At the Paris Motor Show on October 12, smart revealed its production smart #2, a two-seater electric vehicle designed for urban mobility, signaling a renewed focus on ultra-compact electric cars in its lineup.
- Smart #2 uses new Electric Compact Architecture platform
- Europe model: 60 kW motor, 35.8 kWh battery, 290 km range
- Limited Couture Edition available in Europe and China
What happened
Smart, the electric vehicle brand jointly operated by Geely and Mercedes-Benz, unveiled its latest production model, the smart #2, at the Paris Motor Show on October 12, 2026. This launch marks a return to the brand’s original two-seater city-car format, emphasizing compactness and urban usability. The new model was designed by Mercedes-Benz’s global design team and is built on a new Electric Compact Architecture platform.
Early ordering of the smart #2 is scheduled to begin in both Europe and China, although specific pricing and availability details will be disclosed separately. The car measures 2,746 mm in length and incorporates a rear-mounted 60 kW electric motor paired with a 35.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, delivering an estimated combined WLTP range of 290 kilometers. Charging capabilities include 65 kW DC fast charging, enabling a charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes.
Why it matters
The launch of the smart #2 represents a strategic pivot back to ultra-compact electric vehicles, aligning with growing urban mobility trends and demand for small, efficient electric cars. This shift contrasts with smart’s previous move toward larger electric models and positions the brand to capture city car markets in both Europe and China, regions where urban congestion and environmental targets encourage smaller EV adoption.
The introduction of a special Couture Edition limited to 999 units in each of these key markets underscores smart’s approach to offering premium, boutique variants alongside more standard trims. Offering multiple versions such as Pure, Pure+, Premium, and Couture allows smart to address different customer preferences while maximizing the model’s appeal. This could help establish the smart #2 firmly within the competitive urban EV segment.
What to watch next
Additionally, observing demand for the Couture Edition and how smart leverages its joint venture strengths in China and Europe will provide insights into the brand’s future urban mobility strategy. As electric vehicles continue to proliferate globally, smart’s choices in design, technology, and market focus will influence its role in the evolving small EV landscape.