The iconic Smart brand, once synonymous with tiny city runabouts, has been utterly transformed. Its latest offering, the Smart #2, is a bold and stylish compact SUV that marks a dramatic departure from the classic Fortwo, signalling a new era for the marque under its Geely and Mercedes-Benz partnership.
A Quantum Leap in Design and Space
Gone is the minuscule two-seater format. The Smart #2 is a proper five-seater family car built on Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA). It boasts a sleek, modern crossover design with a muscular stance, flush door handles, and a full-width light bar, making it almost unrecognisable from its predecessors.
This new direction provides a spacious and practical interior, a world away from the original Smart's compromises. Drivers can expect a premium, tech-laden cabin dominated by a large, free-standing infotainment screen and a minimalist dashboard.
Impressive Electric Performance
The Smart #2 isn't just bigger; it's smarter and more powerful. It will be offered with a choice of two powertrains, both using a 49kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery.
The standard rear-wheel-drive model produces a healthy 268bhp, while a high-performance dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Brabus version will deliver a thrilling 422bhp. This ensures the #2 can handle everything from daily commutes to brisk motorway journeys with ease.
Range and Rapid Charging
For urban adventurers and beyond, the Smart #2 offers an estimated range of up to 434 kilometres (270 miles) on a single charge. Crucially, it supports ultra-rapid DC charging at up to 150kW, meaning a 10-80% top-up can be achieved in under 30 minutes, making longer journeys across the UK perfectly feasible.
Positioning and UK Availability
Positioned as a premium, lifestyle-oriented electric vehicle, the Smart #2 is expected to compete with popular models like the Volvo EX30 and Mini Countryman Electric. While pricing for the UK market is yet to be officially confirmed, it is anticipated to start from around £35,000.
The new model is scheduled to go on sale in Europe later this year, with first deliveries expected to reach British customers in early 2025. This launch is a clear statement that the new Smart is a serious contender in the fiercely competitive compact electric SUV market.
