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Smart is back to making small cars as the #2 EV spotted in China

2 min to read
Apr 6, 2026 9:23 AM CEST
Smart is back to making small cars as the #2 EV spotted in China
The Smart #2 was seen in China during road tests. Credit: Dajia Cheyanlun

Smart returns to making small cars as the brand’s latest model, called #2, was seen in China during road tests. It is set to debut at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show on April 24. The new model is similar to the second-gen ForTwo in terms of exterior styling.

Smart turned to a 50:50 joint venture between Geely and Mercedes-Benz in 2019, focusing on producing battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. In recent years, Smart-branded cars have been getting larger. This year, the Smart #6 EHD sedan with a length of 4,906 mm will enter China. The brand clearly distanced itself from its legacy by making sizable cars.

However, Smart officially announced last year that it will launch the two-door city car called #2 in late 2026. Its teaser images were revealed in January 2026. On April 6, the new Smart #2 was seen in China as it undergoes road tests ahead of the official premiere.

More about the Smart #2

As mentioned, the new Smart #2 resembles the second-gen ForTwo hatchback. It has short overhangs and a bonnet, cute headlamps, and two windshield wipers. The Smart #2 adopts a contrast-colored roof. It also has sizable side-view mirrors. Photos hint that the charging ports of the new model sit in the front fenders.

The Smart #2

The car adopts signature handles positioned on the door edges. The spotted Smart #2 rides on steel wheels. They sit inside the fender line, adding a bit bulky look to the car. It seems that the mass-produced version of this model will be equipped with aluminum rims. Another feature of this model is a camera positioned behind the windshield.

It was previously shared that the Smart #2 stands on the new ECA modular architecture. It offers a Geely-developed powertrain and technologies. The Mercedes-Benz team was responsible for the exterior styling of the Smart #2. Smart global CEO Tong Xiangbei shared that making a microcar is more complex than developing a large car.

According to previous information, the Smart #2 will adopt a single electric motor in the rear axle and a 30 kWh battery. Its length is around 2.7 meters. The wheelbase reaches 1.9 meters. The Smart #2 aims to boost the brand’s sales in China. According to China EV DataTracker, Smart delivered just 2,974 units in China from January to February 2026.

smart sales february 2026
Smart sales in China. Credit: China EV DataTracker
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Smart #2
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