Smart Electric Drive fortwo coupe

Overview

The 2016 Smart Electric Drive fortwo coupe is the quintessential city slicker, packing a zero-emissions punch into an incredibly compact package. This little two-seater is all about darting through urban jungles with ease. As the final model year of its generation, it offers established electric tech for those wanting a nimble and eco-friendly ride. Discontinued now, you can snag one on the used market in Europe for around €6,500. It's a characterful choice for tight parking spots and short hops, delivering pure electric urban mobility.

What's New for 2016?

For 2016, the Smart Electric Drive fortwo coupe was largely a carry-over model, representing the final hurrah for this third-generation electric variant before an all-new version arrived. Think of it as the well-honed, final edition of a familiar friend. No major new gadgets or massive powertrain shake-ups were introduced for this model year. Instead, it continued to offer its proven electric charm, focusing on its core strengths: compact dimensions perfect for city life and a peppy electric motor for zipping around town silently and efficiently.

Design & Exterior

This little tyke screams "city car" with its iconic, almost comically short design. The 2016 fortwo coupe Electric Drive measures a mere 2695 mm in length, 1559 mm in width, and 1565 mm in height, making it a parking champion. Its signature Tridion safety cell is often finished in a contrasting colour, adding a splash of personality. The cheeky front end and ultra-short overhangs give it bags of character. It’s a design that’s instantly recognizable and perfectly suited for navigating the concrete jungle with a tiny turning circle.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside the fortwo coupe, it’s surprisingly spacious for two, thanks to its clever design. The cabin is functional and a bit quirky, with durable materials built for city life. Don't expect acres of soft-touch plastic, but it’s cheerful. For your bits and bobs, the trunk offers a practical 220 litres of space – enough for the weekly shop or a couple of weekend bags. There's no frunk, unfortunately. Tech-wise, it was relatively basic, typically featuring essential audio and climate controls, though some models had optional small-screen navigation systems.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let its size fool you; the Electric Drive is a proper hoot in town! Its rear-mounted 55 kW PMSM motor delivers 130 Nm of instant torque, making the RWD fortwo surprisingly nippy off the line, hitting 100 km/h in a respectable 11.5 seconds. Top speed is capped at 125 km/h, plenty for urban duties. The super-short wheelbase means an incredibly tight turning circle, perfect for U-turns on a dime. The ride can be a tad firm over bumps, but its agility and instant response make it a fun and effortless city companion.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 2016 Smart Electric Drive fortwo coupe is equipped with a 16.7 kWh usable battery pack, offering a real-world range of around 106 km, as calculated by Green Cars Compare – ideal for city commutes. Its efficiency is rated at a decent 6.35 km/kWh. Charging is handled via a Type 2 (Mennekes) port, with a standard 3.7 kW on-board AC charger that can replenish the battery in roughly 4.5 to 5 hours. DC fast charging wasn't a common feature for this model, so plan for overnight or destination top-ups.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

For a tiny car, the Smart fortwo has always punched above its weight in safety, thanks to its super-strong Tridion safety cell, designed to protect occupants like a nutshell. Standard kit included multiple airbags, ABS, and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). While Euro NCAP ratings for this specific 2016 electric version aren't readily cited, its fundamental structure was robust. Don't expect fancy driver-assistance systems; it's more about fundamental safety, though parking sensors were often available to help squeeze into those tiny spots.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the Smart Electric Drive typically came with a standard 2-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty in Europe. Crucially for an EV, the high-voltage battery was usually covered by a separate, more extensive warranty, often around 8 years or 100,000 km, protecting against significant degradation. Maintenance is one of the big perks of EV ownership – no oil changes here! Routine checks mainly involve brakes, tyres, and cabin filters, generally leading to lower running costs compared to its petrol-powered city car rivals.