On the Road to Paris: smart #2 Undergoes Testing Ahead of World Premiere
• Rigorous pre-production testing and validation ensure the reinvented two-seater city car delivers unmatched urban agility, driving stability, elevated NVH refinement, and uncompromising safety.
• The collaboration between the Mercedes-Benz Design Team and the smart R&D Teams upholds highest automotive standards, transforming the concept into the realised production model of the new smart two-seater.
The smart #2 is currently undergoing a rigorous global testing programme ahead of its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show this October. With the reinvention of its iconic two-seater gathering momentum, the smart #2 has taken to the roads in a bespoke black-and-white camouflage livery, styled by the Mercedes-Benz Global Design Team.
At dedicated proving grounds, the vehicle’s agility was tested against a wide range of real-world urban challenges, including unexpected obstacles, emergency lane changes and low-grip wet road conditions. Continuous refinement of the chassis hard points, steering ratio and rack travel as well as suspension movement control ensures the vehicle remains composed, responsive and agile in everyday city driving.
Beyond agility, the rigorous physical testing programme aims to ensure the compact vehicle can deliver an elevated, serene cabin experience.
To ensure that cabin comfort aligns with the vehicle’s refined aesthetic, extensive NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) validation across multiple demanding environments was conducted – including wind tunnel, acoustic chamber, temperature-controlled four-post rig, proving grounds and public roads. The testing activities encompassed wind noise, road noise, powertrain NVH, thermal NVH, squeak and rattle, as well as sound quality optimisation.
By testing various tyre compounds on rough asphalt, grooved concrete, and high-speed straights, engineers sought an optimal balance between low rolling resistance for maximum range and exceptional noise reduction. To achieve long-term reliability, the vehicle has been subjected to demanding durability testing over bumpy roads, continuous undulations, and potholed urban streets. Targeted impact tests simulated common city-driving scenarios, such as mounting kerbs or striking deep potholes.
Refining chassis rigidity and structural stress points ensure the smart #2 will serve as a highly reliable on-road companion. Complementing this structural resilience, the next generation of the renowned tridion safety cell combines compact exterior dimensions with a robust structure that meets modern safety requirements, providing high protection, stability, and driver confidence.
As an all-electric two-seater city car, the smart #2 is designed to navigate the challenges of modern urban environments with ease. Featuring the signature ‘wheels-at-the-corners’ stance – a hallmark of smart fortwo’s space-maximising design since its first generation – it builds a solid geometric foundation for exceptional manoeuvrability even in tightest city spaces.
Highly anticipated by urban drivers across Europe, the production model of the smart #2 is preparing for its official world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October 2026.
About smart:
smart Europe GmbH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of smart mobility International Pte. Ltd. and was founded in June 2020 in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, near Stuttgart. smart Europe’s international team is responsible for all sales, marketing and after-sales activities for the next generation of smart vehicles, products and services of the brand in the European market. With Wolfgang Ufer as CEO and Martin Günther as CFO, the company is developing its full potential in Europe with a highly efficient and customer-oriented business model. The international smart joint venture was established between Mercedes-Benz AG and Geely Holding Group. smart positions itself as a leading provider of intelligent electric vehicles in the premium segment.
Photo credit: smart UK
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