Smart #2 to get a sporty Brabus version, but all-wheel drive remains uncertain
Smart’s new #2 electric two-seat city car has yet to go on sale, but Brabus is already promising a sportier version. The first official photos reveal a black-and-red colour scheme and more aggressive aerodynamic details. The manufacturer has not yet disclosed whether the tiny electric car will also get a more powerful motor or even all-wheel drive.
Brabus gives the small Smart a new look
Just a couple of days after the Smart #2 made its world debut at the Paris Motor Show, Brabus released the first photos of a sporty special edition.
The new model will feature matte black bodywork, red trim and black wheels. Red rings surround the headlights, while additional aerodynamic elements on the bumpers give the car a more muscular look.
Brabus’s classic black-and-red combination creates a clear link with earlier sporty Smarts. The first photos do not yet reveal the entire car or its interior.
Two electric motors instead of a 60 kW motor?
The standard Smart #2 uses a rear-mounted 60 kW electric motor producing 130 Nm. Its 35.8 kWh battery provides a range of up to 290 kilometres on the European WLTP test cycle.
The car is just 2746 mm long and has a turning circle of only 6.95 metres. Its five-link rear suspension sets it apart from most small city cars.
The Brabus version’s powertrain remains a secret. A potential all-wheel-drive setup would require a second electric motor on the front axle, but in such a small car this would mean significant engineering changes. Brabus could also opt for a more powerful rear electric motor and sportier chassis tuning. Neither approach has been confirmed so far.
European sales plans remain undecided
Order books for the standard Smart #2 have opened in Europe, but the Brabus model’s unveiling date, price and technical specifications have not been announced. A sporty two-seat electric car could become a distinctive offering in the European market. While there are fast small electric cars among its rivals, the combination of such compact bodywork and a sporty powertrain is rare.
Brabus’s biggest challenge is not necessarily increasing power. More important is preserving the Smart #2’s exceptional manoeuvrability and a reasonable driving range. If Brabus can give the small electric car a genuinely sporty character, the #2 could become considerably more exciting than an ordinary city car. For now, though, its striking appearance will have to suffice, as the technical details still await confirmation.
