Smart #2: Two-Seater City Car Is Back And Now It’s Twice As Good

The original two-seater city car that defined urban driving for millions is back – and this time, it's electric and twice as capable. Smart has revived its iconic two-seater as the all-electric #2, boasting double the range of its predecessor, a radically redesigned interior, and a clear mission to redefine urban mobility in the era of electrification. The Smart #2 electric car marks a bold return to the brand's roots, nearly three decades after the first Smart Fortwo hit the streets. Smart, originally a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Swatch, pioneered the compact city car segment in the late 1990s. After years of modest sales and ownership changes, the brand pivoted to all-electric in 2019 and in 2020 became a 50:50 joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Chinese giant Geely. That partnership now delivers the #2, built on Geely's dedicated Scalable Product Architecture (SEA) platform, which also underpins other electric models like the Smart #1 and #3. The #2's design retains the recognisable two-seater silhouette but adopts a futuristic, minimalist aesthetic. Inside, a clean dashboard dominated by a large floating touchscreen replaces the analogue gauges and cluttered centre stack of previous Smarts. While the company has not released exact specifications, Smart confirms the #2 will offer at least double the range of the last-generation Smart EQ ForTwo, which managed about 130 km (81 miles) under WLTP. That suggests a real-world range of around 250–300 km (155–186 miles), making it more practical for intercity trips, not just inner-city dashes. The drivetrain uses a single rear-mounted electric motor, and battery capacity is expected to be between 30–40 kWh. Production is scheduled to begin in early 2026 at Smart's factory in Xi'an, China, with European deliveries likely later that year. Smart has not yet announced pricing, but analysts expect the #2 to start under €25,000 in Europe, undercutting many larger EVs while positioning it above microcars like the Citroën Ami. The revival of the two-seater reflects a broader industry trend toward smaller, cheaper EVs as cities tighten emissions zones and congestion charges. For Smart, the #2 is a strategic bet that urban drivers still want a dedicated city car, not just a shrunken family vehicle. If Smart can keep costs low and range competitive, the #2 could carve out a profitable niche. The brand has also hinted at future over-the-air updates and a potential fast-charge model hitting 80% in under 30 minutes. Look for the unveiling of the production version later this year, with orders opening in key European markets by mid-2026.