This shift feels almost inevitable. Since 2019, Smart has been a joint venture between Geely (the group that also owns Volvo and Lotus) and Mercedes-Benz. Despite the solid build quality of its products—such as the Smart #3 Brabus tested in Sweden—the new direction hasn’t entirely convinced. The #3 Brabus is well-made, extremely fast, and handles impressively, but it strays too far from what Europeans traditionally associate with the brand. And apparently, it hasn’t won over China either: Smart delivered just 16,871 vehicles in the country in the first seven months of 2025.
The new city car is therefore designed to strengthen the brand’s global presence and revive sales in Europe, where the ForTwo had become an urban icon—and where, perhaps, it should have remained.
Compact Dimensions, Fresh Lines
The new Smart #2 will be a fully electric two-seater hatchback. Although official information remains scarce, teaser images reveal a boxier look compared to the third-generation ForTwo, featuring a sleek bonnet, slanted rear pillars, and a small roof spoiler.
The length is expected to remain close to 2.70 meters, with a wheelbase of around 1.87 meters—figures that will keep it exceptionally nimble in city traffic.
Design by Mercedes, Technology by Geely
The styling will be handled by Mercedes-Benz’s design team, while technical development will rely on a new Smart-specific architecture, likely derived from Geely’s modular GEA electric platform. Already underpinning several successful models in China, this platform will allow the Smart #2 to deliver modern performance while maintaining compact dimensions.
The Smart #2 marks a return to what made the brand famous: a compact, urban-friendly car that redefines city mobility for the electric age.
