The iconic two-seater is making a comeback. Unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show, the new Smart #2 concept previews a fully electric city car designed with European mobility in mind.
Smart #2 concept unveiled, a preview of the next-generation urban EV
The long-awaited return of the Smart #2 is now taking shape. At the Beijing Auto Show, the brand has revealed the first concept version of its iconic two-seater, anticipating the production model set for official debut in October at the Paris Motor Show.
The brand, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, has released images of the Smart Concept #2, the first physical expression of the future Smart #2, which will be fully electric.
A model that defined urban mobility for over a decade, particularly in cities such as Rome and Paris, is now ready to enter a new electric era.
A design rooted in Smart heritage
Developed by the Mercedes-Benz Global Design Team, the Smart #2 concept stays true to the brand’s original DNA. The compact proportions and distinctive styling clearly echo the third-generation ForTwo, maintaining the recognisable silhouette that made the model a reference point for city driving.
Built on the new Electric Compact Architecture (ECA) platform, the future Smart #2 is designed to reinforce its role as a benchmark urban vehicle. The layout with wheels positioned at the corners maximises interior space, a defining feature of the Smart philosophy.
Range, charging and vehicle-to-load technology
The Smart #2 concept measures 2,792 mm in length and offers a turning radius of just 6.95 metres, confirming its strong urban focus. The expected range reaches up to around 300 kilometres, while fast charging from 10% to 80% can be completed in less than 20 minutes using DC infrastructure.
The model also integrates Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, enabling the car to supply energy to external devices or potentially feed electricity back into the grid. The Beijing concept features a distinctive two-tone finish in matte white and warm gold, complemented by premium leather details and hidden design elements emerging through translucent surfaces.
Smart #2 designed with European users in mind
The Smart #2 has been conceived specifically around European urban mobility patterns. As Wolfgang Ufer, CEO of smart Europe, stated, “it is a car designed around how European customers live and move: with simplicity, agility and efficiency.”
Cities such as Rome, Milan, Naples and Paris played a central role in the historical success of the original two-seater, and the new concept aims to reconnect with that legacy. The absence of a compact two-seat model in recent years has weighed on brand perception, despite the introduction of larger models.
Beyond Smart #2, expansion plans accelerate
The Beijing event, under the motto “Change of Perspectives”, also hosted the global debut of the smart #6 EHD, a premium fastback sedan combining executive-level interior space with an aerodynamic, shark-inspired silhouette.
Currently, three models are available in Italy, #1, #3 and #5, although sales have not fully met expectations. While the newer lineup offers compelling features, the emotional connection with the original two-seater remains strong. The return of the Smart #2 could therefore play a strategic role in redefining the brand’s positioning in Europe.
