% for the Smart #5. That gives the Smart #5 a modest edge in retained real-world range. The Smart #5's LFP-type pack tolerates daily 100% charging, while the Audi e-tron's NMC-type pack lasts longest kept to about 80% for everyday use. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More Audi e-tron comparisons
More Smart #5 comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the Audi e-tron and Smart #5 rank among the best family EVsWhere the Audi e-tron and Smart #5 rank among the best electric SUVsWhere the Audi e-tron and Smart #5 rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Audi e-tron and Smart #5 rank among the best city EVsWhere the Audi e-tron and Smart #5 rank among the cheapest EVs to runWhere the Audi e-tron and Smart #5 rank among EVs with the biggest boots
If neither is quite right
Explore other verified electric cars that may better suit the priorities this pair does not meet.
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .