Smart has started real-world testing of its upcoming electric city car, the Smart #2.
The brand that made its name with tiny urban cars is going back to basics in 2026. After years of building larger SUVs, Smart’s developing a completely new take on its famous two-seater.
Smart released the first images of its new Electric Compact Architecture (ECA) platform being tested at a proving ground in China.
The ECA platform represents a ground-up redesign for electric power. Smart expects major improvements over the previous Fortwo EQ. Company officials call the new car a “reinvention” of the iconic city car that’ll bring “a fresh identity.”
Test images show the platform running underneath existing Fortwo body shells. This suggests the #2 will stay very close to its predecessor’s dimensions despite the new identity.
At 2.7 meters long by 1.66 meters wide, the original Fortwo was small enough that two could fit in a single parking space. That size made it hugely popular in crowded cities like Paris and Rome.
Design and Configuration
Like the Fortwo, the Smart #2 will use rear-wheel drive with wheels pushed to the very corners. It’s keeping the two-door, two-seat layout too.
But Smart says the new model brings a completely redesigned interior and exterior from Mercedes’ design team. The company’s also promising new levels of technology for the city car segment.
Current testing focuses on making sure the new platform delivers the same “core driving dynamics” as previous Smart cars. Engineers are assessing ride quality, structural strength and optimizing braking performance for city use.
Smart says the #2 is on track for a world premiere in late 2026. The company expects it’ll “set new benchmarks for the city-car segment that Smart defined almost thirty years ago.”
Production and Market Impact
While designed for Europe, the #2 is expected to be built by Geely in China.
That could mean it misses out on incentives planned for the new M1E compact EV class. The European Commission announced those incentives recently to support European-built electric vehicles.
The Smart #2 represents the brand’s return to its original mission after expanding into larger vehicles in recent years.
