As soon as upon a time, Sensible was a model that specialised in small metropolis vehicles, however trendy laws and market forces have coaxed the corporate right into a change of tack.
Not solely are the prevailing Sensible #1 and Sensible #3 compact electrical SUVs way more family-sized than most of the merchandise Sensible has beforehand constructed, however the brand new 2025 Sensible #5 actually is an enormous electrical SUV.
Though it seems smaller than most, it’s a lot the identical measurement because the Volkswagen ID.4and it’s each bit as spacious inside, so it’s very completely different from the vehicles Sensible was beforehand identified for.
The query is whether or not the new-look model can seize consumers’ imaginations in the identical method, and whether or not the #5 is able to mixing it with the extra established merchandise it needs to problem.
To seek out out, we headed to Portugal for the worldwide launch of the #5, the place we examined a European-specification automobile in top-of-the-range, high-performance Brabus type.
Sportier styling and better energy output apart, it’s little completely different from different variants within the vary, and gave us a great alternative to check out all of the #5 has to supply in each state of affairs, from nation roads and concrete streets to gravel tracks and highways, earlier than the mannequin’s Australian launch.
How a lot does the Sensible #5 value?
Sensible is but to substantiate pricing for the #5 in Australia, however we’re anticipating the mid-size electrical SUV to start out someplace across the $70,000 mark, or simply above the smaller #3.
We’re additionally anticipating a reasonably beneficiant customary specification, with 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic roof and parking sensors on the entrance and rear all anticipated to function.
That’s all going to take a seat alongside a large 13-inch infotainment touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster and dual-zone local weather management, in addition to wi-fi cellphone charging, artificial leather-based upholstery and over-the-air software program updates.
What’s the Sensible #5 like on the within?
Sensible’s new look is trendy and clear, and that’s as true of the #5’s inside as it’s of the outside styling.
So, you’ll discover neat, rounded shapes and a comparatively button-free dashboard, with a easy three-spoke steering wheel and many of the controls dwelling on the touchscreen.
And it’s a sizeable touchscreen, measuring 13 inches diagonally, full with the most recent software program and a fast processor, in addition to Sensible’s latest-generation voice assistant, which takes the type of a lion avatar that prowls the menus.
In reality, a few of that stuff is a bit gimmicky, regardless of the cleverness of the know-how, and the lion factor is a little bit distracting if we’re trustworthy.
Nevertheless it isn’t as distracting because the passenger show that’s fitted to among the extra upmarket grades as customary in Europe, together with the range-topping Brabus vehicles.
Whereas some manufacturers put a type of polarising movie on their passenger shows, stopping the driving force from seeing what’s there, there’s no such safety on the Sensible’s system, leaving the driving force with each likelihood of rubbernecking at no matter movie or recreation the passenger is enjoying.
It’s a pleasant concept, then, nevertheless it feels as if it wants a little bit refinement.
In equity, although, Sensible says the know-how isn’t completely full and will probably be up to date forward of the automobile’s market introduction later this yr.
And whereas we will discover faults with the 2 essential touchscreens, the responses are sharp, and even the touchscreen local weather management system isn’t too tough to regulate. On high of all that, we’ve nothing however reward for the head-up show and the digital instrument cluster.
We’re impressed with the cabin high quality, too, which is each bit pretty much as good as we’ve seen within the #1 and #3 fashions.
Many of the supplies, with solely a few exceptions, are remarkably good, together with the seat upholstery and many of the plastics. Mixed with the airiness offered by the glass roof, it makes the #5’s cabin really feel decidedly upmarket.
However the overwhelming sense is considered one of area. The room contained in the #5 is staggeringly good, with big quantities of rear legroom and headroom, in addition to loads of area for these within the entrance.
It’s solely a five-seater, which could disappoint some, however these 5 individuals can have loads of room. Even the center seat within the second row in all fairness comfy.
Baggage capability is fairly good, too, with a 630-litre boot in all variations of the #5. Which means it’s significantly extra spacious than the boot in a VW ID.4, and that area is joined by a ‘frunk’ underneath the bonnet.
Precisely how massive that frunk is will depend upon which model you select – the all-wheel drive vehicles get much less area than the rear-wheel drive vehicles, however Sensible reckons the usual rear-drive variant’s frunk is sufficiently big for the type of carry-on suitcase you see airline passengers utilizing day-after-day.
We suspect it’ll most likely be used for cable storage by most, nevertheless it’ll provide helpful carrying capability nonetheless.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
Full specs haven’t but been confirmed for the Australian market, however in Europe the #5 will probably be supplied with a alternative of two completely different batteries.
| Specs | Sensible #5 Brabus |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Twin-motor electrical |
| Battery | 100kWh li-ion NMC |
| Energy | 475kW |
| Torque | 710Nm |
| Pushed wheels | AWD |
| 0-100km/h | 3.8 seconds |
| Vitality consumption (as examined) | 24.0kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary (WLTP) | 539km |
| Max DC cost charge | 400kW |
There’s a base grade with a 74kWh unit which will or might not come to Australia, however we’re fairly assured the variants with the bigger 100kWh battery will arrive on these shores.
They’re supplied with a alternative of both single-motor rear-wheel drive, or twin-motor all-wheel drive powertrains, every with various energy outputs. The top of the lineup is the Brabus, with a beneficiant 475kW from its two motors, however there will probably be a alternative of much less highly effective choices, too.
In Europe, for instance, the essential RWD model delivers 250kW, whereas there are additionally 267kW single-motor and 432kW dual-motor choices beneath the Brabus. By way of effectivity, the single-motor fashions provide one of the best vary, with even the smallest battery offering greater than 400km of vary in accordance with the WLTP financial system check.
And the dual-motor programs permit the entrance motor to be indifferent from the powertrain when it isn’t wanted, lowering mechanical drag and thereby making it as environment friendly as potential. Even the Brabus will do greater than 500km on a cost, with the 100kWh rear-motor choice managing 589km between journeys to the plug.
How does the Sensible #5 drive?
Though it’s massive and heavy – the Brabus model weighs roughly the identical as a Bentley Flying Spur V8– the #5 is a remarkably comfy factor.
Sensible has clearly designed the #5 with trip consolation in thoughts, and it absorbs bumps with stunning ease, even on huge 21-inch alloy wheels.
Admittedly, such massive rims and such a cumbersome kerb weight imply the odd sharper imperfection within the floor will make itself identified, nevertheless it’s typically excellent certainly.
And whereas that type of consolation would trigger some vehicles to really feel a bit comfortable and obscure within the corners, the Sensible handles fairly properly.
The steering’s weight is sweet, and regardless that it feels a little bit synthetic, it’s simple to place the #5 precisely the place you need it. And that’s helpful when the automobile feels each bit as massive as its dimensions counsel whenever you’re on the highway.
Sadly, there’s a little bit of lean within the corners, which in a mid-range mannequin could be forgivable given the consolation credentials, however feels a little bit disappointing within the Brabus.
We’re informed the suspension settings are similar to different all-wheel drive #5 variants although, so it seems promising for the extra fashionable mid-range grades.
Clearly, these variations won’t be as quick because the Brabus, which has a frankly obscene quantity of energy for one thing of this measurement.
Sure, the automobile is heavy, however 475kW is pointless in one thing like this. Fortunately, the AWD powertrain is nearly able to coping with that type of energy, and it permits stomach-churning standing-start acceleration that sees the automobile hit 100km/h in simply 3.8 seconds.
No one must go that rapidly, however even the bottom mannequin, with 250kW and simply the one electrical motor, nonetheless will get to 100km/h in lower than seven seconds. With the moment response of an electrical powertrain, the automobile will probably be greater than punchy sufficient irrespective of which model you select.
It’ll be quiet, too, with acoustically insulated glass that’s strikingly thick whenever you see its cross-section, that means restricted noise from the tyres or the wind. Whereas it might not be fairly as refined as some Mercedes-Benz luxurious merchandise, it’s undoubtedly quiet sufficient to dwell as much as its semi-premium billing.
What do you get?
Sensible Australia is but to substantiate which variations of the #5 will come Down Below, however we all know the Europe-bound vehicles get a beneficiant specification and a variety of various trim ranges.
2025 Sensible #5 tools highlights:
- 13-inch touchscreen
- 10.25-inch digital instrumentation
- Panoramic glass roof
- Driving modes
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Twin-zone air con
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
For Australia, we’re anticipating a barely thinned-out lineup, maybe with three or 4 completely different variations.
Is the Sensible #5 secure?
The brand new #5 is but to be crash examined both in Australia or in Europe, however Sensible’s report to this point is sweet.
Each the #1 and #3 acquired five-star rankings once they have been put by their paces by ANCAP, and Sensible has kitted the brand new automobile out with loads of customary security tools.
Higher nonetheless, the corporate has included a system that permits drivers to decide on their preferences for the driving force help know-how, which could be one thing of an irritant in sure conditions.
With Sensible’s touchscreen, nonetheless, these preferences could be saved, permitting quicker entry to drivers’ most popular settings.
Security tools contains:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane-keeping help
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Automated and distant parking
- Adaptive cruise management
How a lot does the Sensible #5 value to run?
Each Sensible at present offered in Australia comes with a five-year, 150,000km guarantee, and we’re anticipating the #5 to be no exception.
As with all electrical automobile, low working prices are one of many #5’s massive promoting factors, and there’s little question it’ll be significantly cheaper to function than a equally highly effective petrol automobile.
However alongside different EVs, it received’t show fairly so low cost. The battery is far bigger than that of, say, an ID.4, so it’ll be costlier to cost, and it received’t go any additional on a cost.
The distinction received’t be big, however different electrical SUVs will – at the very least in concept – be barely cheaper to run.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Sensible #5
The #5 might not be something like Smarts of outdated, however that’s no unhealthy factor.
A reliable, likeable and cozy electrical SUV, it’s a worthy rival to the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4 and Nissan ariyaand it’s just a few ergonomic shortcomings away from beating them.
Maybe it isn’t essentially the most environment friendly factor on the highway, however its fast-charging capabilities and its nice highway manners greater than make up for that.
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