by Smart returns to its roots: concept of a new urban electric vehicle unveiled
Smart has decided to return to its roots by unveiling the successor to the iconic Fortwo microcar. At the “Change of Perspectives” event in Beijing, the Concept #2 was premiered, which is very close to the production version of the tiny city electric car that will hit the market later this year.
The design of the model, developed by Mercedes-Benz specialists, looks like a natural evolution of the EQ Fortwo model, which ceased production in 2024. The car retains the recognizable two-door silhouette with a very short hood and large wheels positioned at the corners of the body. Other features include aggressive LED headlights and clean, minimalist body surfaces.
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 blocked radiator grille reminiscent of the design of an expensive suitcase. At the rear, there is a small matrix screen that can display various messages. It is expected that for the production version, these elements will be simplified, as will the bright golden coating of the “floating” roof.
Dimensions and market positioning
The Concept #2 has a length of 2,792 mm, making it the largest two-door city car in Smart’s history. It is 292 mm longer than the original Smart and 97 mm longer than the last generation of the EQ Fortwo.
Nevertheless, this electric vehicle remains the smallest representative of the European A-segment. It is 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, such as the Citroen Ami and Fiat Topolino, than to conventional cars.
New platform and technical specifications
The car is based on a new electric compact architecture (ECA), developed in-house by the company. Given that Smart is a joint venture between Mercedes and Geely, it can be assumed that the platform uses technologies from the Chinese automaker.
The #2 model will be available exclusively with an electric powertrain, similar to the #1 and #3 models, unlike the larger #5 and #6, which are also offered in plug-in hybrid versions.
Smart has not yet announced detailed technical specifications but has stated a target range of about 186 miles (300 km), which is more than double that of the EQ Fortwo (135 km). The battery will be able to charge from 10% to 80% in less than 20 minutes and will support V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) functionality. There is a high probability that the #2 will retain rear-wheel drive layout, like its predecessors with the engine located at the rear.
Interior and prospects
The presentation did not include interior photos, but the layout of the dedicated electric platform promises a more spacious two-seat cabin, which is expected to be more premium than before.
The production version of the Smart #2 will debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, after which sales will begin. The model will likely be targeted at the markets of Europe and the UK, although it may also appear in other regions of the world.
Thus, the new Smart #2 marks a return to the segment of ultra-compact city cars that once made the brand famous. The increased dimensions, modern platform, and significantly improved range should make it more practical for everyday use, without losing its main advantage: the ability to easily maneuver and park in dense urban environments. The abandonment of hybrid versions and the focus on pure electric drive underscores Smart’s ambition to be at the forefront of electric mobility, and the collaboration with Geely will likely help maintain a competitive price.
