Beijing Motor Show 2026
From fortwo to fastback: smart’s next chapter in design
smart debuted the Concept #2 and the #6 EHD at its global brand event in Beijing, signalling a new design direction that reinterprets its heritage while expanding into new segments
At its global brand event in Beijing, themed “Change of Perspectives,” smart signalled a new phase in its evolution with the global debut of the Concept #2 and smart #6 EHD, two vehicles that point to very different, yet equally significant directions for the brand.
Since its rebirth under Geely and Mercedes-Benz, smart has steadily expanded its portfolio with a series of SUV launches, repositioning the brand within broader market segments. Now, with these latest unveils, smart is attempting a delicate balancing act: returning to its roots while also stepping into entirely new territory.
The smart Concept #2, initially delayed due to external factors including the pandemic and rising lithium costs, emerges as a highly stylised version of the fortwo. Its familiar profile and “wheels-at-the-corners” stance recall the iconic original form, while pushing the idea of smart in a new direction. By looking through a “function becomes fashion” lens, the brand brings a concept that moves focus from its practical roots as urban transport to one of personal expression. According to Kai Sieber, head of design at Mercedes-Benz for smart, the intention was to reinterpret the car as more than just a mobility tool.
Kai explains, “We wanted to emphasise that it’s a companion, a beloved companion. More of a city accessory. That has always been the character of the fortwo. With this concept, we leaned into that, giving it accessories instead of big wheels and a spoiler. We went in a completely different direction.”
As a result, the concept features playful elements like a luggage-style front grille and oversized labels on the doors, details which may appear in more restrained forms in the production version, set to debut later this year at the Paris Motor Show.
A lot has changed since we first saw the fortwo, and designing a compact vehicle in today’s regulatory environment while also meeting rising expectations for space, practicality, and safety came with its own obstacles. “To keep the #2 in a footprint close to the old fortwo, but with all the new regulations and an update in pedestrian safety,” says Kai, “that was the biggest challenge.” Here, the advantages of a fully electric platform became clear. Pushing the wheels to the corners while also being able free of traditional packaging constraints such as engines and cooling systems meant the design team was able to squeeze even more out of the interior space. “We were fighting for every millimetre of shoulder room,” explains Kai.
Alongside the Concept #2, smart also revealed its first fastback sedan, the smart #6 EHD, marking a move into new territory. The #6 retains key elements of smart’s design DNA, including its wheels-at-the-corners stance, helping to maximise both wheelbase and interior space. With a sleek, shark-inspired silhouette, the #6 EHD combines elegance with a more dynamic presence. According to Sylvain Wehnert, head of creation at Mercedes-Benz Design for smart, the goal was to redefine expectations of what a smart vehicle can be: “With the #6 EHD, we set out to create something truly original – a new benchmark for the modern fastback sedan. The combination of smart’s unique DNA and Mercedes-Benz design excellence results in a bold and elegant design with space that surprises, proving once again that smart no longer means small.”
Maintaining a recognisable identity across such diverse vehicle types remains a challenge, particularly with a new format like this. While the compact proportions of the fortwo made it instantly identifiable, larger models require a more nuanced approach.
“You put a cover on a smart fortwo, and you instantly see it's a fortwo. That is not happening with a #5 or a #6. It can't. But we are applying the same recipe,” explains Kai. “The form language, you recognise. What is always smart is that front and rear are very similar, and if you look at #6, there is still a similarity, but #6 has its own character,” explains Kai, “all cars somehow share the same design cookbook, but with purpose-built meals.”
Together, the Concept #2 and the #6 EHD suggest an evolving design identity. One revisits the brand’s origins in a way that reflects contemporary expectations; the other expands its reach into new segments. Smart may no longer be limited by size, but whether the brand’s now even more diverse lineup can still feel unmistakably smart.
