SPOT.
Photo of a Smart Fortwo

Smart Fortwo

Two seats, 2.5 meters: the first generation took parallel parking sideways.1

Researched October 26, 2026 from 36 sources

Also called

  • Smart carColloquial shorthand that merges the car's model identity with the Smart brand.1
  • EDAbbreviation of Electric Drive, the battery-powered Fortwo.2

At a glance

0100200
41–123 hpPower
012.525
9.8–23.4 s0–60 mph
0100200
100–175 km/hTop speed
0150300
89–169.5 N·mTorque
07501,500
730–1,081 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.128121314

Engine
0.6–1.0 L gasoline I3; 0.8 L turbodiesel I3; electric motor18
Layout
Rear-engine or rear-motor, rear-wheel drive1
Gearbox
6-/5-speed automated manual; third-gen 5-speed manual/6-speed DCT; EV 1-speed12
Built at
Smartville, Hambach, France1
Units built
More than 2 million1

The story

Swatch and Mercedes-Benz's answer to city traffic began as the City-Coupé and became the Fortwo, named for its two seats. Three generations kept rear-wheel drive, whether powered by an engine or an electric motor.1

1998: A wider Smart before customer deliveries19981999: TRUST Plus retrofit for early cars19992003: 698cc engines and full ESP20032006: W451 debuts in Bologna20062008: The second generation reaches the U.S.20082014: Third generation, Renault Twingo roots20142017: 80 hp and a standard 7 kW charger20172019: A planned 21-car combustion farewell20192024: Final Cabrio leaves Hambach in March2024 Mercedes-Benz Eco Sprinter: 1992 (prototype)Mercedes-Benz Eco SprinterSmart City-Coupé / Fortwo (W450): 1998–2007W450Smart Fortwo (W451): 2006–2015W451Smart Fortwo (C453): 2014–2024C453 1995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones16710111323
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1992 (prototype)Mercedes-Benz Eco Sprinter
1998–2007Smart City-Coupé / Fortwo (W450)
2006–2015Smart Fortwo (W451)
2014–2024Smart Fortwo (C453)
1998A wider Smart before customer deliveries
1999TRUST Plus retrofit for early cars
2003698cc engines and full ESP
2006W451 debuts in Bologna
2008The second generation reaches the U.S.
2014Third generation, Renault Twingo roots
201780 hp and a standard 7 kW charger
2019A planned 21-car combustion farewell
2024Final Cabrio leaves Hambach in March
  1. 1998

    A wider Smart before customer deliveries

    Moose-test concerns prompt extra width before the first deliveries to private customers, delayed until the end of 1998.3

  2. 1999

    TRUST Plus retrofit for early cars

    Cars built before June 1 get a free TRUST Plus retrofit; later builds receive softer suspension and the same system.4

  3. 2003

    698cc engines and full ESP

    The gasoline engine grows from 599cc to 698cc: Pure makes 50 hp, the others 61 hp. Full ESP replaces TRUST Plus and can brake individual wheels.45

  4. 2006

    W451 debuts in Bologna

    The second generation appears at the Bologna Motor Show. Its body gains 200 mm in length, with improved crash performance.1

  5. 2008

    The second generation reaches the U.S.

    The U.S. run begins with the 2008 model year, spanning gasoline and electric versions through the 2018 model year.67

  6. 2014

    Third generation, Renault Twingo roots

    The third Fortwo debuts in Berlin on July 16, sharing its platform and engines with the third-generation Renault Twingo.1

  7. 2017

    80 hp and a standard 7 kW charger

    Electric Drive gets 80 hp, 160 Nm, a claimed 70–80-mile range and a standard 7 kW AC charger; 0–80% takes about 2.5 hours on a 240V wallbox.8

  8. 2019

    A planned 21-car combustion farewell

    Konstantin Grcic's Final Collector Edition plans 21 cars with Brabus. Gasoline engines end in 2019, leaving electric-only power by 2020.910

  9. 2024

    Final Cabrio leaves Hambach in March

    An all-electric Fortwo Cabrio closes more than 25 years of production at Hambach, France, at the end of March.11

Every generation

  • Smart City-Coupé / Fortwo
    W4501998–2007
  • Smart Fortwo
    W4512006–2015
  • Smart Fortwo
    C4532014–2024
  • Smart #2
    Smart #2

Power over the years

From 45 hp to 123 hp in 19 years.

050100150 2000200520102015 hp 1998 · 45 hp · W450 599cc base2002 · 70 hp · Crossblade2003 · 61 hp · City Coupe Passion 698cc2003 · 74 hp · 698cc Brabus2007 · 70 hp · W451 mhd: stop-start, no drive motor2007 · 98 hp · W451 Brabus2008 · 70 hp · U.S. W451: 1.0 L Mitsubishi2010 · 53 hp · W451 CDI: 3.4 L/100 km2016 · 89 hp · 453 898cc turbo2017 · 80 hp · 2017 Electric Drive2017 · 107 hp · Fortwo Brabus2017 · 123 hp · Brabus Ultimate 125 123 hp Brabus Ultimate 125 45 hp W450 599cc base
15678101214151617
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
199845W450 599cc base
200270Crossblade
200361City Coupe Passion 698cc
200374698cc Brabus
200770W451 mhd: stop-start, no drive motor
200798W451 Brabus
200870U.S. W451: 1.0 L Mitsubishi
201053W451 CDI: 3.4 L/100 km
201689453 898cc turbo
2017802017 Electric Drive
2017107Fortwo Brabus
2017123Brabus Ultimate 125

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Pure / Pulse / Passion / Prime / Proxy

  • Electric Drive Cabrio

    Standard

    Electric Drive Cabrio

    2017

    80 hp

  • Special

    Brabus Sport Package (US)

    2013

    70 hp
  • Brabus (450)

    Performance

    Brabus (450)

    74 hp
  • Brabus / Xclusive (451, launch version)

    Performance

    Brabus / Xclusive (451, launch version)

    2007

    97 hp

  • Limited

    Limited 1 / edition limited one, two and three

  • Crossblade

    Limited

    Crossblade

    2002

    70 hp

    2,000 built

  • Brabus Ultimate 125

    Limited

    Brabus Ultimate 125

    2017

    123 hp
  • Brabus Edition Red

    Limited

    Brabus Edition Red

    2006–2007

    74 hp

    50 built

  • Limited

    Final Collector Edition

    2019

    89 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • A visible Tridion safety cell can contrast with the plastic body panels.1
  • The tiny two-seat body has very short overhangs and an almost one-box profile.119
  • Two-piece rear hatch, including a separately opening rear window.116
  • Third generation: a honeycomb grille, rhombic headlights and U-shaped daytime lights.119
  • On the 2017 model, the engine air inlet sits under the left B-pillar.18

Year by year

  1. 2002 coupe facelift

    The coupe gains figure-eight headlights already used on the Cabrio, plus clear-look rear lamps.422

  2. 2007 (451)

    Look for horizontal door handles and two round elements in each rear lamp, versus three on the 450.13

  3. 2010 / 2011 model year

    New wheel designs and colors arrive; the cabin gains round outer vents and more fabric across the dashboard.113

  4. 2012 / 2013 model year

    LED daytime lights, revised bumpers and new side skirts arrive; the brand emblem changes position.11317

  5. 2014 generation

    A higher hood, wider stance and larger honeycomb grille accompany rhombic headlights.1819

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Smart Fortwo
    Fortwo
    Photo of a Smart Forfour
    Smart Forfour

    Smart Forfour

    On the 2014 generation, extra rear doors, a longer Tridion cell and a one-piece hatch identify the Forfour.21

  • Photo of a Smart Fortwo
    Fortwo
    Photo of a Toyota iQ
    Toyota iQ

    Toyota iQ

    Look through the windows for the iQ's rear seats; the Fortwo has only two seats and a separately opening rear screen.16

Against its rivals

  • Fortwo vs Toyota iQ

    Turning circle lower is better

    Fortwo8.7 m
    Toyota iQ7.8 m
    16

Prices

Value today $5.9K–$7.8K2029

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K 2016201820202022202420262028 Value today: $5,850–$7,789 2016 · $15,400 · US base2016 · $20,570 · US Proxy automatic, as tested2017 · $23,800 · US electric coupe, +$750 delivery2017 · $28,000 · US electric cabrio, +$750 delivery 2025 · $7,789 · 2009 Passion Cabriolet, 47k miles, Bring a Trailer2025 · $12,001 · 2014 Passion, 8k miles, BaT2025 · $12,600 · 2013 Brabus Tailor Made Cocoa Edition, 21k miles, BaT2026 · $5,850 · 2013 Brabus Sport Package, 59k miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $6,000 · 2008 Passion Cabriolet, 26k miles, BaT2026 · $8,900 · 2009 Passion Coupe, 27k miles, BaT2026 · $11,250 · 2016 Passion Coupe, 34k miles, BaT $12.6K BaT, 2025
7820293233343536
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2016Price when new$15,400US base
2016Price when new$20,570US Proxy automatic, as tested
2017Price when new$23,800US electric coupe, +$750 delivery
2017Price when new$28,000US electric cabrio, +$750 delivery
2025Auction sale$7,7892009 Passion Cabriolet, 47k miles, Bring a Trailer
2025Auction sale$12,0012014 Passion, 8k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$12,6002013 Brabus Tailor Made Cocoa Edition, 21k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$5,8502013 Brabus Sport Package, 59k miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$6,0002008 Passion Cabriolet, 26k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$8,9002009 Passion Coupe, 27k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$11,2502016 Passion Coupe, 34k miles, BaT
2026Value today$5,850–$7,789

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “20 adults in a standard two-seater”
    • “ACI's first electric crown: 1 win, 9 podiums”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 36 sources
  1. Smart Fortwo - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. 2017 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive First Drive – Review – Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  3. How Prof. Johann Tomforde builds up the smart brand (feat. Nicolas Heyek) - smart EMOTION smart-emotion.de
  4. Modellhistorie smart-club.de
  5. Smart City Coupe Passion | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  6. Smart Fortwo For Sale - BaT Auctions bringatrailer.com
  7. 2016 Smart Fortwo Automatic Test – Review – Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  8. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  9. Smart ForTwo Final Collector Edition | 2019MY caricos.com
  10. Used Smart ForTwo (Mk3, 2015-date) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  11. Last Smart Fortwo rolls off the production line in Hambach - electrive.com electrive.com
  12. Brabus Ultimate 125 - The most extreme Smart Fortwo yet | evo evo.co.uk
  13. Smart Fortwo (W451) - Wikipedia it.wikipedia.org
  14. Smart Fortwo Brabus review - Small car, big fun, huge price | evo evo.co.uk
  15. modellhistorie fortwo 2007 -> smart-club.de
  16. Toyota iQ vs Smart ForTwo | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  17. Used Smart ForTwo (Mk2, 2007-2014) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  18. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  19. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  20. No Reserve: 2013 Smart Fortwo Brabus for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $5,850 on May 11, 2026 (Lot #241,894) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  21. Les nouvelles smart fortwo & forfour : La saga continue media.mercedes-benz.fr
  22. Smart Fortwo (W450) - Wikipedia it.wikipedia.org
  23. Johann Tomforde on the Beginnings and Development of the smart Brand | smart Newsroom media.smart.com
  24. Cupido op vier wielen media.mercedes-benz.nl
  25. smart fortwo in film “The Da Vinci Code” media.mercedes-benz.nl
  26. Forza Motorsport 4 Preview: Forza 4 May Top Gear - Game Informer gameinformer.com
  27. Twenty cheerleaders cram into one Smart car - Guinness World Records Italian Show | Guinness World Records guinnessworldrecords.com
  28. Vittorio Ghirelli, il campione in carica a tutto kilowatt - SportMediaset sportmediaset.mediaset.it
  29. No Reserve: 2009 Smart Fortwo Passion Cabriolet for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,789 on April 30, 2025 (Lot #189,700) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. 2003 Smart Crossblade No reserve artcurial.com
  31. 450 - Smart Car Specialist smartcarspecialist.com
  32. No Reserve: 26k-Mile 2008 Smart Fortwo Passion Cabriolet for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,000 on October 15, 2026 (Lot #268,682) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 8k-Mile 2014 Smart Fortwo Passion for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,001 on October 8, 2025 (Lot #213,843) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 21k-Mile 2013 Smart Fortwo Brabus Tailor Made Cocoa Edition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,600 on April 29, 2025 (Lot #189,511) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 27k-Mile 2009 Smart Fortwo Passion Coupe for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,900 on August 31, 2026 (Lot #260,673) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 2016 Smart Fortwo Passion Coupe for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $11,250 on June 18, 2026 (Lot #248,282) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • caranddriver.com
  • smart-emotion.de
  • smart-club.de
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • bringatrailer.com
  • media.mbusa.com
  • caricos.com
  • electrive.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • it.wikipedia.org
  • media.mercedes-benz.fr
  • media.smart.com
  • media.mercedes-benz.nl

Photo credits

Other car files