Smart #2: Pre-production prototypes on the road before Paris 2026

Smart #2 enters the phase of global testing with the first camouflaged pre-production prototypes, while the debut of the series version remains scheduled for the Paris Motor Show in October 2026. The two-seater electric model, successor to the fortwo, is being validated on the road and in dedicated facilities, with development shared between the Mercedes-Benz Global Design Team and the Smart Global R&D Team.

According to a note released by Smart, the campaign covers tests on public roads, test tracks, wind tunnels, acoustic chambers, four-column benches with controlled temperature, and durability tests on deep potholes and curb impacts. The program also includes emergency maneuvers, wet surface tests, and optimization of NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness), but without official numbers or independent confirmations of the results.

The company has also confirmed winter testing sessions in Northeast China, but did not provide a complete list of the facilities involved. The current phase follows the first prototypes derived from the fortwo that were already used in December 2025 for initial checks, before transitioning to the pre-production setup.

Platform and setup
Smart #2 is built on the Electric Compact Architecture, with a two-seater layout, rear-wheel drive, and new tridion safety cell. The technical details remain partial, but the transition to global testing confirms that the project has entered the phase of fine-tuning the chassis and structure.

The known specifications remain those of the concept shown in spring with a 35.7 kWh battery, WLTP range of around 300 km, DC charging from 10-80% in about 20 minutes, and a turning radius of 6.95 meters. These values refer to the presentation prototype, not yet confirmed for the final version.