Smart has all but revealed the #2, the electric successor to the famed Fortwo, with a series of murals dotted around the globe.

Although it will be revealed in full at the Paris motor show, the new art pieces give a clear indication of the finished car's design.

It bears a strong resemblance to its predecessor, retaining its stubby proportions, although key changes include scowling headlights and rounded units at the rear.

The #2 marks the Smart brand's return to its roots after launching a range of electric crossovers including the #5, its largest model yet.

Due in UK dealerships next year, it has been designed to offer what Smart calls "uncompromised urban capability".

The two-seater is based on a bespoke Electric Compact Arcitechture developed by Geely. 

The Chinese company co-owns Smart with its original founder Mercedes-Benz, which took the lead on the #2's design.

Full details remain under wraps until the Paris motor show in October, but Smart has confirmed the #2 will offer a range of 186 miles and be capable of charging its battery from 10-80% in less than 20 minutes. 

It will also have vehicle-to-load capability, meaning its battery can be used to power external devices.

At just 2792mm long, the concept was only around 100mm longer than the old Fortwo, so it will reclaim its position as the shortest electric car on sale, undercutting the Fiat 500e by almost a metre. Anything smaller, like the Citroën Ami or Micro Microlino, officially fits into the quadricycle category.

That will also enable a turning circle of just 6.95m.

Smart said the new #2 will move its entry-level model upmarket while "brilliantly maximising interior space" within its compact dimensions - a product of moving onto a bespoke EV architecture, as the old electric Fortwo was based on an ICE car platform.

The #2 "elevates the city car beyond mere utility" according to Smart - and while it hasn't yet revealed the cabin in full, it promises to be much plusher and more luxuriously appointed than the sparsely furnished original.

It will still be minimalist, in keeping with an exterior design that's been "reduced to its essence", but liberal use of leather, translucent surfacing and two-tone gold paintwork will help to cultivate more of a premium aesthetic.

Notably, will it swap traditional front seats for a bench – which, Smart claims, frees up additional interior space. 

Kai Sieber, head of Smart design at Mercedes, said the Concept #2, which previewed the finished article, demonstrates the company's vision that "a city car should do more than solve challenges: it should spark joy".

He continued: "Carrying the heritage of the Fortwo's iconic design, the Concept #2 translates our bold personality into a new era where function becomes fashion. It is not only about clever practicality but serves as a true extension of personal identity."

Smart has given no indication of pricing ahead of next year's scheduled launch, but the more luxurious cockpit and vastly superior technical attributes mean the #2 could command a premium over its short-legged predecessor, which cost around £22,000 when it was discontinued in 2024.

There's no word yet on whether Smart plans to stretch the #2 and add a back seat to create a successor to the Forfour, but such a model would give the brand a footprint in the increasingly competitive electric supermini market, where it could take on the likes of the Renault 5, Citroën C3 and next DS 3.