Smart Cars is not a company that has been well-known for quite some time. In 2019, Mercedes and Geely established a 50:50 joint venture to manage Mini’s rival. Production was also shifted to China, while the Hambach factory in France was sold to Ineos, which is now producing off-roaders and pickups Grenadier there.
The current line-up of Smart models is much larger and heavier, with the peak being the #5 model, a mid-sized SUV weighing 5,401 pounds (2,450 kilograms) and measuring 185.2 inches (4,705 millimeters) in length.
Now, Smart is taking a new step by reviving the car most of us associate with the brand: the ForTwo. Renamed as #2, this latest city car will mark the company’s return to the A segment when it is launched in late 2026.
This car will use a new platform specifically developed for ultra-compact cars and will have a design crafted by Mercedes. Like the larger models, the #2 model will be made in China.
There is no news yet about its launch in the United States, where its name may carry negative connotations. Instead, this compact electric hatchback will go on sale in China, Europe, and some other markets. Smart brands itself as the “inventor of the original city car” and states that this new model will once again be a two-seater to tackle urban traffic congestion.
Teaser images suggest that Smart will retain the unique silhouette of the previous ForTwo, although the new car appears more angular, eliminating the rounded surfaces of its predecessor.
Unlike some other Smart models that still offer combustion engines, the ForTwo will use electric power. With a pre-booked platform, engineers are likely to carve out a more spacious cabin without sacrificing the small size of the car.
In Europe, most car manufacturers have abandoned the A segment. The VW e-up! and its counterparts from Skoda and SEAT have long been gone. However, VW plans to launch the ID.1 next year, but with a concept measuring 152.7 inches (3,880 millimeters), the production car will be much larger than the e-up! and Smart #2.
It is quite refreshing to see a new small car in an industry currently dominated by larger cars. With battery technology having significantly improved since the older Smart electric models, this new model should easily outperform the WLTP EQ ForTwo range of only 74-84 miles. The wheels will once again be pushed to the corners, providing a relatively long wheelbase compared to its size and allowing space for a large battery.
Price remains a major question. The VW ID.1 is estimated to be sold for around €20,000 in Europe. If the Smart #2 ends up being much more expensive, its appeal alone may not be enough to attract buyers from more practical five-door hatchbacks like the upcoming entry-level VW electric car. Additionally, Renault will reintroduce the Twingo in 2026 as a small electric car, even cheaper, priced under €20,000.
