The iconic Smart brand re-enters the micro-car segment with the fourth-generation #2, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show and immediately followed by a UK debut. Though the silhouette still echoes the classic two-seater, every panel has been refreshed to meet contemporary expectations. The vehicle measures just 2.75 m in length, making it shorter than the Fiat 500e and well suited to congested European streets. Its most striking visual cue is a split tailgate: the upper glass lifts independently while the lower section folds flat, creating a versatile loading platform that can double as an auxiliary seat when the car is parked.
Design language and interior space
Smart’s in-house design team gave the #2 a square-ish silhouette softened by rounded headlights and a low, almost flat front grille. Contrasting black roof rails and mirror caps break the monotony of the body-colour, while large, circular taillights echo the brand’s logo. Inside, a single bench seat spans the cabin, flanked by a fold-down armrest and hidden storage bins. Despite the car’s diminutive footprint, the windshield and side windows are generous, providing an airy feel and excellent sightlines. A 10.1-inch central infotainment screen pairs with an 8.8-inch driver display, both framed by a minimalist dashboard that emphasizes usability over ornamentation.
Powertrain, range and charging capability
Under the rear hatch sits a 60 kW (80 hp) electric motor paired with a 35.8 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack. This combination yields a WLTP-tested range of roughly 180 miles, a dramatic jump from the 65-90 miles offered by previous Smart EV attempts. Fast-charging is enabled via a 65 kW DC inlet, allowing the battery to go from 10 % to 80 % in just 20 minutes. The rear-wheel-drive layout, coupled with a single-speed transmission, supplies brisk low-end torque, while adaptive cruise control and stop-and-go assist make highway cruising less intimidating for a car that traditionally lived in city cores.
Couture edition and market strategy
For buyers seeking a more exclusive experience, Smart announced a limited-run #2 Couture Edition. Only 999 units will be produced for each of the European and Chinese markets. The trim features an Atelier White matte paint, platinum-gold accents on the roof, wheels and mirror caps, and a uniquely embossed front fascia that mimics a leather-strapped duffel bag. Inside, the Couture receives upgraded leatherette upholstery, a glass roof and a premium Sennheiser sound system. Pricing has not yet been disclosed, but the base Pure model is expected to start under €20,000 (about $26,400), positioning the #2 below competitors such as the Renault Twingo E-Tech and the BYD Dolphin Surf.
Smart has confirmed that the #2 will be sold exclusively in Europe and China for the foreseeable future, leaving the United States out of the launch plan. This mirrors the brand’s earlier decision to withdraw from the U.S. market a decade ago. Should the car eventually cross the Atlantic, it would directly challenge the Fiat 500e, which, despite a higher WLTP figure of 199 miles, drops to 149 miles in EPA testing and has struggled to gain traction.
Safety has not been overlooked. The vehicle incorporates a revised “Tridion Cell Evo” structure, utilizing high-strength steel for 78 % of the body shell and offering a roof-load capacity exceeding four tonnes. Seven airbags, LED lighting, and the optional Smart Pilot Assist suite round out a robust protection package for a vehicle of its size.
