Smart has officially launched the all-electric smart #2 Premium in China, marking a major milestone in the return of the brand’s iconic two-seat city car. Following its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show, the new model is now entering series production, with the first customer deliveries expected in China in the coming weeks.
The launch event took place in Guangzhou, bringing together smart customers, fans and lifestyle partners to celebrate the next chapter of the brand’s electric mobility ambitions. The event also highlighted smart’s “open your mind” philosophy, emphasizing creativity, collaboration and the lifestyle-oriented character of its growing community.
The smart #2 represents a modern reinterpretation of the compact city car that helped establish the brand’s identity. Designed exclusively for electric mobility, it aims to combine distinctive styling, urban practicality and modern EV technology in a small package.
Smart #2 Moves From Paris Premiere to Production
Following its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show on October 12, the smart #2 has attracted considerable interest from customers in both China and Europe.
Demand has been particularly strong for the exclusive smart #2 Couture Edition, which has already sold out in China and every European market where it has been offered.
Production is now underway, with the first production example having rolled off the assembly line. This marks an important step toward bringing the electric two-seater back to customers after years of anticipation.
The vehicle has been developed through close cooperation between smart’s engineering teams in China and Europe, combining international expertise with China’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.
The smart #2 has undergone an extensive testing and validation programme designed to meet unified global quality standards. Evaluations have included winter testing in sub-zero temperatures and demanding summer conditions, with particular attention given to driving dynamics, durability, safety and everyday usability.
Mercedes-Benz Design Meets a New Electric Platform
The new smart #2 has been styled by the Mercedes-Benz Global Design Team, which has reinterpreted the brand’s familiar two-seat city car through its “Love, Pure, Unexpected” design philosophy.
While retaining the distinctive character of the original smart city car, the new model introduces a dedicated electric architecture designed specifically for compact vehicles.
At the center of the project is the newly developed Electric Compact Architecture (ECA) platform. Rather than adapting a platform originally engineered for a larger vehicle, smart has developed an architecture focused on efficient space utilization, electric technology and maneuverability in crowded urban environments.
Safety also remains a major priority. The new-generation Tridion Cell Evo body structure builds on smart’s established safety concept, creating a protective structure around the passenger compartment while maintaining the vehicle’s compact proportions.
Smart #2 Specifications
Despite its small dimensions, the smart #2 is designed to offer more than just basic urban transportation.
The electric city car features a 35.8 kWh battery pack and a targeted combined WLTP driving range of up to 290 kilometers (180 miles).
Its rear-mounted electric motor sends power to the rear wheels, while a five-link rear suspension system represents a first in its class, according to smart.
One of its most notable features is a curb-to-curb turning circle of just 6.95 meters. This should make the smart #2 particularly convenient when navigating narrow streets, negotiating tight parking spaces and maneuvering through busy city centers.
The combination of rear-wheel drive, compact dimensions and a dedicated electric platform is intended to deliver responsive handling and stable driving characteristics both in urban traffic and on faster roads.
Here are the key specifications announced so far:
– Battery capacity: 35.8 kWh
– Target WLTP range: 290 km (180 miles)
– Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
– Motor location: Rear-mounted
– Suspension: Five-link rear suspension
– Turning circle: 6.95 meters
China Deliveries First, Europe to Follow in 2027
China will be the first market to receive the new smart #2, with customer deliveries expected to begin in the coming weeks.
European buyers will have to wait longer. Smart has confirmed that deliveries in Europe are planned for 2027, although specific launch dates have not yet been announced.
Pricing, equipment levels, technical specifications and availability will be communicated separately for individual markets.
The return of the smart two-seater comes at an interesting time for the European EV market. While many manufacturers are concentrating on larger electric SUVs and family cars, the smart #2 is targeting a different segment: drivers looking for a compact, easy-to-park electric vehicle designed primarily for urban use.
With a dedicated EV platform, a claimed 290 km WLTP range and the involvement of Mercedes-Benz designers, the smart #2 could become an interesting alternative to larger and more expensive electric cars.
Its success in Europe will ultimately depend on pricing, real-world range and how competitive it is against other small electric vehicles arriving in the coming years.
