smart #2 goes early-bird, confirmed for Paris motor show debut

Early-bird reservations now open

smart has launched an early-bird reservation programme for its new #2 city car. A deposit of approx. $41 (298 RMB) locks in the launch-day perk bundle and can be refunded at any time.

Among the promised perks: a free "refresh" gift pack, a body colour at no extra cost, priority access to the first wave of test drives, and entry into a weekly prize draw through next week that includes items worth up to approx. $2,778 (20,000 RMB) such as a latest iPhone, Sennheiser headphones, #2 custom travel luggage, branded sunglasses, outdoor gear or a charging card.

A modern successor to the classic fortwo

smart described the #2 as the direct successor to the legendary Fortwo line. The car is built on the brand's own ECA pure-electric compact architecture and carries over the signature "four wheels at four corners" layout — a philosophy that maximises interior space within a tiny footprint.

Those proportions are evident in the official numbers: 2,751(2,764)/1,669/1,555 mm (L/W/H) with a 1,875 mm wheelbase. No trim-level breakdown was given yet.

Design cues

The front end takes its cue from a recent concept car, with a closed-off grille — now standard on all smart models — and split headlights. The upper triangular LED units sit above a large lower air intake that smart says gives the nose an alert, lively look.

The side profile retains the Fortwo's two-box silhouette: a fixed cabin shell forward of the rear wheels, a floating-roof effect and subtly flared wheel arches. The rear mirrors the front with circular tail-lamps, a roof spoiler and a centrally mounted number-plate recess.

Powertrain and dynamics

Smart supplied the drive unit — a TZ160XS00A motor rated at 60 kW, supplied by StarDrive Technology (Jiaxing). The brand highlighted a turning diameter of just 6.95 m, a figure aimed squarely at urban environments where tight streets and parking gaps make a small footprint a daily advantage.

smart says initial deliveries will be a twin-door hardtop. A soft-top convertible variant could follow later to broaden the range.

Line-up and availability

The #2 will make its global public debut at the Paris motor show on 12 October and is expected to go on sale in China in November. Official pricing and detailed specification have not yet been released.

As one of the most affordable entries in smart's current electrified range, the #2 is positioned to compete in Europe's booming city-car segment and in China's ultra-compact NEV niche where price-sensitive buyers weigh range, parking ease and urban manoeuvrability.