Smart #2 electric city car begins global testing before Paris Motor Show debut
Smart has moved its two‑seat electric city car, the Smart #2, into a worldwide pre‑production testing programme. Prototypes concealed in camouflage are being evaluated on public roads, proving tracks, wind tunnels, acoustic chambers, four‑post rigs and in winter conditions in northeast China. The tests cover emergency lane‑change maneuvers, wet‑road handling, noise‑vibration‑harshness (NVH) optimisation, curb‑impact resistance and deep‑pothole durability.
The vehicle is built on the Electric Compact Architecture (ECA) co‑developed by Geely and Mercedes‑Benz, features rear‑wheel drive, a 35.7 kWh battery delivering roughly 300 km WLTP range, and can charge from 10 % to 80 % in about 20 minutes. It has a turning circle of 6.95 m and incorporates a new Tridion safety cell. Smart aims to ensure safety, stability and cabin comfort before mass‑production.
The Smart #2 is slated for its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October 2026, with sales expected in early 2027 and a target price near €22,000‑€20,000 in Europe.