Smart will become an all-electric automaker next year. Therefore the facelifted smart EQ fortwo and forfour are extremely important for the company’s survival. The two improved models will be unveiled next month at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show and will be available to buy early next year.
Mercedes-Benz official product roadmap for 2018-2019
The new sketches confirm that no major aesthetic changes are expected. Most significant changes will happen on the inside.
For the facelifted models I expect the previously announced 30 kWh battery for more range, LED headlights, some efficiency tweaks (slight aerodynamic improvement) and a better price.
The upgraded smart EQ forfour will be an alternative to the Volkswagen electric triplets (ŠKODA CITIGOe iV, SEAT Mii Electric and Volkswagen e-up 2.0). All these are expected to be priced below 20.000 euros with a WLTP range around 260 km.
The biggest doubt so far is the charging system. Will Smart introduce CCS fast charging in this upgrade or not?
New smart EQ forfour sketch
Anyway, this facelift is the last to be made to this generation. A new generation will be introduced in 2022, then production will move to China. This year the Chinese automaker Geely bought 50 percent of Smart from Daimler.
Under the joint venture agreement, a new generation of smart electric models will be assembled at a new purpose-built electric car factory in China with global sales due to begin in 2022.
The production of the current generation will remain in Europe.
Prior to the launch of new models from 2022 onwards, Daimler will continue to produce the current generation of smart vehicles in its Hambach plant France (smart EQ fortwo) and at Novo Mesto (Slovenia, smart EQ forfour).
If similarly priced I would probably choose a smart EQ forfour instead of a VW electric triplet only if it keeps the 22 kW on-board charger and adds CCS fast charging. This considering it gets the expected 30 kWh battery. What about you?
