The new Smart #2 – we saw it in the flesh at the Paris Motor Show. What’s it like?

Smart is going back to its roots. The new #2 makes its debut at the 2026 Paris Motor Show: a two-seater measuring less than 2.75 metres in length that carries on the legacy of the Fortwo. It is electric, built on a dedicated platform developed by the Chinese firm Geely, and will hit the European market in mid-2027.Seen in the flesh at the Mondial de l’Auto, taking place from 12 to 18 October, it retains the typical proportions of the two-seater Smart but has been completely overhauled technically, starting with the platform, the 35.8 kWh battery and a range of 290 kilometres.

The Smart #2 is 274 centimetres long, with the wheels positioned close to the extremities of the bodywork and short overhangs. The design, developed by the Mercedes-Benz Global Design Team, incorporates certain elements from the Fortwo, starting with the roof, which is visually separated from the rest of the car.The lines are softer than in the past, whilst at the rear the tailgate remains split into two sections. The rear window opens separately and the lower section can also be used as a seat, with a stated load capacity of 120 kg.

The dashboard retains the S-shaped layout seen on previous generations, whilst the absence of a bulky centre console increases the space between the driver and passenger. In front of the driver is an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, flanked by the 10.1-inch central screen. The multimedia system features 4G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, with a package of connected services included for eight years. The dashboard also features the Smart Pillar, a mount designed to hold small accessories. The Premium trim also features a glass roof, heated seats upholstered in synthetic material and a Sennheiser audio system with seven speakers. The Couture Edition adds a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charging and a sat-nav system.

The ECA (Electric Compact Architecture) platform was developed by Geely specifically for the #2 and integrates the battery into the floor pan. The rear electric motor produces 60 kW – approximately 82 cavalli – and 130 Nm of torque. The LFP battery has a capacity of 35.8 kWh. The range will be 290 kilometres (WLTP) with an energy consumption of 13.6 kWh per 100 kilometres. DC fast charging reaches 65 kW, allowing the battery to go from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 20 minutes. The Pure+ and Premium models can be charged via AC at up to 11 kW, whilst the Pure is equipped with a 7.4 kW single-phase charger. The V2L function is also available for powering external electrical devices.

The kerb-to-kerb turning circle is just 6.95 metres, thanks to the car’s compact dimensions and the architecture developed specifically for this model. The #2 features wider rear tyres than the front ones and a five-link independent rear suspension. The structure utilises the new Tridion Cell Evo, an evolution of the safety cell introduced with the first Smart. Driver assistance systems include Smart Pilot Assist, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, Highway Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear collision mitigation and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.