Head-to-head
Volkswagen ID.5 vs Smart #3
The Smart #3 starts $5,090 (8%) below the Volkswagen ID.5. Here's how that price gap plays out across range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · Coupe
Volkswagen ID.5
Volkswagen's coupe-SUV version of the ID.4 — same MEB platform, same 77 kWh battery, sleeker fastback roofline. 544 km WLTP range in Pro RWD trim.
- From
- $62,990
- Range
- 544 km
- Battery
- 77 kWh
Option B · Coupe
Smart #3
Smart's coupe-SUV companion to the #1. Same Geely-built mechanicals but with a sleeker fastback roofline. The Brabus AWD variant cracks 3.7s 0-100.
- From
- $57,900
- Range
- 455 km
- Battery
- 66 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the Volkswagen ID.5 and Smart #3, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage Volkswagen ID.5
The Volkswagen ID.5 goes 89 km further on a charge (544 vs 455 km WLTP).
- 2
Boot · advantage Volkswagen ID.5
The Volkswagen ID.5 swallows 179 L more cargo with the rear seats up (549 vs 370 L).
- 3
Battery · advantage Volkswagen ID.5
The Volkswagen ID.5 carries a 11.0 kWh larger battery (77 vs 66 kWh).
- 4
Price · advantage Smart #3
The Smart #3 undercuts the Volkswagen ID.5 by $5,090 (8%) on starting price.
- 5
0–100 km/h · advantage Smart #3
The Smart #3 is 0.9 s quicker to 100 km/h (5.8 s vs 6.7 s).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Volkswagen ID.5 wins
- ▸ 89 km longer WLTP range
Where the Smart #3 wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $5,090
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (5.8s vs 6.7s)
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (150 kW vs 135 kW)
Volkswagen ID.5
What we like
- ✓ Strong 544 km WLTP range
- ✓ Big 549 L boot for a coupe-SUV
- ✓ 5-star ANCAP rating (inherited from ID.4 testing)
What we don't
- ✕ VW Group software has been a sore point
- ✕ Pricing climbs above $70k for the GTX AWD variant
- ✕ Coupe roofline cuts rear headroom
Smart #3
What we like
- ✓ Sub-6-second 0-100 in Pro+ RWD trim
- ✓ Sleeker coupe-SUV silhouette
- ✓ Same Geely engineering as well-received Smart #1
What we don't
- ✕ Coupe roofline cuts rear headroom
- ✕ Smart dealer network is brand new in Australia
- ✕ Not yet ANCAP rated locally
Frequently asked: Volkswagen ID.5 vs Smart #3
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Volkswagen ID.5 or the Smart #3?
- The Smart #3 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $57,900 versus $62,990 for the Volkswagen ID.5, a $5,090 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Volkswagen ID.5 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 544 km, 89 km further than the Smart #3's 455 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The Smart #3 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 150 kW versus 135 kW for the Volkswagen ID.5. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The Smart #3 does 0–100 km/h in 5.8 seconds — 0.9 s quicker than the Volkswagen ID.5's 6.7 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Is the Smart #3 better value than the Volkswagen ID.5?
- On paper the Smart #3 is $5,090 cheaper, but the Volkswagen ID.5 edges ahead on most other measurable specs. Whether the saving justifies the gap depends on which features matter most to you, and how much weight you give to brand and dealer factors.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
Volkswagen ID.5
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (89 km further per charge)
- ✓ you regularly load it up (179 L more boot)
- ✓ you match the profile: style-led family buyers
Choose the
Smart #3
if…
- ✓ you want to save $5,090 on the sticker
- ✓ you match the profile: style-led buyers
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.