Smart is preparing to bring back one of its most recognisable models with a modern twist. The brand, now jointly owned by Geely and Mercedes-Benz, has confirmed plans to launch the new Smart #2 by the end of 2026 in China, with Europe also identified as a key market.
The upcoming model will be a two-door, two-seat hatchback designed specifically for urban mobility, positioning itself as the long-awaited successor to the legendary Smart ForTwo. Measuring close to the size of its predecessor, the third-generation ForTwo, the #2 is expected to retain compact proportions at around 2,695 mm in length, 1,663 mm in width, 1,555 mm in height, and with a wheelbase of 1,873 mm.
While the ForTwo was known for its rounded form, early teasers of the #2 suggest a more block-like silhouette. Distinctive design elements include a sleeker bonnet line, sharply angled rear pillars, and a roof spoiler. The styling will be overseen entirely by the Mercedes-Benz design team, in line with Smart’s recent design direction seen across its “#” series.
Smart revealed little technical detail about the #2 during its initial announcement on 2 September, although the car is widely expected to be a battery-electric vehicle. The model is tipped to sit on a new architecture developed by Smart’s in-house research and development team, drawing heavily from Geely’s Global Electric Architecture (GEA). This same platform underpins several successful Geely models, including the popular Xingyuan in China.
The rebirth of the ForTwo spirit comes at a time when Smart’s line-up has shifted significantly since the brand was restructured in 2019 under a 50:50 partnership between Geely and Mercedes-Benz. With its headquarters now in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, Smart has moved away from its microcar roots and embraced larger vehicles such as the Smart #1, Smart #3, and Smart #5.
The arrival of the Smart #2, therefore, marks a return to the compact city car segment that defined the brand for decades, albeit with a more modern electric-only approach. By reviving the essence of the ForTwo in a new generation of small EVs, Smart appears ready to bridge its heritage with its future ambitions.
