Image: SmartSome cars require only the faintest silhouette to be instantly recognisable. The Porsche 911 is a prime example. The same goes for other iconic sports cars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and similar brands. They are unmistakable. The Smart Fortwo, too, boasted a really unique design.The same is true for the vehicle that Smart has now unveiled in China ahead of the local motor show in Beijing. Its silhouette, front end, and headlights all evoke the legendary two-seater compact car originally developed by Mercedes-Benz. The Smart brand has since become a joint venture between the German carmaker and Geely, with the Chinese partners holding the majority stake. However, Mercedes still oversees the design. Those responsible have skilfully remained true to the original without creating a purely retro design.At the ‘Smart Global Brand Event’ in Beijing, the brand and the vehicle’s design took centre stage. Following several design sketches and teasers (featuring the shadow of its iconic silhouette), Smart revealed the first physical design model of the upcoming #2. Here’s the catch: the long-awaited vehicle is still a concept study, with the world premiere of the production model set to take place in October at the Paris Motor Show.Nevertheless, Smart already shared some technical details: the #2 will be based on the newly developed ECA platform, the ‘Electric Compact Architecture.’ Despite a vehicle length of just 2.79 metres, this platform is designed to accommodate a battery large enough to deliver a range of ‘nearly 300 kilometres.’For urban dwellers without their own wallbox, this is particularly relevant: a fast charge from 10 to 80 per cent is expected to take less than 20 minutes. A Vehicle-to-Load function is intended to enhance flexibility and ‘keep modern urban lifestyles fully charged on the go.’ However, practicality may be limited by the presumably modest battery size. Image: Smart Image: Smart Image: Smart Image: Smart Image: Smart Image: Smart Image: Smart Image: Smart Image: Smart Image: Smart Image: SmartSmart also prioritised practicality in other areas: like its predecessors, the #2 follows the ‘wheels-at-the-corners’ setup. Despite its length of under 2.80 metres, the placement of the wheels as far out as possible ensures optimal interior space. At the same time, the steering angle is generous enough—combined with the short wheelbase—to achieve a turning circle of just 6.95 metres. This is an outstanding figure and should make manoeuvring in cities and tight parking spaces significantly easier.Regarding its design language, Smart states that it has embraced the approach of ‘Function becomes Fashion,’ ensuring the city car transcends mere utility.“Reduced to its essence, the pure and compact silhouette serves as an effortless canvas for individuality. This is consistently brought to life through generous volumes, a striking matte white and warm gold two-tone palette, and fine leather hardware, while hidden, unexpected details playfully emerge beneath translucent surfaces,” the manufacturer explains. The aim is to reinvent ‘the ultimate two-seater city car.’“For me personally, it is a very special moment to present the smart Concept #2 as the first concrete outlook on the reinvention of our iconic two-seater,” says Wolfgang Ufer, CEO of Smart Europe. “The Global Brand Event marks an important starting point for this new chapter of smart, which will culminate in a strong peak in Europe this autumn. The Concept #2 combines the creativity and passion of our Mercedes-Benz design team and provides a clear vision of the future qualities of the smart #2. It is a vehicle shaped by the way European smart customers truly live and move — effortless, agile, and efficient.”However, Smart has officially left one key detail unaddressed at the design premiere: the price. Rumours suggest that the new electric two-seater will align with its predecessor in this regard. The Fortwo EQ was last priced at €21,490 in Germany. Even though the #2 will no longer be built in France but in China, the entry-level price is expected to remain within this range.smart.com