Smart #2 Photos Surface via Chinese Regulator
What Is the Smart #2?
The Smart #2 is a battery-electric compact SUV produced by Smart Automobile, a joint venture established in 2019 between Mercedes-Benz AG and Geely Holding Group. It is the second model in Smart's new-generation electric vehicle lineup, positioned as a smaller, more accessible alternative to the Smart #1. The vehicle solves the need for a premium, tech-focused urban EV with a lower entry price point than its predecessor.
The Smart #2 is a compact electric SUV from the Mercedes-Benz and Geely joint venture, designed to offer a premium urban driving experience at a lower price than the Smart #1.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Smart Automobile (Mercedes-Benz & Geely joint venture) |
| Vehicle Type | Battery-electric compact SUV |
| Platform | Geely SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) |
| Battery Capacity | 66 kWh (lithium iron phosphate) |
| Power Output | 268 hp (single rear motor) |
| Estimated Range | Approximately 475 km (CLTC cycle) |
| Expected Price (China) | 150,000 – 200,000 RMB (approximately RM 97,000 – RM 130,000) |
| Market Launch | China first, 2025; Malaysia launch unconfirmed |
| Official Brand Source | https://www.smart.com |
What Do the Leaked Images Show?
The leaked images reveal the Smart #2's exterior design in full detail, showing a sleeker, more coupe-like silhouette compared to the boxier Smart #1. The front fascia features a closed-off grille with slim LED headlights, while the rear adopts a full-width light bar. The images, sourced from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) filing database, show the production-ready vehicle without camouflage.
According to the original report from Lowyat.net, the images were published as part of the vehicle's regulatory filing, which is a mandatory step before market approval in China. The filing confirms the vehicle measures 4,300 mm in length, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm, making it approximately 100 mm shorter than the Smart #1.
"The latest images of the Smart #2 were published on the Chinese regulator's website, giving us our first unobstructed look at the production model."
— Lowyat.net, January 2026
The leaked MIIT regulatory photos show the Smart #2 measuring 4,300 mm in length with a 2,750 mm wheelbase, confirming it is 100 mm shorter than the Smart #1.
When Will the Smart #2 Launch in Malaysia?
Smart Malaysia has not announced a launch date for the Smart #2 as of the publication of this article. Based on the company's pattern with the Smart #1, which launched in China in 2022 and reached Malaysia in early 2024, a 12-to-18-month gap between Chinese and Malaysian availability is expected. This would place a potential Malaysian launch in late 2026 or early 2027.
The Malaysian market remains a priority for Smart, with the company establishing a network of 11 dealerships across the country in 2024. However, the absence of local pricing or homologation data in the MIIT filing indicates that Malaysian specifications may differ from the Chinese version, particularly regarding battery chemistry and charging standards.
If Smart follows its historical launch pattern, the Smart #2 will arrive in Malaysia approximately 12 to 18 months after its Chinese release, placing availability in late 2026 or early 2027.
How Does the Smart #2 Compare to the Smart #1?
The Smart #2 is designed to sit below the Smart #1 in both price and size, targeting a younger demographic seeking an affordable entry into the premium EV segment. While both vehicles share the Geely SEA platform, the #2 uses a smaller 66 kWh battery compared to the #1's 66 kWh option (standard) or 72 kWh (long-range), and offers less rear cargo space.
Pricing is the primary differentiator. In China, the Smart #1 retails from 189,900 RMB, while the Smart #2 is expected to start around 150,000 RMB — a 21% reduction in entry price. This positions the #2 directly against the Volvo EX30 and the Mini Aceman, both of which target the same compact premium EV segment.
| Attribute | Smart #2 | Smart #1 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,300 mm | 4,400 mm |
| Battery | 66 kWh | 66 kWh / 72 kWh |
| Power | 268 hp | 268 hp / 422 hp (Brabus) |
| China Starting Price | ~150,000 RMB | 189,900 RMB |
| Range (CLTC) | ~475 km | 400 – 560 km |
The Smart #2 undercuts the Smart #1's Chinese entry price by approximately 21%, starting at 150,000 RMB compared to the #1's 189,900 RMB.
Who Is This For?
The Smart #2 is designed for urban professionals and first-time EV buyers who want a premium-badged electric vehicle without paying premium-compact SUV prices. It appeals to buyers who prioritize maneuverability, low running costs, and brand heritage over outright cargo space or performance. The vehicle's sub-4.4-meter length makes it particularly suited for dense Asian cities with narrow streets and limited parking.
Based on the MIIT filing data, the Smart #2 also targets the Chinese domestic market first, where government subsidies of up to 20,000 RMB for EVs under 300,000 RMB further reduce the effective purchase price. This makes the vehicle competitive against domestic brands like BYD and Neta, which dominate the 150,000 RMB price bracket.
The Smart #2 targets first-time EV buyers in dense Asian cities, with a Chinese starting price of 150,000 RMB that qualifies for government subsidies of up to 20,000 RMB.
Common Questions
Is the Smart #2 a full SUV or a coupe-style vehicle?
The Smart #2 is a compact SUV with a coupe-like roofline. It measures 4,300 mm in length and 1,820 mm in width, with a sloping rear roof that reduces cargo space compared to the boxier Smart #1 but improves aerodynamic efficiency.
What is the expected driving range of the Smart #2 on a single charge?
Based on the MIIT filing, the Smart #2 with a 66 kWh battery has an estimated range of approximately 475 km on the CLTC cycle. Real-world range will likely be 350–400 km, depending on driving conditions and climate.
Will the Smart #2 be sold in Malaysia with left-hand drive or right-hand drive?
The MIIT filing shows left-hand-drive Chinese-spec vehicles. For Malaysia, Smart is expected to produce right-hand-drive versions, as it did with the Smart #1. However, no right-hand-drive production timeline has been announced as of the publication date.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based exclusively on the Lowyat.net report titled "Smart #2 Photos Surface via Chinese Regulator," published in January 2026. The primary data points, including vehicle dimensions, battery capacity, and pricing estimates, are derived from the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) filing database referenced in the source. No independent testing or manufacturer confirmation was available at the time of writing.
All pricing figures are quoted in Chinese Yuan (RMB) as reported in the source. Malaysian Ringgit (RM) conversions are approximate estimates based on an exchange rate of 1 RMB = 0.65 MYR and were not provided in the original source. Vehicle dimensions and battery specifications are presented as reported in the MIIT filing without independent verification.
This article was last updated on January 12, 2026.