Smart previews Concept #2 as modern two-seat city EV.
Original 1998 ForTwo spirit returns with same silhouette.
Concept debuts at Beijing alongside China-only #6 sedan.
Return of a Legend
Some cars try to dominate the road, but Smart’s biggest hit barely took up half a parking space. Now the brand is teasing the public with the return of its icon with the Concept #2, which is a preview of the long-awaited successor to the legendary ForTwo, production of which ceased in 2024.
Before the Beijing Premiere
After Smart showed camouflaged images of test prototypes last year, the company has now released sketches and extreme close-ups of the new concept ahead of its global presentation at the Beijing Auto Show, which will take place at the end of this month.
For now, the full design and technology details remain hidden, but from what we can see, it’s obvious that the #2’s profile closely echoes the original, but this time the wheel arches are much more massive. The front end has also received the signature radiator grille from other models of Smart’s new generation, such as the #1, #3, and #5. Somewhat confusingly, the #2 will be much smaller and likely cheaper than the #1 model.
Inspired by Fashion
Smart states that the concept uses a two-tone matte white and warm gold finish, as well as details inspired by fashion accessories, including buckle-like elements and leather inserts. This is definitely not a no-frills economy EV like the Citroen Ami.
Some of this white and gold color can be seen in the teaser shots, although the question of whether these “fashionable” ideas will find their way into the production car remains open. Such a design direction is logical. The modern Smart brand no longer sells basic transportation. It now positions itself as a manufacturer of premium electric vehicles, and larger models like the #1, #3, and #5 have long moved the company away from its origins as a microcar maker.
The ForTwo Legacy
CEO Tong Xiangbei previously acknowledged that building a truly tiny electric vehicle on a new platform is a more complex task than creating a larger car. Placing batteries, safety systems, and ensuring acceptable practicality in something so small is a top-level engineering puzzle. But the #2 has great emotional significance. It is the car that true enthusiasts associate with Smart, the machine that made city travel quirky and fun long before everyone else discovered unconventional means of transportation.
Premiere and New Arrivals
We will see the full concept in Beijing on April 22, where it will share the stage with the new #6 EHD fastback sedan, intended exclusively for the Chinese market. The #6 model was developed by the Mercedes-Benz Global Design team and seems poised to become something like a more affordable version of the Mercedes EQE.
Returning to its roots in the form of a modern electric vehicle is a bold step for Smart, especially against the backdrop of the general trend towards larger car sizes. The success of this model could demonstrate whether there is strong market demand for high-tech yet compact urban solutions that offer not only environmental friendliness but also a certain style and driving emotion. Competition in the city EV segment is intensifying, so originality and recognizable design, as in the case of Concept #2, could become key advantages.