Smart, the former Mercedes-Benz AG unit and now joint venture established by the German automaker with Geely Holding Group as a provider of intelligent EVs (electric vehicles) in the premium segment, marked a new chapter in its evolution at the Global Brand Event held in Beijing in the lead-up to the 2026 Auto China show. Headlining the event were the global debuts of the Concept #2, the reinvention of the brand’s original two-seater Fortwo city car, and the production #6 EHD premium fastback sedan for China, with executives emphasizing strategic global growth from three to five models this year.

“For me personally, it is a very special moment to present the Smart Concept #2 as the first concrete outlook on the reinvention of our iconic two-seater,” said Wolfgang Ufer, CEO of Smart Europe GmbH. “The Global Brand Event marks an important starting point for this new chapter of Smart, which will culminate in a strong peak in Europe this autumn.”

Concept #2 is the first physical expression of the upcoming all-electric production model, with the new incarnation of the Fortwo set to have its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October. Like the current portfolio of #1, #3, and #5 production vehicles, the Concept #2 is styled by the Mercedes-Benz Global Design Team under the overarching design philosophy of “Love, Pure, Unexpected” using a unique lens to elevate the city car “beyond mere utility.”

“We believe a city car should be more than a problem solver; it should spark joy,” said Kai Sieber, of Mercedes-Benz Design and Head of Design for Smart. “Carrying the heritage of the Fortwo’s iconic design, the Concept #2 translates our bold personality into a new era where ‘Function becomes Fashion.’ It is not only about clever practicality but serves as a true extension of personal identity.”

Reduced to its essence, the pure and compact silhouette features generous volumes, a striking matte white and warm gold two-tone palette, and fine leather hardware, with hidden, unexpected details emerging from beneath translucent surfaces. The car is engineered on Smart’s new Electric Compact Architecture (ECA) from the upcoming production #2.

Concept #2 was created to illustrate how to deliver uncompromised urban capability. The design features Smart’s signature “wheels-at-the-corners” setup, maximizing interior space in just 2792 mm (109.9 in) of total length. The concept also showcases “unmatched agility,” with a tight 6.95-m (22.8-ft) turning circle for “effortless city maneuvering.”

Smart promises that its advanced ECA platform will set new standards for modern electric performance. With Concept #2, the brand envisions a WLTP electric range of nearly 300 km (186 mi) and DC fast-charging from 10% to 80% battery capacity in under 20 min. Also part of the design concept are innovative V2L (vehicle-to-load) capabilities for fully charged modern urban lifestyles.

Smart Europe GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Smart Mobility International Pte. Ltd., was founded in June 2020 in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany, near Stuttgart. Its international team, led by Ufer and CFO Martin Günther, is responsible for sales, marketing, and after-sales activities for the next generation of smart vehicles, products, and services of the brand in the European market. With premium electric vehicles styled by Mercedes-Benz in Europe and crafted in China, Smart’s footprint now spans 40 markets globally.