Let’s talk about something so brilliant it’s almost criminal it took this long to happen. The Smart Fortwo, that plucky little machine that once ruled the streets of Paris and Rome with its park-on-a-postage-stamp charm, is back. But not as some dusty rerun of an old hit. No, the Smart #2 is a fully electric two-seater that promises to conquer the city all over again, and I’m here to tell you why this pint-sized beast deserves your attention.
The original Fortwo was a stroke of genius. At just 2.5 meters long, it was the Robin Hood of city cars: small, cheeky, and always ready to nab a parking spot where an SUV could only dream of fitting. It was a car that laughed in the face of traffic jams and cramped garages. Let’s be honest, though, later versions had their quirks. Engines that wore out faster than a cheap raincoat and a range that barely got you from the bakery to the butcher. Yet, despite its flaws, that little Smart had cult status. It was the car you bought to make a statement: I don’t need space, I’ve got personality.
Come late 2026, Smart is breathing new life into the concept with the #2. This isn’t some nostalgic cash grab, but a modern twist on a classic. The #2 will be an ultra-compact, fully electric two-seater, designed by the Mercedes-Benz team and built in China by Geely, the folks who also churn out Volvos and Polestars. It’s a collaboration that sounds like a marriage between a German engineer and a tech guru, and I’m curious to see what kind of kid they’ve produced.
What do we know so far? Not much, but enough to pique your interest. The #2 will be an A-segment car, meaning it’s smaller than anything Smart has put out in recent years. The #1, #3, and #5 aren’t small city cars anymore—they’re puffed-up crossovers that look like they’ve been hitting the gym. The #2 goes back to its roots: a car you can park sideways in a spot and still have room for a bike. It’s got an electric powertrain, which makes sense, because who’s still building petrol engines for city cars? Range is still a mystery, but rumors point to a battery around 49 kWh, good for about 350 to 400 kilometers. Not bad for a car that’s probably lighter than your average e-bike.
Why’s this such a big deal? Because the world is screaming for affordable, small electric cars. The market for compact EVs is as empty as a parking lot on a Sunday morning. With the #2, Smart is aiming at cities like Rome, Paris, and Amsterdam, where parking is an extreme sport and space is more precious than a fine glass of whisky. Smart’s boss, Dirk Adelmann, called it a “milestone for urban mobility” himself. And honestly, if you’ve ever tried squeezing your car into a Parisian side street, you’ll get why this is a game-changer.
The design? Still under wraps, but teasers show a silhouette that looks suspiciously like the old Fortwo. Don’t expect a boring box on wheels. Mercedes-Benz knows how to make a car feel premium, and with Geely’s tech on board, this could well be a city car with some serious guts. Maybe not a 650-hp Brabus version—though that would be hilarious—but something sleek and smooth to drive. And let’s hope they’ve buried that annoying semi-automatic gearbox from the old days for good.
Of course, there are questions. How much will it cost? If Smart’s smart—sorry, couldn’t resist—they’ll keep the price under €20,000 to compete with the cheapest EVs. And the range? 100 kilometers might’ve cut it for a city car back in the day, but in 2026, we want more. The Netherlands is basically one big city, and nobody wants to be plugged in every five minutes. But if Smart gets it right, and I secretly think they will, the #2 won’t just be a practical choice—it’ll be a car you buy because it’s damn cool.
So, mark late 2026 on your calendar. The Smart #2 promises everything the brand once stood for: compact, nimble, and a touch rebellious. It’s the car you buy if you want to flip the bird at SUVs and parking tickets. And who knows, maybe we’ll even see it in a screaming yellow Brabus edition, just to make the neighbors jealous.
For those already itching to conquer the city with an electric ride, check out our marketplace at https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/. You’ll find 100% electric cars ready to make your drives greener, faster, and a whole lot more fun.
