Mercedes-Geely venture Smart expands #2 roll-out in China with Premium trim

Smart has launched the #2 Premium electric city car in China. Credit: Smart

• The Smart #2 Premium has launched in China with a limited-time starting price of 99,900 yuan ($14,880) after incentives.
• The 2-seater measures 2,751 mm in length and offers a CLTC range of up to 410 km.

Smart launched the Smart #2 Premium in China on Thursday with a limited-time starting price of 99,900 yuan ($14,880) after incentives.

The Premium trim has a list price of 102,900 yuan. Launch benefits include a 3,000 yuan purchase incentive.

Smart is a joint venture brand between Mercedes-Benz and Geely Auto (HKEX: 0175). The #2 is the all-electric successor to the classic ForTwo 2-seat city car.

The launch continues the #2's market roll-out. The production model made its global debut at the Paris Motor Show on October 12.

On the same day, Smart launched the Couture Edition in China at an official retail price of 112,999 yuan. That version is limited to 999 units each in China and Europe, with separate allocations for the 2 markets.

Designed by Mercedes-Benz's global design team, the #2 is built on the Electric Compact Architecture (ECA), a platform developed specifically for ultra-compact electric vehicles.

Purchase incentives also include subsidies for existing owners. Smart owners trading in their vehicles can receive a 10,000 yuan subsidy, while those making a repeat purchase can receive 5,000 yuan. Both offers extend to owners of combustion-engine Smart models, but the 2 benefits cannot be combined.

For a limited time, buyers can also select an optional exterior color normally priced at 3,000 yuan at half price, and purchase a Smart-branded charging unit with basic installation for 2,900 yuan.

The car measures 2,751 mm in length, 1,669 mm in width and 1,555 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 1,875 mm. It retains the ForTwo's 2-door, 2-seat proportions and "wheels-at-the-corners" layout.

The model is equipped with a 35.8-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery using cells from CATL (HKEX: 3750), delivering a CLTC range of up to 410 km (255 miles).

DC fast charging can replenish the battery from 30% to 80% in 15 minutes, while charging from 10% to 80% takes no more than 20 minutes.

The car features a rear-mounted motor and rear-wheel drive, along with an 11-in-1 integrated electric drive system. The motor delivers a maximum output of 60 kW (80 hp) and peak torque of 130 Nm.

The #2 accelerates from a standstill to 50 km/h in 3.8 seconds. Smart also highlights its 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution and agility for urban driving.

The chassis features MacPherson strut front suspension and 5-link independent rear suspension, paired with tires that are narrower at the front and wider at the rear. Its minimum turning radius of 3.35 meters helps with maneuvering on narrow streets and parking in tight spaces.

For safety, the Premium trim features the Tridion Cell Evo safety body structure and 7 airbags, including a dual-chamber far-side airbag.

Driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality (ACC-Stop & Go), automatic emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keeping assist (LKA). Blind-spot detection (BSD) and a 360-degree surround-view camera system are also included.

The interior features a bench seat and an S-Shape ripple-inspired wraparound cockpit. The Premium trim also comes standard with a panoramic glass roof, a sunshade and frameless doors.

The model retains a split tailgate, with an upper glass section that can open independently. The lower section folds down to serve as a loading platform or a seat when parked, supporting a maximum load of 120 kg.

The #2 is manufactured in China by Geely-owned Zhejiang Haoqing Automobile Manufacturing. Smart previously said the car was intended for sale in China, Europe and other overseas markets.

The first-generation Smart ForTwo launched in 1998, with cumulative sales exceeding 2 million units. The #2 brings the brand, now jointly operated by Mercedes-Benz and Geely, back to its signature 2-seat city car market.

($1 = 6.7156 yuan)

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