fortwo Electric Drive Cabrio

Make
smart
Segment
Compact

Brabus is known for its long history of tuning Mercedes vehicles. They're just usually a lot bigger than the Smart EQ ForTwo. However, Brabus created the Ultimate-E last year, based on the soft-top Cabrio version of the tiny city car. The tuner upgraded the accelerator pedal modules and torque control system to create more power and efficiency from the ForTwo's three-phase synchronous motor and gave it a widebody kit. Now, Brabus has introduced a special edition called the Brabus 92R and describes it as a "city supercar."

Before you snicker, let's remember that the supercar moniker is relative to its size. The percentage increase in power is large, but in reality, it increases the EQ ForTwo's output from 82 to 92 horsepower and gives it a claimed 0-60 mph time of 10.9 seconds. It also has a range of 78 miles from its 17.2kWh battery, and its top speed is limited to 81 mph. Okay, now you can snicker.

The Brabus 92R doesn't get any extra power over the Ultimate-E. However, nobody will be taking the Brabus 92R to the drag strip anytime soon; its natural environment is the tight city streets of Europe. Instead, Brabus has improved its handling for nipping around those city streets. Adjustable coilover sports suspension lowers it by around an inch and is tuned to match a set of staggered 16- and 17-inch eight-spoke Brabus Monoblock IX alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance Yokohama tires. Curiously, Brabus chose the smaller staggered wheel combination over the Ultimate-E's 18-inch forged wheels.

The high-gloss black wheels pair up with carbon fiber exterior parts and a new front fascia and rear spoiler to give the 92R a more aggressive look than the already mean-looking Ultimate-E with its Widestar widebody kit.

Brabus is as famous for its interior trim as it is for adding performance and exterior flare. Inside is the tuner's signature red leather upholstery with custom quilted surfaces and black topstitching. On top of that, Brabus logos are displayed on both backrests for added affect when the soft top is down.

Unfortunately for American city dwellers that like the idea of the Brabus 92R, the Smart EQ ForTwo is no longer available. For Europeans, the Brabus take on the little car costs €46,284 (around $54,000) before any electric subsidies on offer. On top of the standard features, customers can also order special paint finishes and additional interior upgrades. However, only 50 units are being built.