It’s official: the plucky, parking-spot-perfect two-seater that defined urban cool is making a comeback. smart has confirmed that a new all-electric city car, the smart #2, is in development, set to reinvent the iconic smart fortwo for the electric age.
For anyone who has ever navigated the tight streets of a European capital or squeezed into a seemingly impossible parking space, the original fortwo was a revelation. Now, its spiritual successor aims to capture that same magic, updated with a fully electric powertrain and the latest technology. The international debut is slated for late 2026, and it promises to be a significant addition to the electric vehicle landscape.
What We Know About the smart #2
The new model is being developed to expand smart’s award-winning range into the A-segment, focusing specifically on the needs of urban drivers. Building on the rich heritage of the original fortwo, which first established the segment 27 years ago, the #2 will be a strict two-seater designed for style and efficiency in the city.
While details on battery size and performance are still under wraps, smart has promised “cutting-edge EV technology” for the tiny titan. The project, codenamed “project: two,” has successfully passed its feasibility study and is now in the final stages of design and development.
A Tale of Two Giants: Design and Production
The new smart #2 is a product of the brand’s international joint venture between Mercedes-Benz AG and Geely Holding Group. This powerful partnership leverages the strengths of both automotive giants. The distinctive styling will be handled by the Mercedes-Benz Design team, ensuring it has premium appeal, while production will take place in China, likely tapping into Geely’s extensive EV manufacturing expertise.
Dirk Adelmann, CEO of smart Europe, describes the announcement as a “milestone moment for the smart brand on a global scale.” He added, “The smart #2 will shape a new era of individual urban automobility, especially in classic smart cities like Rome, London or Paris”.
Part of a Bigger Electric Plan
The #2 isn’t a standalone project but a key piece in smart’s ambitious expansion. It joins a growing all-electric portfolio that already includes the #1 compact SUV, the #3 coupe SUV, and the soon-to-be-launched #5 mid-size SUV. This strategy demonstrates smart’s commitment to catering to a wide range of customer needs, from agile city runabouts to premium family SUVs.
With its focus squarely on Europe as a main market, the smart #2 is poised to become a common sight in congested city centres. As cities increasingly prioritize zero-emission mobility, the return of a stylish, compact, and fully electric two-seater couldn’t come at a better time. We’ll be watching closely as more details emerge ahead of its 2026 debut.
