Smart celebrates the return of the two-seater as the #2

Just days after the end of Paris Fashion Week, the French capital welcomed another model to the runway — this time on four wheels. Although the curtain initially refused to cooperate, delaying the big reveal by a few minutes, Smart eventually unveiled the #2, marking the return of the two-seater concept that made the brand famous nearly 30 years ago.

The new Smart #2 measures around 2.79 metres in length, staying true to its urban focus. Its turning circle is 6.95 metres. With two seats, two doors and wheels positioned far to the corners, it retains the key characteristics of the original Fortwo. The kerb weight is approximately 1,130 kilograms.

Power comes from a 60 kW electric motor at the rear axle. According to the Chinese homologation documents released over the summer, the top speed is 140 km/h. The motor is supplied by InfiMotion. Energy is provided by a 35.7 kWh LFP battery, with cells from CATL and the battery pack assembled by Geely. Smart estimates a WLTP range of around 300 kilometres, though final homologation figures are still pending.

The battery is said to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in around 20 minutes using fast charging. “We don’t want to accelerate charging at the expense of battery lifespan,” said Vice President Dr Tilo Schweers the evening before in Paris. The #2 also supports Vehicle-to-Load, allowing it to power external devices from its traction battery.

Smart returns to the two-seater concept

For the brand, the #2 represents more than just an expansion of its model range. Since Geely joined Smart around five years ago and the brand was restructured as a 50:50 joint venture with Mercedes-Benz, the lineup has consisted exclusively of larger five-seaters like the #1, #3 and #5. The classic Fortwo, on the other hand, was discontinued in spring 2024.

Shortly afterwards, Smart announced plans for a new electric two-seater. In September 2025, the #2 was officially confirmed. Its technical foundation is the newly developed Electric Compact Architecture (ECA), specifically designed for the micro-car segment.

Before its premiere, Smart tested the technology in unusual prototypes. The company mounted old Fortwo bodies onto chassis equipped with the new ECA platform. These vehicles were then used to test driving dynamics, crash safety, battery performance, software and climate control.

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On the Paris stage, Smart deliberately highlighted the connection to the original concept. Johann Tomforde, who played a key role in the original MCC project and is still often referred to as “Mr. Smart,” recalled the question that defined the project back in the early 1990s: How much car do you really need? He said the idea had never left him, even after leaving Smart. “Since I left Smart in 1998, I have never stopped thinking about this car,” Tomforde said, visibly moved.

The design also reflects the continuity between generations. Current Head of Design Kai Sieber was once a student of Tomforde’s. According to the company, the two have remained in contact, and some of the former project leader’s suggestions have influenced the design of the new #2.

Smart is well aware that abandoning the two-seater concept disappointed parts of its fanbase. Expanding the portfolio had, after all, broken some fans’ hearts. The #2 is now meant to bring the brand back closer to the idea that originally made Smart famous. We discussed this in our interview with Wolfgang Ufer earlier this year. At the same time, the #2 lineup is set to expand further, as a Brabus variant has been announced, along with the presentation of a limited Couture Edition of 2,000 units.

On the eve of the motor show, Head of Design Xuan-Zheng Goh described the new two-seater in Paris as a “new outfit” in which Smart feels very much at home. The brand’s current German-Chinese structure is also reflected in the car. The windscreen features the Oriental Pearl Tower from Shanghai and the Stuttgart TV Tower as hidden surprises.

Initially, the #2 will be produced in China, from where it will be exported to Europe, among other regions. Smart Vice President Dr Tilo Schweers explained in Paris that this decision was also driven by timing, since exclusive production in Europe would have delayed the market launch by one to two years. However, the company has not ruled out future production in Europe if demand proves high enough to justify the effort.

For Europe Chief Wolfgang Ufer, the #2 is also about making electric mobility more accessible. “E-mobility must be available to more people,” he said in Paris. In Europe, the Smart #2 will start at an entry price of €19,999. The pricing strategy is likely to play a crucial role, as the #2—at just under 2.8 metres long—occupies a very niche segment but will compete on price with significantly larger electric compact cars.