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Smart is preparing to reveal its brand-new #2 model at the Paris Motor Show in October, marking a major comeback to its origins in compact city cars.

This model succeeds the legendary Smart Fortwo and represents the brand’s return to small urban vehicles after its recent expansion into electric crossovers, including the larger Smart #5. The #2 is due to arrive in UK showrooms next year, with Smart describing it as offering “uncompromised urban capability.”

The new two-seater is built on a tailor-made Electric Compact Architecture created by Geely. The Chinese automotive giant co-owns the Smart brand alongside Mercedes-Benz, which has taken the lead in developing the design of the #2.

While full details will be revealed at the Paris event, Smart has confirmed that the new electric car will deliver a driving range of 186 miles and will be capable of charging its battery from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes. It will also feature vehicle-to-load functionality, enabling the battery to power external devices when needed.

Recent images of the #2 prototype during testing reveal that it retains much of the concept car’s styling cues shown earlier this year, including its “wheels-at-the-corners” stance and ultra-compact proportions. The car’s compact layout will also allow for an impressively tight turning circle of just 6.95 metres, reinforcing its city-friendly agility.

At 2792 mm in length, the concept version of the #2 is only around 100 mm longer than the previous Fortwo. This makes it the shortest electric car expected to go on sale, nearly a metre shorter than the Fiat 500e. By comparison, ultra-small EVs such as the Citroën Ami or the Micro Microlino are classified as quadricycles rather than full-fledged cars.

Smart states that this new model will elevate its entry-level offering while maximising interior space within its compact form – a benefit of its dedicated EV platform. The earlier electric Fortwo was adapted from a combustion-engine platform, which limited design flexibility.

According to Smart, the Concept #2 “elevates the city car beyond mere utility.” Although the company has not yet revealed the complete interior, it has promised a significantly more premium and comfortable environment compared to the minimalistic cabin of the original Fortwo. The cabin will maintain a minimalist philosophy aligned with the exterior’s “reduced to its essence” styling but will include upscale materials such as leather, translucent finishes, and two-tone gold accents to create a more luxurious ambience.

Interestingly, the new model is expected to replace individual front seats with a bench, a move Smart claims will free up additional cabin space for occupants.

Kai Sieber, Head of Smart Design at Mercedes-Benz, explained that the concept embodies the company’s approach that “a city car should do more than solve challenges – it should spark joy.”

He added, “Building on the Fortwo’s iconic heritage, the Concept #2 reinterprets our bold character for a new era where function merges with fashion. It’s not just about smart practicality – it’s about becoming an authentic extension of one’s personality.”

Smart has not yet disclosed pricing for the #2 ahead of its planned market debut next year. However, given its more refined interior and advanced technical features, it is expected to cost more than the outgoing Fortwo, which was priced around £22,000 before being discontinued in 2024.

There is no confirmation yet on whether Smart will develop a stretched version of the #2 featuring rear seats to replace the Forfour. Such a model could help the brand enter the competitive electric supermini segment, where it would compete against models like the Renault 5, Citroën C3, and the upcoming DS 3.