Key Takeaways
- Smart is set to launch the battery-electric #2 model in late 2026, succeeding the ForTwo minicar.
- The #2 will be designed by Mercedes-Benz and built in China, emphasizing urban mobility in cities like Rome and Paris.
- This model is part of a broader strategy, with plans for three new models from Smart, focusing on compact and affordable electric vehicles.
New Era for Smart with the #2
Smart, the collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, has announced its plans to launch a successor to the ForTwo, with the new model, known as the #2, set for a global premiere in late 2026. Described as an “ultra-compact vehicle in the A segment,” the #2 will feature a battery-electric drivetrain.
The design of the #2, currently under the internal working title “project: two,” will be crafted by Mercedes-Benz while production occurs in China, similar to Smart’s recent models. Dirk Adelmann, CEO of Smart Europe, emphasized that the new vehicle aims to revolutionize urban mobility, particularly in iconic cities like Rome and Paris. Adelmann also disclosed that Smart reviewed existing vehicle platforms from Mercedes and Geely, ultimately opting to develop its own Electric Compact Architecture to accommodate the vehicle’s unique dimensions—targeting a length of 2.7 to 2.8 meters.
Safety remains a top priority, with aspirations for the #2 to earn a four- or five-star EuroNCAP rating, complemented by advanced driver assistance technologies and a satisfactory electric range. The #2 will be the first of three new models planned for launch, with plans to introduce one new model annually in Europe. Currently, the Smart lineup includes the #1 compact SUV, the #3 coupe-style compact crossover, and the #5 midsize SUV.
Smart has a legacy rooted in two-seat urban vehicles since its inception under the Daimler Group in 1998. The original ForTwo, known for its compact size and unique parking capabilities, ceased production in March 2024 after various iterations. The brand has recently transitioned into a joint EV venture in 2019, where both Mercedes and Geely hold equal stakes. This modern phase has seen Smart’s vehicles evolve into larger models, departing from the original minicars such as the ForTwo and ForFour.
Despite the innovative direction, Smart has encountered economic challenges, particularly concerning EU tariffs on vehicles manufactured in China, which resulted in price increases for the #1 and #3 models by approximately €2,000. Additionally, Smart’s sales have plummeted by 59% this year, totaling 6,983 units through July.
The decision to pursue a successor to the ForTwo faced delays due to the practical difficulties in the minicar market, where increased regulatory costs have driven some manufacturers like Peugeot and Citroën to withdraw. Nevertheless, the shift towards electrification presents new opportunities for minicars to meet emissions standards, with competitors like the Fiat 500e, next-gen Renault Twingo, and new models from Volkswagen aiming to capture market interest, all while being produced in Europe to circumvent tariffs.
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