The company is preparing to unveil its new #2 at the Paris motor show this October, putting the finishing touches on the vehicle that will replace the Fortwo. This model marks a return to the brand’s roots after Smart shifted focus toward larger electric crossovers, including the #5. Officials say the two-seater is built on a “bespoke Electric Compact Architecture” developed by Geely, with Mercedes-Benz leading the design. The car is scheduled to arrive in UK dealerships next year.
Smart has confirmed the new EV will have a range of 186 miles and charge from 10% to 80% in less than 20 minutes. It will also support vehicle-to-load capability, allowing the battery to power external devices. The company stated that the new #2 will move its entry-level model upmarket while “brilliantly maximising interior space” within its compact dimensions. This improvement comes from switching to the new EV architecture, as the previous electric Fortwo was based on an internal combustion car platform.
Related: Fiat Multipla Makes Surprise Comeback
Official images of a testing prototype show a strong similarity to the concept car revealed earlier this year. The design retains the “wheels-at-the-corners” stance and ultra-compact footprint. Smart said the Concept #2 “raises the city car beyond mere utility.” It promises a plusher, more luxuriously appointed cabin than the sparsely furnished original. The interior will still be minimalist, but liberal use of leather, translucent surfacing, and two-tone gold paintwork will help cultivate a premium aesthetic. Notably, the concept swaps traditional front seats for a bench, which Smart claims frees up additional interior space.
Kai Sieber, head of Smart design at Mercedes, said the concept demonstrates the company’s vision that “a city car should do more than solve challenges: it should spark joy.” He continued, “Carrying the heritage of the Fortwo’s iconic design, the Concept #2 translates our bold personality into a new era where function becomes fashion. It is not only about clever practicality but serves as a true extension of personal identity.”
Related: Private buyers boost German new car sales
The new #2 is only 2792mm long, making it roughly 100mm longer than the outgoing Fortwo and reclaiming the title of the shortest electric car on sale. This length is roughly a meter shorter than the Fiat 500e. Vehicles smaller than the #2, like the Citroën Ami or Micro Microlino, fall into the quadricycle category.
Smart has given no indication of pricing ahead of next year’s scheduled launch. However, the more luxurious cockpit and vastly superior technical attributes suggest the #2 could command a premium over its predecessor, which cost around £22,000 when it was discontinued in 2024. There is no word yet on whether Smart plans to stretch the #2 and add a back seat to create a successor to the Forfour. Such a model would give the brand a footprint in the increasingly competitive electric supermini market, where it could take on the likes of the Renault 5, Citroën C3, and next DS 3.