Smart is conducting global testing of its upcoming all-electric two-seat city car, the Smart #2, ahead of the model’s scheduled world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October.
The vehicle, developed by the Smart joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, is undergoing pre-production validation as engineers evaluate its performance, durability and safety before commercial launch.
Global Testing Program Underway
According to Smart, the Smart #2 is currently being tested in a range of driving environments while wearing a black-and-white camouflage design created by the Mercedes-Benz Global Design Team.
Smart Launches #6 EHD Hybrid Sedan in China with Up to 1,810 km Range
The validation program covers vehicle agility, driving stability, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance, durability and safety.
The company said testing includes emergency lane changes, obstacle avoidance, wet-road handling and urban driving scenarios, as well as durability assessments on rough roads, potholes and curb impacts.
Engineering teams are also carrying out NVH evaluations using wind tunnels, acoustic laboratories, four-post test rigs, proving grounds and public roads.
Smart Targets Sub-€22,500 Starting Price for Upcoming #2 Electric City Car
“The Smart #2 is born from the seamless, high-level collaboration between the Mercedes-Benz Global Design Team and the Smart Global R&D Team,” said Yang Jun, Global Chief Technology Officer of Smart.
“Through the relentless global physical testing program, we are confident to offer global consumers class-leading safety, driving stability, whisper-quiet refinement, and the unmatched urban agility that defines our legacy.”
Compact EV Retains ForTwo Layout
Smart said the new model retains the original Smart ForTwo’s “wheels-at-the-corners” design, intended to maximize maneuverability in urban environments.
The vehicle also incorporates a new-generation tridion safety cell designed to meet current safety standards while maintaining compact exterior dimensions.
Smart #5 Receives Euro NCAP Best in Class Award for Large SUVs
The Smart #2 succeeds the original ForTwo and is based on a new battery-electric architecture developed specifically for ultra-compact vehicles.
Production will take place in China, with the model planned for sale in China, Europe and other international markets.
The Smart Concept #2, unveiled earlier this year, measures 2.79 meters in length, has a 6.95-meter turning circle and an estimated driving range of nearly 300 kilometers.
Smart Updates the #1
Alongside the #2 testing program, Smart also released official images of the updated Smart #1.
The company said the revised model incorporates upgrades across more than 200 areas, including the electrical and electronic architecture, intelligent cockpit, advanced driver-assistance systems, powertrain and charging technology.
The new Smart #1 adds a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor and Geely’s G-ASD H5 advanced driver-assistance system powered by an Nvidia Orin Y processor with up to 200 TOPS of computing performance.
Smart Expands to 39 Markets in 2025, Prepares Two New Models for 2026
Built on an 800-volt silicon carbide electrical architecture, the vehicle has a CLTC driving range of 535 kilometers and supports 6C ultra-fast charging, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 12 minutes, according to the company.
