2019 smart EQ fortwo (coupe)

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 specifically for dense urban environments, the EQ fortwo was engineered to prioritize maneuverability, ease of parking, and zero-emission operation. By 2019, the smart brand had fully committed to an all-electric lineup, phasing out internal combustion engines entirely in the United States and Canada to focus on the “EQ” sub-brand identity shared with its parent company, Mercedes-Benz.

Built upon the C453 platform, which was developed in a joint venture between Daimler AG and the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, the 2019 model benefited from a wider track and improved suspension geometry compared to its predecessors. The vehicle utilizes a rear-mounted electric motor driving the rear wheels, maintaining the iconic “tridion” safety cell architecture that has defined the smart aesthetic since its inception. Despite its diminutive footprint, the car was marketed as a premium city solution, offering high-quality interior materials and a tight turning radius that remains a benchmark for urban mobility.

The legacy of the 2019 smart EQ fortwo is one of visionary urban planning that ultimately struggled against the American preference for larger crossovers and SUVs. Following the 2019 model year, Mercedes-Benz ceased sales of the smart brand in the United States, making this iteration a significant collector’s item for enthusiasts of micro-mobility. Its engineering significance lies in its packaging efficiency—a masterclass in maximizing interior volume within a sub-nine-foot length—and its role as a precursor to the modern wave of compact electric city cars.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	smart
Model	EQ fortwo (coupe)
Model Year	2019
Generation	4th (C453)
Trim	Pure, Passion, Prime
Body Style	2-door Coupe
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	$23,900
Destination Charge	$995
Total MSRP	$24,895
Powertrain
Powertrain Type	Electric (BEV)
Horsepower	80 hp
Torque	118 lb-ft
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive
Transmission	Automatic (A1)
Final Drive Ratio	9.23:1
Axle Ratio	–
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type	Electricity
EPA City MPGe (for EV/PHEV)	124
EPA Highway MPGe (for EV/PHEV)	94
EPA Combined MPGe (for EV/PHEV)	108
Estimated Driving Range	58 miles
Annual Fuel Cost	$600
CO₂ Emissions	0 g/mile
Greenhouse Gas Score	10
Smog Rating	10
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	360V
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)	J1772
DC Charge Time (10-80%)	–
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)	No
Vehicle-to-Home (V2H)	No
Heat Pump	No
Performance
0-60 mph	11.4 seconds
Top Speed	81 mph
Power-to-Weight Ratio	–
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (in)	106.1
Width (Without Mirrors) (in)	65.5
Height (in)	61.2
Wheelbase (in)	73.7
Curb Weight (lbs)	2,400
Turning Circle	22.8 ft
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating	–
Technology & Connectivity
Infotainment Display	7-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay	Yes
Android Auto	No
Navigation System	Optional
Audio System	JBL Premium
Warranty & Ownership
Basic Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
EV Battery Warranty	8 years / 100,000 miles
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Transmission Supplier	Getrag
Differential Type	Open

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

The 2019 smart EQ fortwo is widely regarded as a niche vehicle, best suited for urban commuters with access to home charging who rarely exceed its 58-mile range. Reliability is generally high due to the simplicity of the electric powertrain, though owners should monitor the health of the 12V auxiliary battery, which can cause electronic glitches if it loses charge. In the used market, these vehicles offer exceptional value for city dwellers looking for a “second car” for errands, thanks to their ease of parking and low maintenance requirements compared to internal combustion vehicles. However, prospective buyers should be aware of the limited range, which makes the vehicle unsuitable for long-distance travel, and the lack of DC fast-charging capabilities, which restricts charging to Level 1 or Level 2 home/public stations.