Automotive

Smart Unveils Electric Two Seater With 180 Mile Range

October 12, 2026 4 min read 0 comments

Smart has officially unveiled the all-electric #2 at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. This launch marks the brand’s return to its signature ultra-compact, two-seat city car roots. Developed as a modern successor to the discontinued Smart EQ Fortwo, the new model combines a dedicated electric vehicle platform with updated safety technology, a lightweight footprint, and a targeted driving range of 180 miles under the European WLTP testing cycle.

The Mercedes-Benz and Geely joint venture plans to offer the vehicle in the UK for less than £20,000. European binding early orders will open through retail partners shortly after the premiere, and pre-orders are officially scheduled to begin in spring 2027.

Design and Dimensions Built for the City

Measuring just 2,746 millimeters long (extending to 2,764 millimeters for the limited Couture Edition), the Smart #2 is intentionally engineered to navigate crowded urban environments and tight parking spaces. Penned by Mercedes-Benz, the exterior retains classic design cues from the original Fortwo. These features include wheels pushed to the corners, a distinct two-tone color scheme, and the iconic split tailgate that allows the glass hatch to open independently.

Underneath the bodywork, the vehicle utilizes an entirely new Electric Compact Architecture (ECA) platform built specifically for the two-seater. The structure features a reworked safety cell called the Tridion Cell Evo. This cell provides robust protection despite the car’s small physical footprint. With a curb-to-curb turning circle of only 6.95 meters, the Smart #2 is optimized for high-density metropolitan navigation.

Performance and Battery Specs

Power comes from a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 60 kW (80 horsepower) and 130 Nm of torque to the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission. The setup enables an 11.6-second sprint from 0 to 62 mph and a top speed of 87 mph. Total vehicle weight is kept to a light 1,140 kilograms by modern electric vehicle standards.

Energy is stored in a floor-mounted 35.8-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that keeps the center of gravity low to assist handling. The battery delivers a targeted combined range of up to 180 miles (290 kilometers) with an energy consumption rate of 13.6 kWh/100 km. DC fast charging peaks at 65 kW, allowing the battery to replenish from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 20 minutes under optimal conditions. AC charging supports up to 11 kW using a three-phase supply on higher trim levels, while the entry-level Pure variant features a 7.4-kWh single-phase onboard charger. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability is also supported, enabling the car to power external electrical accessories.

Interior, Practicality, and Trim Levels

Inside the cabin, the Smart #2 maximizes its compact volume by offering a bench-style seating arrangement and an S-shaped dashboard layout. Drivers interact with a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, an 8.8-inch digital driver display, and a dashboard-mounted utility fixture known as the Smart Pillar for attaching small gadgets. Despite its length, the car provides 305 liters of trunk space, which can expand up to 527 liters.

European Trim Structure

  • Pure: The entry-level variant featuring 15-inch wheels, LED lighting, and core driver assistance systems.
  • Pure+: Adds upgraded comfort amenities such as a heated driver’s seat in select continental markets.
  • Premium: Incorporates a fixed panoramic glass roof, heated synthetic leather seats, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, and a seven-speaker Sennheiser sound system.
  • Couture Edition: Limited to 999 units globally, featuring Atelier White Matte paint, a Platinum Gold roof, gold exterior and interior accents, 16-inch Lyra wheels, and a numbered badging plaque.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Standard safety equipment across all variants includes seven airbags, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot detection, traffic-sign recognition, highway assistance, rear collision mitigation, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera. Because the vehicle is still undergoing final homologation and type approval, precise specifications and final certified range numbers remain subject to adjustment ahead of official deliveries.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Smart #2

What is the driving range of the Smart #2?

The Smart #2 targets a combined driving range of up to 180 miles (290 kilometers) under the European WLTP testing cycle.

How much will the Smart #2 cost?

Smart has announced a targeted starting price of under £20,000 in the UK, with European base pricing listed around €17,900 before local delivery and registration fees.

What are the charging capabilities of the Smart #2?

The vehicle supports DC fast charging up to 65 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% charge in 20 minutes. AC charging ranges from 7.4 kW on the base model to 11 kW on higher trims.

How large is the Smart #2?

The standard model measures 2,746 millimeters long, making it an ultra-compact city car with a tight 6.95-meter turning circle.

When will the Smart #2 be available for purchase?

Binding early orders open in select European markets in October, with official UK pre-orders scheduled to open in spring 2027.

Who manufactures the Smart #2?

The Smart #2 is produced under Smart Automobile, a 50:50 joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and the Chinese automotive giant Geely.

Aleeza

Author at this publication.

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