Smart Introduces Concept #2 with Premium Touch ala Mercedes-Benz

JAKARTA - Smart is reviving the DNA of a small city car that used to make its name through the successor to the Fortwo. In the "Change of Perspectives" event in Beijing, the brand introduced Concept #2, which is a strong image of a production model of a compact electric car that is scheduled to be launched later this year.

Reported by Carscoops, Thursday, April 23, this car is the result of a design by Mercedes-Benz and appears as a modern evolution of the EQ Fortwo which will be discontinued in 2024. In terms of design, Concept #2 retains the two-door character with a very short front hood and large wheels at each corner of the body.

The exterior appearance is emphasized by sharp-designed LED headlights and clean and minimalist body lines. A number of futuristic elements are also embedded, ranging from wheels with transparent aerodynamic covers combined with bright colored tires, #2-written DRL lights, to the use of leather straps as a replacement for door handles.

The front is adorned with a luxury suitcase-style grille, while the back features a small matrix screen that can display certain messages. However, some of these details are expected to be simplified when entering the production version, including the shiny gold-colored roof accents.

In terms of dimensions, Concept #2 has a length of 2,792 mm, making it the largest two-door model Smart has ever made. Its size is longer than the first generation and the latest version of the EQ Fortwo.

Even so, this car still falls into the category of the smallest vehicles in the European A segment. Its length is even more compact than the Fiat 500e and Renault Twingo E-Tech, and closer to light vehicles such as the Citroen Ami and Fiat Topolino.

Behind its body, this car carries an Electric Compact Architecture (ECA) platform that was developed independently. Considering that Smart is a joint venture between Mercedes and Geely, it is likely that the technology used also utilizes the basis of the Chinese automotive manufacturer.

For the pacemaker, Concept #2 will only be available in a fully electric version, following in the footsteps of models #1 and #3. This is different from the #5 and #6 lines, which also offer plug-in hybrid variants. Although the complete specifications have not been revealed, Smart is targeting a range of around 186 miles or 300 km, significantly increasing compared to the EQ Fortwo, which can only travel around 135 km.

Battery charging from 10 to 80 percent is claimed to be possible in less than 20 minutes, and it already supports the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature. The rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration is likely to be retained as its predecessor.

Interior details have not yet been shown, but the use of a special electric vehicle platform allows for a cabin for two passengers that is more spacious and feels more premium than the previous generation.

Smart ensures that the production version of #2 will premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October before being officially marketed. This model is projected to target the European and British markets as the main target, although the opportunity to expand to other regions in the world remains open.