Smart has shared new images of its tiny #2 city car ahead of the model’s global unveiling this October.
Pictured in a new black, white and yellow camouflage, the #2 is undergoing rigorous testing before making its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show.
Smart began its all-electric era with a trio of larger SUV models – the #1, #3 and #5 – so the #2 marks a return to its roots in the super-compact city car segment.
The new images show a close resemblance to the original Smart Fortwo, with an upright shape, stubby bonnet, upright tail and wheels pushed out to the very corners.
Smart says the two-seater EV will honour the spirit of the original Smart car by maximising space within a truly compact footprint while delivering outstanding structural strength and safety.
Technical details are still under wraps, but it is understood that the production car will measure in at around 2.7m, making the #2 by far the smallest full EV on sale when it launches next year. For context, the Renault Twingo is 3.79m and the Honda Super N is 3.6m
Powertrain details are also still to be confirmed but Smart has said that the #2 will cover up to 186 miles on a charge and can be topped up from 20-80% in 20 minutes. The new model is based on the Electric Compact Architecture (ECA) developed by China’s Geely, but its look and feel are being led by Mercedes-Benz’s global design team.
Current testing is intended to refine the #2’s city driving as well as delivering “an elevated, serene cabin experience”.
At various proving grounds, prototype cars are being tested for handling and agility, as well as strength and their ability to cope with common urban hazards such as kerb strikes and deep potholes.
At the same time, testing on the road and in the lab aims to bring new standards in noise, vibration and harshness control. This has included experimenting with different tyre compounds on a variety of different road surfaces to deliver a balance between cabin quietness and optimum rolling resistance for maximum range.
Following its global reveal at this year’s Paris Motor Show, the Smart #2 is expected to go on sale in early 2027, when its makers says it will set new benchmarks for the segment.
