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VW Grand California vs smart #5 comparison

Compare performance (163 HP vs 646 HP), boot space and price (70,200 £ vs 39,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – VW Grand California or smart #5?

VW Grand California vs smart #5: Key differences

VW Grand California

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smart #5

4.9 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • considerably more power
  • noticeably lighter
  • significantly more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Grand California

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

smart #5 is significantly cheaper – starting at 39,300 £ , while the VW Grand California costs 70,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 30,894 £.

#5

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the smart #5 offers considerably more power – delivering 646 HP compared to 163 HP. That’s roughly 483 HP more horsepower.

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: smart #5 offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, smart #5 is noticeably lighter – 2,200 kg compared to 3,052 kg. The difference is around 852 kg.

Looking at boot space, the smart #5 offers significantly more boot space – 630 L compared to 0 L. That’s a difference of about 630 L.

When it comes to payload, the smart #5 carries moderately more – 502 kg compared to 448 kg. That’s a difference of about 54 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The smart #5 holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £39,300
#5

smart #5

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 340 - 646 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 18.4 - 19.9 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 465 - 590 km
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VW Grand California
smart #5

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

VW Grand California

The Grand California is Volkswagen's remarkable take on the camper van, blending practicality with comfort for the ultimate road trip experience. With ample space for both living and storage, it's designed for adventure seekers who don't want to compromise on amenities. Whether you're exploring coastal roads or setting up camp in the mountains, the Grand California offers a perfect home away from home.

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Reviews VW Grand California

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

smart #5

The Smart #5 continues to build on the brand's legacy of compact and efficient urban vehicles, now infused with a more modern and stylish design. Its sleek appearance is complemented by a spacious interior, offering comfort without compromising its compact nature. This model is ideal for city dwellers seeking a blend of innovation, practicality, and style in their daily drives.

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Reviews smart #5

4.9 (5 Reviews)
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Stefan
31 Jan 2026, 22:25:16

I spent a weekend with the Brabus #5 and I’m thrilled! Extremely quiet, even at just under 220 km/h. Very good ride comfort, especially if, like me, you prefer a softer setup for better suspension comfort!
Brutal acceleration that only really hits from about 50 km/h and culminates in a 0–200 km/h sprint in 10.2 seconds… There are almost no cars up to roughly 1,000 hp that are faster!
The actual charging performance is, I believe, the best of any passenger car available in the EU (only Zeekr shows a little more on paper, but probably not in real life) — it charges at peaks up to 425 kW! 10–80% in 13 minutes and 5–100% in 28 minutes.
The fit and finish are in places better than the Mercedes E‑Class...

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Stefan
4 Dec 2025, 21:11:24

Apart from the hopefully soon improved/reduced chimes and the horrendously hard-to-reach mute for the speed warning, the car is really a knockout!
Very, very quiet, comfortable, extremely fast (Brabus version), great build quality, great equipment!

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In the face-off between the BMW iX3 and the smart #5, the iX3 stands out with its luxurious appeal and performance-oriented engineering, characteristic of BMW's commitment to electric mobility. Meanwhile, the smart #5 offers an enticing package for urban dwellers with its compact design and …
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VW Grand California
smart #5

Costs and Consumption
Price
70,200 - 77,900 £
Price
39,300 - 52,200 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
18.4 - 19.9 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
465 - 590 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
74.4 - 94 kWh
co2
-
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
75 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Bus
Body Type
SUV
Seats
4
Seats
5
Doors
4
Doors
5
Curb weight
3,052 - 3,354 kg
Curb weight
2,200 - 2,378 kg
Trunk capacity
0 L
Trunk capacity
630 L
Length
5,986 - 6,836 mm
Length
4,695 mm
Width
2,040 mm
Width
1,920 mm
Height
2,839 - 2,971 mm
Height
1,705 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,530 L
Payload
146 - 448 kg
Payload
475 - 502 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
163 HP
Power HP
340 - 646 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
-
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 6.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
200 - 210 km/h
Torque
-
Torque
373 - 710 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
120 kW
Power kW
250 - 475 kW
Engine capacity
1,968 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
-
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
VW
Brand
smart
Is the VW Grand California offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.