Smart is set to unveil the all-new smart #2, a fully electric two-seater designed for urban life, at the Paris Motor Show in October. The model promises advanced comfort, agile handling, and a renewed focus on city driving.
Smart is preparing to re-enter the spotlight with the upcoming launch of the smart #2, a compact electric two-seater that marks the brand’s return to its urban roots. Scheduled for its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show on October 26, the smart #2 is currently undergoing final testing on tracks and city streets worldwide, as the company aims to deliver a model that meets the demands of modern city living.
This new chapter for Smart comes after the brand’s recent ventures into larger vehicle segments, such as the Smart #5 SUV. Now, under the Geely Group and in collaboration with Mercedes, Smart is reviving the spirit of the original ForTwo—this time as a fully electric city car. The smart #2 is positioned to compete directly with other urban EVs, including the Renault 5, and is expected to appeal to drivers seeking a blend of compact size, efficiency, and comfort.
Prototypes of the smart #2 have already been spotted in public, wrapped in distinctive black-and-white camouflage designed by Mercedes-Benz’s global design team. According to Smart, the vehicle has been put through a rigorous series of tests on specialized circuits, simulating real-world urban challenges such as sudden obstacles, emergency lane changes, and wet road conditions with low grip. The brand emphasizes that continuous refinement of the chassis, steering ratio, and suspension movement has been central to ensuring the car remains stable, responsive, and agile in daily city driving.
Comfort and Silence at the Core
One of Smart’s main priorities for the #2 is to deliver a high level of interior comfort that matches its modern design. To achieve this, the car has undergone extensive NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) validation in demanding environments, including wind tunnels, acoustic chambers, temperature-controlled four-post test rigs, and public roads. Engineers have focused on minimizing wind and road noise, optimizing the powertrain’s acoustic profile, and eliminating unwanted rattles and squeaks to create a quiet, refined cabin experience.
Special attention has also been given to the car’s rolling performance. By testing various tire compounds on rough asphalt, grooved concrete, and high-speed straights, Smart’s engineers have sought the ideal balance between low rolling resistance and exceptional noise reduction. Durability has been another key focus, with the smart #2 subjected to punishing tests on bumpy roads, continuous undulations, and typical urban hazards like curbs and deep potholes. These impact simulations are designed to reflect the realities of city driving and ensure long-term reliability.
Smart highlights that improvements to chassis rigidity and structural stress points have resulted in a robust, dependable platform. The latest generation of the tridion safety cell combines compact exterior dimensions with a strong structure that meets modern safety standards, offering drivers a high level of protection and confidence behind the wheel.
Urban EVs on the Rise
The arrival of the smart #2 reflects a broader trend in the European automotive market, where demand for compact, efficient electric vehicles is growing rapidly. As cities tighten emissions regulations and prioritize sustainable mobility, models like the smart #2 are poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of urban transport. This shift is also evident in the strategies of other manufacturers, as seen with the Kia EV2 GT-Line, which has been praised for its agile city performance and clever features, though it faces its own limitations for longer journeys (read more about the Kia EV2 GT-Line here).
With its focus on comfort, safety, and electric efficiency, the smart #2 aims to set a new standard for city cars. Its debut in Paris will be closely watched by both industry insiders and urban drivers looking for practical, sustainable mobility solutions. As the electric city car segment becomes increasingly competitive, the smart #2’s success could signal a new era for the brand and for urban mobility across Europe.
