Smart EQ fortwo cabrio

Overview

The 2019 Smart EQ fortwo cabrio is the ultimate electric city slicker with a cheeky drop-top! Perfect for nipping through tight urban jungles and soaking up the sun, this tiny two-seater was all about emissions-free fun. Its unique selling point? Unbeatable maneuverability and the joy of open-air electric driving in a pint-sized package. As a discontinued model, you can find these on the used market, with examples around $15,998. It’s a quirky choice for those who want something different for their city commutes.

What's New for 2019?

For 2019, the biggest news was the "EQ" branding fully taking over from the previous "Electric Drive" nameplate, aligning Smart's electric offerings with Mercedes-Benz's EQ electric sub-brand. This was largely a cosmetic and branding shift for the fortwo cabrio. Sadly, 2019 also marked the final year for Smart cars in the US market, making this model year the last hurrah for American buyers wanting a new one. No major mechanical or feature changes were introduced specifically for the cabriolet trim this year; it was more of a swan song.

Design & Exterior

The 2019 Smart EQ fortwo cabrio is instantly recognizable with its super-compact, two-box design and signature Tridion safety cell, often in a contrasting color. This cabriolet version features an electrically retractable fabric soft-top, adding a dose of fun. It's seriously tiny, measuring just 106.1 inches long, 65.5 inches wide, and 61.2 inches tall, making parking a doddle. Standard steel wheels with hubcaps were common, but alloys were available. Its cheeky face and short overhangs give it a playful, almost toy-like appeal, perfect for standing out.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside the EQ fortwo cabrio, you'll find a surprisingly airy two-seater cabin, thanks to the drop-top. Materials are generally hard-wearing plastics, fitting its city car brief, but with funky design touches. Passenger space is decent for two. Cargo-wise, you get 9.2 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to 12 cubic feet with the passenger seat presumably folded or area utilized – not huge, but usable for urban errands. There's no frunk. Tech included a basic infotainment system, often with a small display and smartphone connectivity options like Bluetooth.

Performance & Driving Experience

This little zapper is pure RWD fun! Its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor dishes out 60 kW (around 80 hp) and a healthy 118 lb-ft of instant torque. That’s good for a 0-60 mph dash in a leisurely 11.4 seconds, but it feels perkier around town thanks to that immediate electric punch. Top speed is capped at 81 mph. The ride is firm, as you'd expect from its short wheelbase, but its tiny turning circle is legendary. Regenerative braking helps claw back some energy, especially in stop-start city traffic.

Range, Battery & Charging

The EQ fortwo cabrio packs a modest 16.7 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 63 miles – strictly city-centric. Efficiency is decent at 3.77 mi/kWh. Charging is handled via a Type 1 (J1772) port. With its standard 7.2 kW on-board AC charger, you can expect a full top-up from empty in about 3 hours, perfect for overnight or workplace charging. DC fast charging wasn't really a feature for the US-spec fortwo, so plan your journeys carefully!

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While the 2019 Smart EQ fortwo cabrio itself wasn't rated by NHTSA, the model line received a 4-star rating from Euro NCAP. Standard safety kit included the distinctive Tridion safety cell, multiple airbags, and electronic stability control. A cool standard feature was Crosswind Assist, which helped keep it stable in gusty conditions – pretty nifty for such a small, light car. Advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise or lane keeping weren't typically part of the package, keeping things straightforward for this urban warrior.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, Smart offered a basic vehicle warranty in the US, typically around 4 years or 50,000 miles. The crucial high-voltage battery warranty was generally 8 years or 60,000 to 100,000 miles, safeguarding against significant degradation. Powertrain coverage would align with the basic warranty. As an EV, maintenance needs are generally lower than a gasoline car. However, with Smart having exited the US market, specialized service might require a visit to select Mercedes-Benz dealerships that still support the brand, so check local availability.

In 2018, Smart renamed the ForTwo Cabrio Electric Drive to the EQ ForTwo Cabrio. The car with the old name was produced from 2017 to 2018.