In the automotive world, dominated by large SUVs and long-range electric vehicles, the German manufacturer smart has decided to return to its roots. At the Paris Motor Show, smart unveiled the new electric version of its iconic two-seater city car—the Smart #2.
This vehicle is designed for urban environments, narrow streets, and parking challenges. It is worth noting that this model returns after approximately 28 years of absence. Over thirty years ago, the concept of the first two-seater smart car was presented in Paris, after which the company released models such as the ForTwo.
smart is a German automotive brand that began in the 1990s with the goal of creating compact city cars. Its name is composed of parts: 'S' stands for Swatch, 'M' for Mercedes, and 'Art' for art. Initially, the brand was associated with the Daimler Group, which owned Mercedes-Benz. However, in 2019, Mercedes-Benz and the Chinese manufacturer Geely Group joined forces to create a joint venture named smart Automobile.
The main feature of the Smart #2 is its small size: it measures 2,746 mm in length, 1,760 mm in width, and 1,555 mm in height. It is designed for two passengers, reminiscent of the old ForTwo model. The car's design was executed by Mercedes-Benz. In terms of dimensions, it is smaller than the Tata Nano, which had a length of 3,099 mm, a width of 1,495 mm, and a height of 1,652 mm.
According to the company, the wheel-to-wheel turning radius of the Smart #2 is only 6.95 meters, which simplifies maneuvering and parking on narrow roads, making it very useful for megacities. The car is built on the ECA platform—Electric Compact Architecture, specifically designed for small electric vehicles. It is equipped with a rear-wheel drive system, where the rear wheels are powered by an electric motor.
The electric motor generates 82 hp and 130 Nm of torque. This power level matches the old electric EQ Fortwo model, although the torque is 30 Nm lower. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.6 seconds. The Smart #2 is equipped with a 35.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack. Such batteries typically offer better thermal stability and longer service life. On a single charge, the car can travel up to 290 kilometers.
In terms of charging, the Smart #2 also demonstrates good performance. It supports DC fast charging up to 65 kW, allowing the battery to charge from 10 to 80 percent in less than 20 minutes. Additionally, AC charging is available. Standard charging is set at 7.4 kW, but customers can opt for 11 kW. According to the company, using a 7.4 kW charger, the battery fully charges in 5 hours, and using a more powerful 11 kW charger—in 3 hours.
The front of the compact two-seater car features angular headlights, a large grille, and triangular light elements. A split trunk, reminiscent of the old ForTwo, is located at the rear, with a luggage compartment capacity of 305 liters. Wheels with diameters of 15 and 16 inches are available. A limited edition called the Couture Edition is also presented, which includes matte white paint, gold-colored design elements, and special exterior accessories.
The interior of the Smart #2 is also equipped with modern features: an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch central infotainment screen. Wireless phone charging via the Qi standard is also provided. The car also offers an optional panoramic roof and a 7-speaker Sennheiser audio system, contributing to a pleasant driving experience.
In Europe, the Smart #2 comes standard with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This technology helps the driver maintain speed, keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and stay in the lane.
In Germany, the starting price for the Smart #2 is set at 19,990 euros (approximately 21.28 lakh). The special Couture Edition version costs 25,690 euros (about 27.35 lakh). These prices are announced for the German market; costs may increase in other countries due to import duties.
