Smart is returning to its roots with the announcement of a brand new two seat city car.
The model, officially called the Smart #2, is set to launch in late 2026.
The Smart #2 will be designed by Mercedes Benz but built in China under Geely ownership. It will be offered in Europe, China, and selected global markets, though the United States is unlikely to be one of them.
Smart made its name in the late 1990s as a cheap and clever minicar brand founded with backing from Swatch. Over the years, ownership changes shifted the brand toward premium pricing and larger crossovers, leaving behind the city car identity that made it famous.
Now the company wants to fix that. The Smart #2 will sit on a brand new platform created specifically for ultra compact cars.
Global CEO Tong Xiangbei admitted that developing such a platform is harder than building larger vehicles, but said the investment was necessary to revive Smart’s DNA.
Details remain limited, but teaser images show a small reserved parking space with a silhouette of the #2. The outline looks familiar to fans of the old Fortwo, with proportions that should make it just as easy to slot into tight urban streets.
This is not Smart’s first attempt at electrification. The Smart Electric Drive debuted as early as 2007, and the company went electric only in some markets before pulling out of the US in 2019.
However, range has always been an issue. The final Smart ED sold in America had only a 16.5 kWh battery, good for just 58 miles on the EPA cycle.
The new model is expected to address these shortcomings with modern battery tech, though specifics on capacity and range have not been confirmed. What Smart has promised is a car that captures the spirit of its earliest products while meeting today’s expectations for performance, comfort, and usability.
For Europe and China, the Smart #2 could fill a niche that few other brands are targeting. As urban congestion grows and parking space shrinks, demand for ultra compact EVs could make a comeback.
Smart is betting that nostalgia, practicality, and a sharper design will make the #2 more than just a throwback. It could be the model that finally puts the brand back on the map.
