The revived city car uses a dedicated EV platform to optimize cabin room.
The Smart #2 places window switches and lock buttons between the seats.
The middle area drops to form one long bench seat.

Smart appears determined to highlight every aspect of its returning city car. The small hatchback first appeared in March during a Beijing debut that focused on exterior styling from Mercedes. The latest images from its European introduction in Rome now show the interior and its standout feature: the bench seat arrangement.

The compact dimensions mean it remains a two seater only and cannot carry three passengers like a large American pickup. Still the center portion lowers to create a seamless bench surface. Window controls and door lock switches sit along the top of this adjustable panel which includes a handle for easy movement.

The design functions as a fold down armrest that blends into the seats and adds flexibility to the limited cabin space. It creates a sense of greater width while also allowing simpler exit from the far side door in narrow parking spots.

The Smart #2 Avoids Excessive Screens

The cabin features a flowing dashboard in an S shape along with distinctive round air vents reminiscent of Mercedes designs. Large displays will not dominate the layout yet physical buttons remain limited as well. Although presented as a concept the final model should stay close since launch is only months away.

Unlike earlier Smart models that shared platforms across powertrains the new #2 is fully electric on its own architecture. This approach improves space efficiency with a longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs. Its turning circle of 22.8 feet matches the prior electric ForTwo and suits city driving well.

A 35.7 kWh battery sits below the floor and supports roughly 186 miles of WLTP range. The brand states a 10 to 80 percent charge takes under 20 minutes. Independent multi link suspension also appears in a class where simpler systems usually prevail.

Compact Dimensions Yet Strong Safety Focus

The original Smart emphasized its safety cell structure when launched in the late 1990s. The #2 advances this concept further though full details await the production reveal.

The vehicle debuts in October at the 2026 Paris Motor Show with sales starting the following year. All Smart models are built in China. The former Hambach factory in France now produces Ineos Grenadier vehicles after its 2020 acquisition.

Motor1 Analysis: This model returns to the original Smart formula after recent versions grew larger and heavier. The #2 serves as a true successor to the ForTwo without any combustion engine option.

Price may prove challenging since many affordable EVs now offer more room. Expected to start near 20,000 euros the #2 will compete with the revived Renault Twingo and the next Dacia Spring.