Set for a debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, the little Smart #2 has stepped up its rigorous global testing programme by hitting the roads of the real world, wrapped in a black-and-white camouflage livery.
As it begins its journey to Paris, the diminutive #2 is shaping up as an electrifying and nostalgic nod to the original Smart Fortwo. The all-electric two-seater’s compact dimensions are designed to navigate the cramped cobblestone roads of modern urban environments, especially Europe.
However, it continues with the wheels-at-the-corners stance from the Fortwo to ensure space-maxxing, as the kids call it. Furthermore, pushing the wheels out to the corner ensures maximum manoeuvrability.
Testing sees it hit dedicated proving grounds, facing a wide range of real-world urban challenges such as unexpected obstacles, emergency lane changes and low-grip surfaces. Every challenge delivers extensive feedback to engineers, further improving chassis hard points, steering ratio and rack travel as well as suspension movement and vehicular control.
All the feedback also leads to refining cabin comfort, with extensive NVH validation across multiple demanding environments conducted to gauge wind noise, road noise, powertrain NVH, thermal NVH, squeak and rattle, as well as sound quality optimisation across wind tunnel, acoustic chamber, temperature-controlled four-post rig, proving grounds and public road environments.
Given that the Smart #2 is primarily built for urban use, the testing procedures for long-term reliability expanded to include demanding durability testing over bumpy roads, continuous undulations, and potholed urban streets, simulating common city-driving scenarios, such as mounting kerbs or striking deep potholes.
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Various tyre compounds were also evaluated on rough asphalt, grooved concrete and high-speed straights for engineers to find the optimal balance between low rolling resistance and road noise.
The #2 also incorporates the next-generation Tridion safety cell, functioning as an ultra-rigid, steel outer shell that surrounds the cabin to absorb and redirect crash force.
All will be revealed come October 2026 at the Paris Motor Show but as we inch closer to the date, expect more details and photos to come our way.
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