Smart Unveils All-New Electric #2, Reviving Classic ForTwo Design

Since Mercedes-Benz and Geely established their 50:50 joint venture in 2019, the Smart brand has undergone a major transformation, shifting all production to China. Its recent models have been significantly larger and heavier than earlier offerings, including two SUVs and a sedan approaching the length of the current-generation E-Class. The new Smart #2 marks the brand’s return to its compact roots, echoing the design and dimensions of the iconic ForTwo—first launched in 1999, spanning three generations, and discontinued in 2024. Designed by Mercedes-Benz, the #2 features a two-door hatchback layout with pronounced wheel arches and extremely short front and rear overhangs, clearly paying homage to its predecessors. The version currently on display is a concept car, with certain design elements exaggerated for effect. The fourth-generation Smart will be fully electric. As the spiritual successor to the EQ ForTwo, the #2 is built on Smart’s newly developed Electric Compact Architecture (ECA). The company has announced a targeted range of 300 kilometers (186 miles)—more than double that of the previous EQ ForTwo (135 km)—though this figure has not yet been certified under the WLTP standard. The vehicle supports charging from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes and includes vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality. The Smart #2 is expected to become one of the smallest mass-produced EVs in the European market. While exact dimensions haven’t been disclosed, the concept appears similar in size to the outgoing EQ ForTwo, which measured approximately 2.7 meters in length. By comparison, the new Renault Twingo is nearly 3.8 meters long, and the BYD Dolphin Surf is also noticeably longer. The production version of the Smart #2 will make its global debut at the Paris Motor Show in October and will be sold in 40 markets worldwide. Although Smart’s operational focus is currently in China, its products remain targeted at the international market.