After first announcing the #2 for 2026 and even showing photos of camouflaged prototypes, Smart has now unveiled the concept version of its Fortwo successor. The Concept #2 blends the original Fortwo shape with the brand’s modern design cues, and will spawn a production version in Paris in October.
Since its renaissance under the Geely umbrella, which took a 50% stake in 2019, Smart has deviated from its original DNA as a super-compact city car. The #1, #3, and #5 are all electric SUVs, the latter measuring nearly twice as long as the original Fortwo (or City-Coupé, as it was originally called) from 1998. But the brand hasn’t forgotten its roots, and is bringing back the tiny two-seater later this year.
Fortwo successor on all-new architecture
To warm us up for the official launch of the model at the Paris Motor Show in October, Smart has unveiled the Concept #2 at Auto China 2026 in Beijing. It has been designed by the Mercedes-Benz Global Design Team, which also has a design center in Shanghai, and is based on the all-new, proprietary Electric Compact Architecture (ECA).
In terms of design, the Smart Concept #2 strongly references the original model from nearly 30 years ago while adding a more premium look. The matte white bodywork is accentuated with gold elements and fine details like leather straps in the front fascia – although we wouldn’t count on those making it to production.
Tiny size, but a more usable electric range
Elements of the modern Smart era are visible, too, such as the triangular headlamps, similar to those on the #1 and #3 models. With a length of 2,792 mm, the Smart Concept #2 stays close to the original’s size, with a tight 6,95-meter turning circle to guarantee easy maneuvering in tight city spaces.
But the Smart #2 promises to be much more usable than its predecessor, the EQ Fortwo, which offered only 145 km of range. The ECA platform offers enough space to fit a battery with a WLTP range of nearly 300 km, while fast charging from 10 to 80% takes under 20 minutes. V2L functionality will also allow charging external accessories from the high-voltage battery.
Global debut in Paris
For more details, including the model’s interior, we’ll have to wait until the fall, as the production model of the smart #2, the new fortwo, is set to make its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October 2026.
