by Return to roots
Smart is returning to its roots by unveiling the successor to the original Fortwo microcar that once made the brand famous. At the “Change of Perspective” event in Beijing, the Concept #2 was presented, which is an almost ready precursor to a compact urban electric car set to arrive later this year.
Design and exterior
The model was developed by Mercedes-Benz and looks like a natural evolution of the EQ Fortwo, which ceased production in 2024. It features a familiar two-door shape with a very short hood and large wheels positioned at the corners. Other highlights include aggressive LED headlights and a clean, smooth body surface.
The concept is equipped with futuristic wheels featuring transparent aerodynamic covers, LED daytime running lights with the #2 inscription, leather straps instead of door handles, and a grille that resembles the design of an expensive suitcase. The rear is fitted with a small matrix screen for displaying various messages. These elements are likely to be toned down for the production version, as will the shiny gold finish of the floating roof.
Model dimensions
The #2 concept has a length of 2792 mm, making it the largest interpretation of a two-door city car from Smart. It is 292 mm longer than the original Smart and 97 mm longer than the latest generation EQ Fortwo.
Nevertheless, this electric car remains the smallest representative of the European A-segment, being 840 mm shorter than the Fiat 500e and 997 mm shorter than the Renault Twingo E-Tech. In fact, the new Smart is closer in size to heavy quadricycles like the Citroen Ami and Fiat Topolino than to actual cars.
New platform
The car is based on a new proprietary Electric Compact Architecture (ECA). Since Smart is jointly owned by Mercedes and Geely, it can be assumed that the platform uses technology from the Chinese automaker.
The #2 model will be exclusively electric, similar to the #1 and #3, unlike the larger #5 and #6 models, which are also available in plug-in hybrid versions.
Technical specifications
Detailed technical specifications have not yet been announced, but a target range of around 300 kilometers has been stated, more than double that of the EQ Fortwo (135 km). The battery will charge from 10% to 80% in less than 20 minutes and will support the V2L function (powering devices from the vehicle). It is likely that the #2 will retain rear-wheel drive configuration, as did its predecessors with rear-mounted engines.
Interior and presentation
The presentation did not include interior photos, but the platform layout, specifically designed for electric vehicles, promises a more spacious two-seat cabin, which is also expected to be more premium than before.
The production Smart #2 will debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, ahead of its market launch. The model is likely to be aimed at Europe and the UK, although it may also reach other global markets.
The return to the Fortwo format, but now on a modern electric platform, signals Smart’s strategy to focus on compact urban solutions. The increased range and fast charging could make this model significantly more practical than its predecessors, which is key for city use. The joint venture conditions with Geely allow Smart to use proven technologies, potentially speeding up the market launch and ensuring a competitive price in its niche.
