2019 smart EQ fortwo (convertible)

Overview

The 2019 smart EQ fortwo represents the final chapter of the brand’s dedicated electric transition in the North American market. As a micro-car designed primarily for dense urban environments, the EQ fortwo evolved from the internal combustion models that defined the brand’s early years into a purely battery-electric vehicle. The convertible variant, often referred to as the “cabriolet,” features a power-folding fabric roof that allows for an open-air experience, maintaining the brand’s signature “tridion” safety cell architecture while offering a unique footprint that allows for parking in spaces inaccessible to conventional automobiles.

Engineering for the 2019 model year focused on efficiency and maneuverability. Built on a platform shared with the Renault Twingo, the vehicle utilizes a rear-mounted electric motor driving the rear wheels, providing a tight turning radius that remains a benchmark for city cars. Despite its diminutive size, the vehicle incorporates sophisticated safety features and a high-quality interior finish consistent with its parent company, Mercedes-Benz. By 2019, smart had fully committed to the “EQ” branding, signaling a shift toward electrification that would eventually lead to the brand’s withdrawal from the US market in favor of a global joint venture strategy.

The legacy of the 2019 smart EQ fortwo is one of visionary urban mobility. While it faced challenges regarding its limited range and niche appeal, it remains a significant case study in automotive packaging. For collectors and urban commuters, it stands as a testament to a period when manufacturers were experimenting with ultra-compact electric solutions to solve the growing congestion and parking crises in major metropolitan hubs.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	smart
Model	EQ fortwo (convertible)
Model Year	2019
Generation	4th Generation (C453)
Trim	Pure, Passion, Prime
Body Style	2-Door Convertible
Vehicle Segment	Microcar
Vehicle Class	Two Seaters
Market	USA
Platform	Renault-Daimler Edison
Assembly Plant	Hambach, France
Country of Origin	France
Production Start	2017
Production End	2019
VIN Identifier	WME
Base MSRP	$28,100
Destination Charge	$995
Total MSRP	$29,095
Powertrain
Powertrain Type	Electric
Horsepower	80 hp
Torque	118 lb-ft
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive
Transmission	Automatic (A1)
Final Drive Ratio	9.06:1
Axle Ratio	–
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type	Electricity
EPA City MPGe (for EV/PHEV)	112
EPA Highway MPGe (for EV/PHEV)	91
EPA Combined MPGe (for EV/PHEV)	102
Estimated Driving Range	58 miles
Annual Fuel Cost	$750
CO₂ Emissions	0 g/mile
Greenhouse Gas Score	10
Smog Rating	3
Electric Vehicle System
Battery Supplier	Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE
Battery Chemistry	Lithium-ion
Gross Battery Capacity (kWh)	17.6
Usable Battery Capacity (kWh)	16.7
System Voltage	350V
Number of Motors	1
Combined Output	60 kW
Combined Torque	118 lb-ft
EPA Range (Miles)	58
On-board Charger Power (kW)	7.2
AC Charging Power	7.2 kW
DC Fast Charging Power	–
Charge Port	J1772
Charging Standard (CCS1/NACS)	–
DC Charge Time (10-80%)	–
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)	No
Vehicle-to-Home (V2H)	No
Heat Pump	No
Performance
0-30 mph	4.9 seconds
0-60 mph	11.7 seconds
0-100 mph	–
Quarter Mile	–
Top Speed	81 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph)	128 ft
Lateral Acceleration	0.78g
Power-to-Weight Ratio	–
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (in)	106.1
Width (Without Mirrors) (in)	65.5
Width (With Mirrors) (in)	74.2
Height (in)	61.2
Wheelbase (in)	73.7
Front Track (in)	57.4
Rear Track (in)	56.8
Ground Clearance (in)	5.0
Curb Weight (lbs)	2,400
GVWR (lbs)	3,100
Towing Capacity (lbs)	0
Payload Capacity (lbs)	500
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	45.4
Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft)	9.2
Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft)	12.0
Turning Circle	22.8 ft
Approach Angle	–
Departure Angle	–
Breakover Angle	–
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating	–
NHTSA Frontal Crash	–
NHTSA Side Crash	–
NHTSA Rollover	–
IIHS Award	–
Small Overlap Front	–
Moderate Overlap Front	–
Side Impact	–
Headlights Rating	–
Front Crash Prevention	–
Technology & Connectivity
Infotainment Display	7-inch Touchscreen
Instrument Cluster	Analog with LCD
Apple CarPlay	Optional
Android Auto	Optional
Navigation System	Optional
Audio System	JBL Premium
Speaker Count	8
Wireless Charging	No
Wi-Fi Hotspot	No
OTA Updates	No
Digital Key	No
Warranty & Ownership
Basic Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance	4 years / 50,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance	–
Hybrid Component Warranty	–
EV Battery Warranty	8 years / 100,000 miles
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Transmission Supplier	Getrag
Gear Ratios	Single-speed
Differential Type	Open
Cooling System Capacity	–
Roof Load Capacity (lbs)	0
Safety Recall Count	–
Production Volume	–
Units Sold in USA	–

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

The 2019 smart EQ fortwo is a highly specialized vehicle that appeals primarily to urban dwellers with access to home charging and a secondary vehicle for longer trips. Its reliability is generally considered solid due to the simplicity of the electric drivetrain, though owners should be aware of potential issues with the 12V auxiliary battery, which can cause electronic glitches if it loses charge. In the used market, it is valued for its extreme ease of parking and low operating costs, though its limited 58-mile range significantly restricts its utility for suburban commuters. Prospective buyers should prioritize models with the upgraded onboard charger and verify the health of the high-voltage battery, as the vehicle’s appeal is entirely dependent on its ability to hold a charge for daily city errands.