Smart #2 unveiled with electric power and comically small dimensions
Words: Andrew Sluys
While Smart might now be a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, it’s clear the iconic formula remains unchanged.
The brand recently pulled the covers off the #2 at the Paris Motor Show, which is a successor to the iconic ForTwo that kicked things off back in 1994.
Pronounced ‘Hashtag Two’, this little EV measures just 2746mm long, 1760mm wide, 1555mm tall. It rides on a wheelbase of 1875mm.
It’s slightly larger than the previous-generation ForTwo, but still is very small, coming in around 120cm shorter than a Fiat 500e.
Power comes from a 35.8kWh battery, which feeds an electric motor on the rear axle. This motor produces 60kW/130Nm.
It is also rated to a 290km electric range, and can be charged at up to 65kW when using a DC charger.
Smart claims its new five-link rear suspension system provides better handling than the last iteration.
On the inside, it’s a cozy affair with a pair of seats that come together at the centre. There’s a fold-down armrest to separate them.
There’s also a 10.1-inch infotainment screen and digital cluster behind the steering wheel, plus an array of 3D-printed accessories on offer.
Smart has tipped the #2 to start at below €20,000 when it goes on sale early next year. A direct conversion puts this below $40,000, but we can expect this to be higher if it does come to NZ.
