The #2 is coming: Smart confirms Fortwo successor

Smart calls the decision to develop a new city two-seater “important.” The announcement ahead of IAA Mobility 2025 comes as no real surprise, as Dirk Adelmann, CEO of Smart Europe, revealed in April 2024 that work was underway on a new platform, the Electric Compact Architecture (ECA), intended for a “future Smart two-seater city car.” At the time, he added that a partner would be needed to make the business case viable.

The current statement does not mention a partner. And Smart provided only a few details about the concept, although the #2 is reportedly already in the “final design and development phase.” The #2 will be an “ultra-compact vehicle in the A-segment” and aims to “combine innovative technological solutions with the core qualities of the original Smart Fortwo.” In other words: compact dimensions, short overhangs, two seats, and a small boot – a city two-seater is ready. The car is being designed by the Mercedes-Benz design team and will be built by Geely, with a focus on the European market.

Smart is still keeping technical details under wraps. The company promises to “deliver new technological solutions for the segment founded by the Smart Fortwo 27 years ago.” Exact dimensions, performance, and pricing remain unknown. However, Smart positions itself as a “premium brand for intelligent electric vehicles,” so the #2 is unlikely to be a mass-market bargain.

So far, Smart has released only a few teaser images showing the silhouette of the new model. The car remains very compact, though the shadow’s distortions make it impossible to tell if the familiar Fortwo proportions will be retained.

The model’s premium two-seater positioning results from the multi-year “project: two,” in which Smart meticulously planned and developed all aspects of the car, including a market launch timed for the end of 2026.

“We are delighted to officially confirm the Smart #2,” says Wolfgang Ufer, CEO of Smart Germany. “For many of us, this vehicle is more than just another product in our portfolio and has long been eagerly awaited. It is the ideal two-seater for Germany’s big cities. The Smart #2 marks the successful completion of #project: two and a true milestone for our brand.”

Source: Information via e-mail (in German)

This article was first published by Sebastian Schaal for electrive’s German edition.