Data shown is approximate and based on publicly available specifications and real-world estimates. Actual performance varies with driving conditions, temperature, state of charge, and charger hardware. Always check your vehicle's manual for official specifications. EVcourse is not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer.
Quick verdict
The Smart #5 has a higher peak charging speed at 200 kW DC, but the Volkswagen ID.4 actually finishes the 10-80% charge faster (28 min vs 28 min) thanks to its smaller battery. The Volkswagen ID.4 is more efficient at 173 Wh/km. The Volkswagen ID.4 offers more WLTP rated range at 572 km.
Side-by-Side Specs
| Spec | Smart #5 | Volkswagen ID.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (approx.) | ~96 kWh | ~77 kWh |
| WLTP range (rated) | ~550 km | ~572 km |
| Efficiency (approx.) | ~202 Wh/km | ~173 Wh/km |
| Max DC charging | up to 200 kW | up to 175 kW |
| 10-80% charge time (approx.) | ~28 min | ~28 min |
| Max AC charging | up to 22 kW | up to 11 kW |
| DC connector | CCS2 | CCS2 |
Charging Speed
The Smart #5 has a peak DC charging speed of 200 kW, which is roughly 14% faster than the Volkswagen ID.4 at 175 kW. In practice, peak speed only tells part of the story. The charging curve, battery temperature, and state of charge all affect how quickly your car actually charges.
For the 10-80% charge (the most common DC fast charging scenario), the Volkswagen ID.4 finishes in about 28 minutes, roughly matching the Smart #5. On a road trip, that difference adds up over multiple stops.
Range and Efficiency
The Volkswagen ID.4 has a WLTP rated range of approximately 572 km, which is roughly 22 km more than the Smart #5 at approximately 550 km. WLTP is a standardized lab test. Expect your actual range to be lower, varying with speed, weather, terrain, and driving style.
Efficiency matters more than battery size for daily driving costs. The Volkswagen ID.4 consumes 173 Wh/km, compared to 202 Wh/km for the Smart #5. That means the Volkswagen ID.4 uses less energy per kilometer, which translates to lower charging costs and fewer charging stops on longer drives.
A more efficient car does not always mean more range. Battery size plays a role too. The Volkswagen ID.4 has approximately 77 kWh of useable battery , while the Smart #5 has approximately 96 kWh.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Smart #5 has the higher peak DC speed at up to 200 kW, but the Volkswagen ID.4 actually finishes the 10-80% charge faster at approximately 28 minutes versus approximately 28 minutes. That is because the Volkswagen ID.4 has a smaller battery to fill. On road trips, time at the plug matters more than peak power.
For AC charging (home wallboxes, workplace chargers, and public street chargers), the Smart #5 supports up to 22 kW, compared to 11 kW for the Volkswagen ID.4. In Europe, many public chargers are 22 kW AC, so this difference can mean charging roughly twice as fast at those locations.
If you mostly charge at home or at work and care more about daily driving costs, the Volkswagen ID.4 is the more efficient choice at 173 Wh/km. Lower consumption means lower electricity bills over time.
For maximum range between charges, the Volkswagen ID.4 has a WLTP rated range of approximately 572 km, which is roughly 22 km more. Both are capable EVs. The best choice depends on how you charge and how far you drive.
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From Finn, engineer: Charging specs alone do not tell the full story. Real-world charging speed depends on battery temperature, state of charge, and the charger itself. These comparisons use manufacturer-published data. Approximate values only.
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