Tag Archives: Smart

NEW CARS

Smart Bets on Small Again with the All-Electric #2

Smart is going back to what made it famous—or infamous, depending on who you ask. The brand has confirmed it’s working on a new two-seat city car, fully electric this time, slated to arrive at the end of 2026. Its name? The Smart #2, a nod to the company’s numerical naming strategy and, more importantly, a spiritual successor to the original ForTwo that debuted back in 1998.

That first ForTwo promised to change how we think about urban mobility. It didn’t, of course. But the car was quirky, undeniably cool, and made parallel parking in Europe’s oldest cities a game rather than a chore. Smart even experimented with an EV version as early as 2007, eventually putting it into series production in 2011. The problem: the thing was terrible. Even in later iterations, the electric ForTwo topped out at a meager 130 kilometers of range—fine for a quick grocery run, but laughable in a world of Teslas and Hyundais.

The new #2 has to do better. It joins Smart’s growing lineup, which already includes the #1 crossover, the #3 coupe/crossover, and the upcoming #5 SUV. Unlike the early-2000s Smart, the brand now has access to far better battery technology, courtesy of its joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely. That means the #2 should finally pair tiny-car maneuverability with a range figure that doesn’t trigger instant range anxiety.

Dirk Adelman, Smart Europe’s chief, is framing this as nothing less than a rebirth: “The confirmation of our ‘project: two’ and the upcoming launch of Smart #2 marks a turning point for the Smart brand globally. Smart #2 will shape a new era of individual urban automotive mobility, especially in classic ‘Smart cities’ such as Rome, London or Paris.”

That’s a bold promise. But if Smart can deliver a chic, reasonably priced, and actually usable EV for the world’s densest metropolises, the #2 might finally fulfill the mission the original ForTwo couldn’t.

Source: Smart

NEW CARS

Smart Gets Serious: The Smart #5 Takes on Munich

Once upon a time, the word “smart car” conjured up an image of something small, quirky, and—let’s be honest—a bit like driving around in a designer toaster. Cute, clever, city-bound, and as far from an SUV as you could possibly imagine. Fast forward to 2025, and smart has clearly been downing protein shakes and hitting the automotive gym. At this year’s IAA Mobility in Munich (September 8–14), smart is rolling out its entire portfolio, headlined by the new smart #5—a premium mid-size SUV that’s here to prove that the brand has grown up, bulked up, and is ready to spar with the big boys.

And it’s already collecting trophies. The #5 has just bagged a Red Dot Design Award for Product Design, which is shorthand for: “Yes, it looks good, and no, it doesn’t resemble a hairdryer anymore.” Instead, what you get is a spacious, versatile, tech-laden electric SUV running on a cutting-edge 800-Volt platform. Translation: faster charging than your phone and enough range to turn the term “range anxiety” into nothing more than a punchline.

Inside, it’s all about space, flexibility, and brains. The intelligent cockpit and advanced driver assistance systems are designed to make driving easier, safer, and—dare we say—more enjoyable. The #5 promises to handle everything from daily school runs to long-haul road trips, all while whispering “premium” in your ear with every soft-touch surface.

But this is Munich, and smart isn’t just here to show us a sensible SUV. Oh no, they’re throwing art into the mix. Enter the Keith Haring Art Car, a one-off sculptural statement on wheels, created in collaboration with the Keith Haring Foundation. It’s funky, bold, and just the right amount of “look at me.” Smart’s booth at the Summit will use Haring’s work to celebrate the idea of streets as living canvases—a reminder that the brand has always been about urban mobility and breaking conventions.

Elsewhere, at the Open Space on Odeonsplatz, smart is going full lifestyle brand: the #5 Premium, #5 Summit Edition, and #1 BRABUS will all be on display, alongside interactive art studios, photo booths, and activities for families. It’s not just a car showcase—it’s a playground for anyone who likes their EVs with a side of culture.

And of course, no TopGear-style reveal would be complete without the spicy bit: the smart #5 BRABUS. Yes, the German tuning legends are back at it, sprinkling horsepower, aggression, and just enough lunacy onto the SUV to make sure it can keep up with the Teslas and Porsches of the world. If the standard #5 is the stylish all-rounder, the BRABUS version is the one that shows up to the party in a leather jacket and dares you to race it.

So, what’s the takeaway? Smart is no longer the brand of tiny cars that squeeze into half a parking space. The new smart #5 is bigger, bolder, and more ambitious—a proper SUV that might just redefine how we see the badge. Add in a bit of Keith Haring street cred, and suddenly smart isn’t just about moving people. It’s about moving ideas.

The press conference kicks off September 8 at 10 a.m., Hall B2, booth B01. Expect premium EVs, a splash of art, and probably a few raised eyebrows from those who thought smart would never grow up.

Source: Smart

News

Smart Hints at Roadster Revival Amid EV Expansion

Smart, the German electric carmaker known for its compact city vehicles, could be preparing an unexpected twist in its future product lineup. According to recent statements and industry speculation, the brand is exploring the possibility of reviving the beloved Smart Roadster as a fully electric convertible. Though nothing is officially confirmed, the timing may align with the upcoming launch of a new-generation Smart ForTwo.

Originally produced between 2002 and 2005, the Smart Roadster gained a cult following thanks to its quirky design and agile handling. The sporty two-seater was powered by a small 0.7-liter three-cylinder engine, with power outputs ranging from 61 to 101 horsepower, depending on the variant. A coupe version and a high-performance Brabus model added further flair to the short-lived series.

Now, as Smart transitions fully into the electric era, the idea of bringing back the Roadster with a zero-emissions powertrain has begun to circulate. The modernized Roadster would target rivals like the Mazda MX-5 — a popular benchmark in the small convertible segment — but with a unique electric twist.

Jason Albutt, head of Smart’s UK division, shared his enthusiasm in an interview with Auto Express, recalling his personal experience with the original model: “We had one in the family and it was a lot of fun. For a country that gets more rain than any other European market, we’re big fans of coupes and convertibles. So yes, I see the potential for a car like that in the UK.”

However, even Albutt remains cautious. While he acknowledges the appeal of a compact electric roadster, he also expressed uncertainty about how it would be received in a market traditionally drawn to the visceral experience of internal combustion engines.

“I think a lot of people who drive these cars have always been passionate about traditional cars. Part of the joy of the open top is hearing the sound of the engine,” he said. “There may be a new audience that might be interested in a different way. I’m not sure what kind of buyers they are. It’s too early to say, but we’ll see.”

Indeed, the potential revival of the Smart Roadster would mark a bold move for a brand that has rebranded itself as a premium EV specialist in partnership with Chinese giant Geely. With the new ForTwo expected soon, the company has an opportunity to expand its portfolio — and potentially reignite passion among enthusiasts who long for compact, driver-focused electric cars.

For now, there’s no official green light. But in the ever-evolving EV landscape, Smart’s flirtation with the Roadster’s return is a story worth watching. As the old saying goes: where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

Source: Auto Express