Smart #2 Debuts Interior With a Bench-Like Seat Design

Smart has revealed the interior of its upcoming #2, a compact electric city car that effectively serves as the spiritual successor to the ForTwo. While the model’s exterior was unveiled earlier this year in Beijing, the company has now provided the first look inside the cabin during its European debut in Rome.

The most unusual feature is the seating layout. The Smart #2 remains strictly a two-seater, but the center section between the driver and passenger seats can fold down, creating the appearance of a single bench. The setup does not add a third seat, but it makes the cabin feel more open and allows occupants to exit through the opposite door when parked in a tight space.

The upper portion of the movable center section houses the power-window and door-lock controls. A built-in strap allows either occupant to raise or lower the center section as needed.

The dashboard features an S-shaped design with flowing lines and circular turbine-style air vents. Smart says it has no intention of filling the cabin with oversized displays, although buyers should not expect a large number of physical buttons, either.

The new #2 rides on a dedicated electric vehicle platform. Unlike earlier Smart models, which were offered with both gasoline and electric powertrains, the #2 will be sold exclusively as an EV. The architecture allows engineers to maximize interior space by stretching the wheelbase while keeping body overhangs short.

The turning circle measures just 22.8 feet (6.95 meters), matching the old EQ ForTwo. Power comes from a 35.7-kWh battery pack mounted beneath the floor. Smart estimates driving range at about 186 miles on the WLTP cycle, while charging from 10% to 80% is expected to take less than 20 minutes.

Another surprise is the independent multi-link rear suspension. That type of setup is uncommon in such a small urban EV, where simpler and less expensive suspension designs are typically used.

The production version of the Smart #2 is scheduled to make its official debut at the Paris Motor Show in October. Sales are expected to begin in 2027. Like the rest of Smart’s current lineup, the new #2 will be manufactured in China.