Smart #2 Concept Revives the Iconic City Car

Wouter Smit · 2026-04-22

Smart has just unveiled its #2 concept at the Beijing auto show, and it's a big deal. This isn't just another flashy concept car—it's a preview of what's coming next for the brand. Think of it as the successor to the beloved Fortwo, that tiny city car that made parking in tight spots feel like a superpower. But this new model is evolving, and it's bringing a lot more to the table. So, what's the #2 concept all about? It's a compact electric vehicle designed for urban living, but with a twist. Smart is aiming to keep the charm of the Fortwo while adding modern tech, better range, and a more spacious interior. We're talking about a car that's about 13 feet long, which is a bit bigger than the old Fortwo, but still small enough to zip through city streets. Expect a range of around 150 miles on a full charge, perfect for daily commutes and errands. ### What Makes the #2 Concept Stand Out? The #2 concept is packed with features that make it more than just a cute face. Here are some highlights: - **Electric powertrain**: It's fully electric, with a battery pack that lives under the floor. This keeps the center of gravity low, so handling should be nimble. - **Smart cockpit**: The interior has a minimalist design with a large touchscreen that controls most functions. It's like having a tablet on wheels. - **Safety first**: Expect advanced driver-assistance systems, like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. These are becoming standard in new cars, and the #2 won't disappoint. - **Customizable looks**: Smart is known for letting owners swap out body panels, and the #2 concept hints at even more personalization options. But let's be real—concepts often look amazing but lose some magic in production. Still, Smart has a good track record of staying true to its concepts. The Fortwo was a hit because it was simple, affordable, and fun. The #2 needs to keep that spirit while moving forward.  ### Why This Matters for City Drivers If you live in a crowded city like New York or San Francisco, you know the struggle of finding parking and navigating tight streets. The #2 concept is built to solve those problems. It's small enough to fit in spots that would make a sedan cry, but big enough to carry two people and some groceries. Plus, with electric power, you'll save on gas and maybe even get access to carpool lanes. Of course, there's the question of price. Smart hasn't announced official numbers yet, but we can guess. The old Fortwo started around $15,000, but with electric tech and modern features, the #2 could land closer to $25,000. That's still competitive for an EV, especially with federal tax credits. ### When Can You Get One? Smart plans to start production in late 2025, so you won't see it in dealerships for a while. But the concept gives us a clear picture of what's coming. If you're in the market for a city car, this is one to watch. It's not just a nostalgia trip—it's a genuine step forward. In the meantime, keep an eye on other recall check services if you're buying a used car. Knowing a vehicle's history is crucial, especially with older models. But that's a topic for another day. For now, the Smart #2 concept is a bright spot in the EV world, and we're excited to see how it turns out.