by Smart has announced a new model, the #2, whose presentation is scheduled for next year. This car will become the electric successor to the legendary urban cybercar, the ForTwo.
Return of a Legend
The ForTwo model, which defined the original Smart brand, was discontinued in 2024 during the company’s large-scale rebranding. However, work on its successor continues, and the world premiere is planned for next year.
After a series of mysterious teasers in the autumn, Smart has finally released the first images of the #2. The car looks familiar, but this is explained by the fact that the photos show test mules equipped with bodies from the old ForTwo.
The company confirmed that “the #2 will remain true to the ultra-compact dimensions of the original.”
They added that their reinterpretation of the city car will retain a number of key attributes of its predecessor. Among them are a two-door, two-seat configuration, rear-wheel drive, and the characteristic “wheels at the corners” stance.
New Design from Mercedes
Despite the familiar outlines, the model will receive a completely new interior and exterior, developed by the Mercedes design team. This will give the car a “fresh identity” and a modern feel.
The company is not disclosing details, but the #2 will likely follow in the footsteps of recent models such as the #1, #3, and #5. This means we can expect a closed-off front end with an LED light strip connecting the headlights. Pop-out door handles, a streamlined body, and a minimalist cabin are also highly likely.
Technical Foundation
Smart is keeping details under wraps but confirmed that the car will be built on the new Electric Compact Architecture (ECA). This platform “will provide the foundation for a new generation of electric drive, advanced safety systems, and an urban driving experience unlike any other.”
Information is still scarce, but test prototypes are already undergoing trials worldwide. A significant part of the work is being done at a Chinese proving ground, where engineers are fine-tuning handling, ride comfort, and the braking system. At other sites, the battery, crash safety, and climate control system operation in various conditions are being tested.
Expectations and Prospects
There is still a lot of work ahead, but the debut of the #2 is scheduled for the end of next year. When it arrives, the model promises to “set new standards for the urban car segment that Smart defined almost thirty years ago.”
The return of the iconic city car in electric form comes at a time when urban mobility is undergoing significant transformation. The emphasis on compact dimensions and rear-wheel drive could become a unique advantage for the #2 against competitors that are often growing in size. The model’s success will depend not only on preserving the spirit of the original but also on how successfully Mercedes incorporates modern technology and a premium feel, which buyers now expect even in small cars.
