Smart is putting the finishing touches on the new #2 ahead of its unveiling at October's Paris motor show.
The replacement for Smart's signature model, the Fortwo, marks the brand's return to its roots after launching a range of electric crossovers – including the #5, its largest model yet.
Due in UK dealerships next year, it has been designed to offer what Smart calls "uncompromised urban capability".
The two-seater is based on a bespoke 'Electric Compact Arcitechture' developed by Geely.
The Chinese company co-owns the Smart brand with its original founder Mercedes-Benz, which took the lead on the #2's design.
Full details remain under wraps until the Paris motor show, but Smart has confirmed the new EV will offer a range of 186 miles and be capable of charging its battery from 10-80% in less than 20 minutes.
It will also have vehicle-to-load capability, allowing its battery to power external devices.
New images of a #2 prototype in tests showcase a strong similarity to the concept car that was shown earlier this year, retaining its "wheels-at-the-corners" stance and ultra-compact footprint.
This will give it a turning circle of just 6.95m.
At just 2792mm long, the concept was only around 100mm longer than the previous Fortwo, so it will reclaim its position as the shortest electric car on sale, undercutting the Fiat 500e by almost a metre. Anything smaller, like the Citroën Ami or Micro Microlino, officially fits into the quadricycle category.
Smart said the new #2 will move its entry-level model upmarket while "brilliantly maximising interior space" within its compact dimensions - a product of moving onto a bespoke EV architecture, as the old electric Fortwo was based on an ICE car platform.
The Concept #2 "elevates the city car beyond mere utility" according to Smart - and while it hasn't yet revealed the cabin in full, it promises to be much plusher and more luxuriously appointed than the sparsely furnished original.
It will still be minimalist, in keeping with an exterior design that's been "reduced to its essence", but liberal use of leather, translucent surfacing and two-tone gold paintwork will help to cultivate more of a premium aesthetic.
Notably, will it swap traditional front seats for a bench – which, Smart claims, frees up additional interior space.
