Smart to go small again with reborn all-electric #2




Mike Askew

2 Sep 2025

Smart is preparing to bring a new city car to European streets, drawing inspiration from the brand’s iconic ForTwo. The upcoming Smart #2 will slot into the electric-only range alongside the Smart #1, continuing the company’s commitment to zero-emission mobility while targeting urban buyers who need compact dimensions, clever packaging, and manoeuvrability.

Smart has confirmed the #2 will arrive in 2026, suggesting that much of the car’s design and engineering work has already been completed. While its primary focus will be on European sales, Smart’s partnership with Chinese shareholder Geely means the model will also be offered in China, helping to explain the car’s rapid development timeline.

While only a shadowy teaser has been released so far, the model is expected to be revealed in concept form imminently, potentially at the IAA Munich Motor Show. It follows the successful launch of the Smart #1 in 2022, which is now available used from around £23,000.

Unlike the original ForTwo, which housed a petrol engine and gearbox between the rear wheels, the new #2 will adopt an all-electric layout. A compact electric motor is likely to sit between the rear wheels, while a small battery pack will sit under the cabin floor. This arrangement should allow for a slightly elevated driving position, improving visibility and enhancing the sense of interior space, while keeping the car small enough to navigate tight city streets.

The platform for the new city car is expected to involve collaboration with parent company Geely, reflecting Smart’s ongoing evolution since becoming a joint venture between Geely and Mercedes in 2019. As with previous generations, the #2 is anticipated to deliver practical range for occasional out-of-town trips, likely between 100 and 200 miles, depending on the battery option.

Design-wise, the Smart #2 will retain the distinctive silhouette of a two-seater city car, echoing the proportions of the third-generation ForTwo with a short bonnet, compact body, and exposed safety cell. Teasers suggest flared wheelarches, large wheels, and tight, wraparound body panels to give the car a solid, contemporary stance in line with Smart’s current design language.

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