Roam Rider SL pickup camper pops up to create headroom, slides on both sides for more living space

Posted on 01/05/2026 by Gaurav Sood

Silver pickup truck with a mounted rooftop tent in a desert at sunset, blue sky.

There are pickup campers that extend outwards or those that pop-up. Now there is a third kind. The Roam Rider – an off-grid camper – that pops up to create headroom, and slides out (on either side) to increase the living space. Along with serious off-grid power capacity, the fascinating truck camper is also designed for all-season comfort. So, you can camp in the remotest location without having to worry about power and amenities, or having to give up your living convenience.

A twin-slide pop-up pickup camper, the Roam Rider SL, is designed primarily to sit atop 5-foot 6 inches truck bed. The company offers a customization option to tailor it to your truck bed requirements. The camper in its ready size measures roughly 12 ft long, 6 ft wide, and 5 ft high.

Designer: Roam Rider

Black pickup truck with a rooftop camper parked in a desert landscape of red rock formations under a blue sky.

White pickup with a raised rooftop tent against a bright blue sky and white snow dunes behind.

With an empty weight of 1,300 lbs, the Roam Rider SL is built in McKinney, TX, as an integral part of the company’s tough yet comfortable truck campers’ portfolio, made for real adventures. For its durability, the camper features an aluminum and fiberglass exterior, and XPS foam sheets sandwiched for insulation. Placed atop a truck bed, the Roam Rider SL feels snug. One can access the brightly lit interior of the camper through its rear entry door.

Camper van interior with white marble-look cabinets, a small fridge and drawer, grey cushioned seating, and quilted insulation above windows; compact kitchenette area on right side.

Camper van bedroom area with a raised wooden bed frame, grey mattress, and quilted silver insulation walls with side windows behind pleated blinds.

The natural lighting inside is ensured by a couple of mesh windows on each side of the pop-up camper. The pop-up roof itself is made of canvas and is supported by four stainless gas struts. The entire cabin from the walls to ceiling is insulated, while the eventful twin slide-out on either side gives the Roam Rider SL a unique vibe. It is complemented by sliding shelves and converting furniture, which easily adapt to the changing environment created by the camper’s sides sliding in and out.

Aircraft galley with a small induction cooktop, sink, and pull-out counter for food prep and meals.

Cozy camper van sleeping area with padded silver quilted walls, a wide gray mattress, and windows on both sides.

The Roam Rider SL has an interesting living environment, which is provided with a capable kitchen setup complete with appliances and amenities. The kitchen space has a 1500-watt induction cooktop sitting on a drop-down table, while a 12V dual zone refrigerator features on a sliding tray. The slide-out sink and folding faucet take care of the cleaning needs, and a 24-gallon freshwater tank onboard provides the needed water. An adjacent pull-out dining cum work table is where the prepared food is consumed.

Compact galley aboard a boat or RV with marble counters, a pull-out induction cooktop in a drawer, and a black gooseneck faucet over a sink.

Interior of a compact camper van with a kitchenette, grey cushioned seating, and quilted aluminum walls around windows.

The cabin is designed for sleeping up to 3 campers conveniently. The main slide-out bed can fit a couple, while the second, convertible bed can sleep one person. During the day, the single-person bed becomes a cushioned sitting area for up to four people. You can find multiple storage options inside the Roam Rider SL. Two slide-in cabinets, two drawers, a floor storage box, and a vertical storage box.

Interior of a compact vehicle bathroom with dark wood plank flooring, a white sliding door, and a blue-lit control panel on the right.

Interior of a modern ambulance with white cabinets, gray cushions, quilted walls, and a black textured floor

The camper is made for all-season adventures with a 7500BTU air conditioner and a 17,000 BTU diesel heater. A 4.8-gallon external diesel fuel tank is mounted on the back, which can provide fuel to the heater when you’re on an extended holiday in the winter. The camper is provided with a showering system, but there is no mention of a portable toilet inclusion. Though we learn that it features a 400Ah LiFePO4 lithium battery, paired with 320W solar panels. It also features a 3000-watt pure sine inverter, all for a starting price of $29,995.

Black Ford pickup with a rooftop tent parked on white sand dunes under a blue sky, a desert campsite setup on the vehicle's bed.

Camper van kitchenette with a fold-out marble counter, sink, stove, and a yellow Alpicool portable cooler on the floor beside the counter.

White marble galley with a fold-out counter extension, open storage underneath, and a built-in grill with a black gooseneck faucet on the right side.

Black pickup truck carrying a white camper shell with rooftop gear in a desert landscape, rock formation in the distance

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Snow Peak’s Inflatable Field Rise Rooftop Tent Sets Up in Minutes

Posted on 01/05/2026 by Gaurav Sood

The rooftop tent market is already a saturated one. When you think there is little scope for more innovation in design, someone proves us wrong. This time, it is the Japanese Snow Peak, which has released a rooftop tent with inflatable frames and a design to complement your outdoorsy style.

Dubbed the Snow Peak Field Rise RTT, it features entry doors on either side. The tent is designed with all-weather protection and has an awning spreading across from its base to provide the users with cover for outdoor fun during camping. Designed for more than camping, the tent is created with a self-supporting frame, which when inflated with air, provides a robust structure.

Designer: Snow Peak

The tent body made from an air frame does not require assembly or disassembly. The entire thing is just plug and play, so everything from setup to takedown can be done quickly. The compact two-person design of the Field Rise also ensures that the manufacturer has kept the tent lightweight with the universal approach of mounting onto almost all types of vehicles.

Conceptualized and created with the idea to allow each inhabitant to enjoy outdoor activities to their heart’s content, the rooftop tent has been created with a double-walled structure to suit Japan’s climate and distinct seasons, from hot summers to cold winter days. It is also designed to be resistant to wind and rain, allowing the users to spend time inside the Fire Rise in peace, regardless of the weather.

By saving you the time spent in setting up and taking down the rooftop tent, the Fire Rise RTT is designed to help you increase the time you spend enjoying activities and relaxing in nature. The tent’s large entrances allow easy access into the mudroom first up, which is (according to Japanese style-living) designed to keep the interiors clean. It is ideally placed at the entrance to make it easy to take off and put on shoes, while the inner tent serves as a separate space with a comfortable two-person sleeping area.

This is not the first tent from Snow Peak, in fact, we have seen a land shelter from the outdoor living solutions brand, which has also created an insulated poncho to redefine solo camping. Where the rooftop tent differs is its sail-like awning with telescopic support poles, which help extend the living area for the residents. Considering all that canvas has to be folded back down, you would expect that the tent will take up a lot of space when packed. In fact, it is designed with the idea of multi-day excursions in mind, leaving you space to do more.

Interestingly, the rooftop tent packs up into a size, only half of a Toyota Land Cruiser, leaving space for a bike or a space cargo basket to go onto the roof alongside. The Snow Peak Field Rise, with its wide doors on both sides of the vehicle and two windows on the front and rear, is expected to go on sale in Japan in the coming months, starting at ¥396,000 (approximately $2,500). There is no word on whether or not the Field Rise will be made available in North America.

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402-HP Morgan Supersport 400 is a handcrafted retro roadster with modern muscle

Posted on 30/04/2026 by Gaurav Sood

British specialist carmaker Morgan Motor Company has just introduced a modern roadster that blends contemporary performance with its long-standing tradition of hand-built craftsmanship. While that pairing may sound unlikely, the company’s fastest production model to date still carries the unmistakable silhouette of 1930s roadsters, complete with its signature ash wood frame construction beneath the body.

The two-seater Supersport 400 is powered by a 402-horsepower engine derived from the tuned BMW B58 turbocharged inline-six, positioning it as the flagship performer in the boutique brand’s lineup. This lightweight roadster can sprint from 0–62 mph in just 3.6 seconds, underlining a significant leap in performance while preserving Morgan’s analog driving appeal.

Designer: Morgan

Despite the increase in power, the Supersport 400 remains true to the brand’s lightweight philosophy. Tipping the scales at around 2,579 pounds, the car benefits from an impressive power-to-weight ratio that enhances both acceleration and agility. It is underpinned by Morgan’s CXV aluminum platform, paired with its traditional wooden framework, a combination that balances rigidity with handcrafted character. The result is a driving experience that feels both responsive and distinct from conventional sports cars.

To complement the performance upgrade, Morgan equips the Supersport 400 with a Dynamic Handling Pack as standard. This includes adjustable Nitron dampers, revised suspension geometry, and lightweight forged wheels that collectively improve stability and road feedback. Buyers can also opt for a limited-slip differential, which enhances traction during more spirited driving. A reworked exhaust system, available in active or high-flow configurations, further sharpens the car’s auditory presence, giving the inline-six a more pronounced note without overwhelming the cabin.

Visually, the Supersport 400 remains instantly recognizable as a Morgan, yet subtle refinements bring it in line with modern expectations. The long bonnet, flowing fenders, and exposed detailing stay true to the marque’s heritage, while new front wing vents and cleaner lower bodywork improve airflow and lend the car a more contemporary edge. These updates do not alter its identity but instead refine it for current performance standards.

Inside, the cabin continues the blend of tradition and modernity. Hand-stitched leather upholstery is paired with Alcantara options and bespoke detailing, offering a high level of personalization. Updated instrument dials and optional aluminum accents add a modern touch without detracting from the car’s classic appeal. Each example can be tailored extensively, reinforcing Morgan’s reputation for bespoke craftsmanship.

Positioned at the top of the lineup, the Supersport 400 carries a starting price of around £112,000 (approximately $150,000), reflecting its low-volume, hand-built nature. Production is set to begin in 2026, with orders already open for customers seeking a uniquely analog yet high-performance driving experience.

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Logitech G512 X gaming keyboard is highly customizable with analog and mechanical switches

Posted on 29/04/2026 by Gaurav Sood

Hardcore gamers always love accessories that give them granular control over the device’s hardware and functionality. This micro-level tuning can mean the difference between a closely fought loss and a glorious victory. Logitech wants to give serious gamers every little bit of advantage from the gear they own, and that’s where their new G512 X hybrid gaming keyboard excels.

The flagship keyboard features all the latest tech on offer, combined with the highly configurable quality that adapts to the gamer’s preferred style of play rather than the other way around. As per Robin Piispanen, Vice President and General Manager of Logitech G, the brand sees the player’s setup as “something that grows with them as they improve.” To this, M. Lahti, Global Product Marketing Manager at Logitech G, added that the “G512 X is our love letter to the gamers who mod their gear as much as they mod their games.”

Designer: Logitech

Although Logitech already has magnetic keyboards in its lineup, this hybrid option is the first by the brand to feature TMR switches. The granular hardware control comes courtesy of the 39 “Dual Swap” beds across its chassis, allowing players to create a mix of mechanical and analog switches on a single board. You could, for instance, assign analog input to movement-heavy WASD keys while keeping the rest of the layout equipped with mechanical switches for a more traditional typing feel. Based on usage data, these hybrid zones are intelligently clustered toward the left-hand side, where most in-game actions are concentrated.

This hybrid setup is further enhanced by TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) sensing technology, which improves upon Hall-effect designs with greater precision and consistency. The result is a true 8,000Hz polling rate paired with an ultra-fast 0.125ms response time, effectively eliminating perceptible input lag. In fast-paced FPS scenarios, this level of responsiveness can make a measurable difference, ensuring that every command is executed exactly when intended.

What sets the G512 X apart is its ability to merge analog control with mechanical feedback in a meaningful way. Analog switches allow for variable input depending on how deeply a key is pressed, enabling more nuanced control typically associated with controllers. This becomes particularly valuable in racing and flight simulation games, where gradual acceleration or directional adjustments benefit from pressure-sensitive input. At the same time, mechanical switches retain their crisp, tactile response for standard commands, ensuring familiarity is not sacrificed for innovation.

Logitech extends this flexibility into software through G Hub, where users can fine-tune actuation points and assign multiple functions to a single key based on press depth. This effectively adds another layer of input without increasing the physical footprint of the keyboard. For competitive players and enthusiasts alike, it means more control, faster access to commands, and a setup that can be tailored down to the smallest detail.

The keyboard’s construction features a durable aluminum top plate that enhances rigidity while maintaining a clean, understated design. Per-key RGB lighting remains fully customizable, allowing users to create personalized lighting profiles or sync effects with gameplay. The keycap pullers, switches, and SAPP rings are housed inside the storage space at the rear, avoiding visual clutter, focusing instead on performance and usability.

Available in both 75 percent and 98 percent layouts, the keyboard caters to different desk setups and user preferences. Whether opting for a compact footprint or a near full-size configuration, users still benefit from the same core features and strategically placed Dual Swap zones. Logitech G512 X keyboard is currently available in both black and white color options on the official website, while retailers will have it on 2 May. The 75-key layout is priced at $179.99, and the 98-key layout costs $199.99. Gamers can also go for the optional acrylic palm rest (sold separately starting at $40) that reflects the RGB lights of the keyboard lightbar and promises better comfort during long gaming sessions.

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Arduino-powered crane record player brings industrial influence and hands-on controls

Posted on 29/04/2026 by Gaurav Sood

Whether it’s built for serious music enthusiasts, I can’t say. But it has a strikingly inventive design, which deserves a home. This is the crane vinyl record player, which breaks away from conventional streaming and recorded music players, and gives music tactile and engaging controls with industrial aesthetics.

Inspired by construction sites, the vinyl record player is envisioned by Love Hultén, artist-designer renowned for reimaging vintage technology, and features a scaled-down version of a crane in place of a traditional tonearm. The towering, bright red crane, looming over the platter, gives the record player an interesting machine-like appearance, which has a different way of playing the vinyl records.

Designer: Love Hultén

Love Hultén reimagines the record player with an industrial intention and a control system that uplifts the analog music scene with tactile performance. He uses a functional crane system for a tonearm, intensifying the record player’s appearance for a home with industrial aesthetics. The player requires the user to manually manipulate the crane. The user physically navigates the vinyl surface, making it an unusual but exciting way to play the records.

The deliberate tactile control is carried out by a physical control panel on the record player, allowing the user to operate the crane in construction mode, like on a construction site. The crane vinyl player commissioned by Rebin Shah requires the crane tonearm to be controlled manually, where the user guides the stylus left, right, up, and down, turning each listening session into an unexperienced experience.

By taking away the convenience of effortless audio playback and adding the fun of participation into the musical act, the crane vinyl player invites the user to learn how movement translates into sound. The crane’s precise movement is driven by Arduino-powered motors and sensors. The record player itself features a slanted aluminum control panel with color-coded buttons and rotary dials that again remind one of the retro music systems.

The interesting red crane display resides on a contrasting white monolithic speaker base featuring a 2.1 stereo system with Bluetooth, while a ferrofluid visualizer animates the sound in real time. The glass dome and exposed wiring on the record player, conceived by Hultén, display the artist’s internal interest in visual engineering and the art of turning retro for modern adaptation.

This record player that “moves like a machine” and explores the tactile relationship between machines and humans arrives at almost the right time. Vinyl sales are rising and the recorded music of yesteryears is making a resounding comeback. In such an environment, amid the contemporary turntables, this retro-modern option appears as a shining light!

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Steam Controller Returns with a Modern Redesign and Deeper Ecosystem Integration

Posted on 28/04/2026 by Gaurav Sood

Steam surprised gamers with the announcement of three new products back in November 2025. Those were the Steam Machine gaming console, the Steam Frame wireless VR headset, and the brand new Steam Controller, marking the first-ever update in a decade. While the first two don’t yet have a clear release window, the Steam controller is almost here.

Priced at $99, the controller is scheduled to launch on May 4, putting it within immediate reach for gamers invested in the platform. However, details around pre-orders remain unclear, leaving some uncertainty about how quickly users will be able to secure one, subject to the RAM availability crisis. Regardless, the update represents a significant step forward from the original Steam Controller, which debuted in 2015 with a bold but divisive design that relied heavily on dual trackpads instead of traditional analog sticks.

Designer: Steam

This new iteration reflects a more balanced approach as Valve appears to have taken feedback from years of community use and criticism, integrating more familiar elements while retaining some of its experimental DNA. The repositioned trackpads remain part of the experience but are no longer the dominant input method. Instead, the inclusion of a standard D-pad and a second thumbstick brings the controller closer to conventional gamepads, making it more intuitive for a wider audience. The overall layout bears a strong resemblance to the Steam Deck, suggesting tighter integration with Valve’s existing ecosystem and improved compatibility with modern game design.

That shift in design is not just cosmetic; it addresses one of the biggest barriers of the original controller: accessibility. Earlier, the reliance on trackpads required a learning curve that many players found difficult to overcome. By contrast, this updated model blends precision controls with familiarity, making it more suitable for a broader range of genres, including fast-paced AAA titles that demand responsiveness and accuracy.

Image Credit: The Verge

Connectivity has also been modernized. The controller supports both wired and wireless play, offering flexibility depending on user preference. A USB-C port ensures faster and more reliable wired connections, while built-in Bluetooth expands compatibility across devices. A notable addition is the magnetic charging puck, which simplifies the wireless charging process and reduces the friction typically associated with battery management. These upgrades align the controller with current hardware standards, ensuring it feels contemporary rather than experimental.

However, there is a limitation that may affect its appeal beyond dedicated users. The controller is designed primarily for the Steam ecosystem, meaning its full functionality is likely restricted to Valve-supported platforms. While this ensures deep integration and optimized performance within Steam, it could limit adoption among gamers who prefer a more universal controller that works seamlessly across consoles and third-party platforms. Despite this, the new Steam Controller represents a thoughtful evolution rather than a radical reinvention.

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Zempire Stealth-Jet two-burner camp stove is incredibly slim at 2-inch thick

Posted on 27/04/2026 by Gaurav Sood

When you’re packing for a family camping trip, you have to be extra cautious about the amount of space your essential gear will take up. There are portable and transportable options for everything from furniture to tents and fittingly, now you have stoves capable of sliding under the flip seat of your rig or fit the back pocket of the driver’s seat. Zempire in the US is creating a Stealth-Jet camping stove series, targeted ideally at people who want to camp light, without compromising their cooking experience.

The ultra-thin profile of the Zempire stoves is definitely among the slimmest in the industry. Measuring only 2 inches thick, these dual-burner stoves are designed to travel easily and have enough heat to boil water in a breeze. Featuring two high-power burners with up to 10,000 BTUs of heat per burner, Stealth-Jet stoves, the company claims, are designed to be ultimate camping companions for cooking family meals or catering to large groups at the campsite.

Designer: Zempire

While the Zempire Stealth-Jet camp stoves are designed to cater to the cooking needs of a group of people outdoors, these can double as emergency backup for power outages at home. While this is only an extension service, the main USP of the ultra-low-profile stove is definitely the industry-defining slimness. This allows the stove – made from powder-coated pressed steel – to pack down flat for convenient transportation. Interestingly, the stoves arrive in a carry case with a handle and latch closure, which makes them incredibly portable and effortless to carry.

Accompanying the slimness of the stove is its extra-wide surface. While the former offers portability, the latter ensures the stove can accommodate large pans and pots for cooking large meal portions. Providing campers with an extra cooking surface to work with, the stoves feature high-power twin burners. Reportedly, each of them offers up to 10,000 BTUs of heat per burner. Relatively, for a single burner, the total BTU output is low, but if you consider the total output and the fact that you can easily accommodate a large pan and a pot side by side, you will spend less time cooking and more time relaxing at the camp.

The Stealth-Jet stoves come with wind blockers on the back and sides, offering consistent flame without hindrance in the outdoors. The stoves run off both propane and butane, ignited by two pull-start piezo knobs each (the Solo model, of course, has one adjustable gas knob). The Zempire provides its camping stove series unit with a propane canister hose connector in the box. The carry case, however, has to be purchased separately.

Stealth-Jet camp stoves are offered in three different sizes (slimness, however, is the same 2-inch or 5 cm in all of them): Stealth-Jet Wide, Twin, and Solo Camp Stoves. Starting at $210, the Stealth-Jet Wide Camp Stove is the largest of the trio, measuring 23.2 x 12.0 x 2.0 inches when packed. It weighs 4.9 kg. The Twin stove is slightly smaller at 18.5 x 12.0 x 2.0 inches, which also means it weighs slightly lighter at 3.82 kg only. It is priced at $170. The single-burner Solo stove weighs 2.6 kg and offers up to 10,000 BTUs of heat. It will cost you $130.

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Rogbid SpinX smartwatch has built-in scroll wheel and tactical flashlight

Posted on 27/04/2026 by Gaurav Sood

Most modern smartwatches are essential health and connectivity hubs, featuring high-resolution OLED/LCD screens, comprehensive health monitoring, built-in GPS, NFC for contactless payments, and whatnot. They focus on fitness tracking while being highly practical and comfortable to wear.

Rogbid wants to change the perception of a smartwatch from just being a health tracking wearable that stays connected to your smartphone to one that is utilitarian within its own rights. The Chinese smartwatch brand has revealed the SpinX smartwatch that comes with a scroll wheel for navigating menus and other options with better precision. This little change simplifies things for the wearer, which is a small win that goes a long way.

Designer: Rogbid

This precision scroll wheel has a full-area pressure-sensing system to make operations smooth. The little hardware comes with a full-area pressure-sensing system that eliminates any blind spots, especially in the corners. Essentially, we are talking about a 360-degree pressure-sensing control system that brings faster command navigation to the fore and improves the overall experience. The SpinX smartwatch comes with a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a 466 x 466 pixel resolution. The elements displayed are going to be color correct since it has 99.5% Adobe RGB color accuracy.

Apart from the intuitive scroll wheel control, the watch has a built-in flashlight that is much more than the bright screen mode that normal smartwatches use for the flashlight function. SpinX goes a step further by adding a specialized optical lens and a deep reflector for better results. The focused beam from this flashlight is very useful in inclement weather conditions as it prevents light scattering. This comes very handy on foggy nights and rainy seasons. The flashlight comes in three modes: High, Beam, Strobe, and SOS for a more granular control over the usage scenarios.

Another highlighting feature of the smartwatch is the built-in 1100mAh battery pack, which ensures you don’t need to recharge it for 40 days on active usage. In the standby mode, it can last up to 100 days, which is staggering. Compare that to my Galaxy Watch’s meagre backup that lasts only a day at best, and this smartwatch already has my vote. The 3ATM water-resistant watch is adventure-ready with military-grade durability (MIL-STD 810H certified) and a built-in compass.

Of course, it comes with comprehensive health tracking features like a heart rate monitor, tracking SPO2 levels, and keeping a tab of sleep health. For active individuals, the smartwatch has more than 100 sports modes, including an activity tracker. The watch faces on this one can be customized as per your liking, and the Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity to your phone keeps things seamless. SpinX is available in classic black finish with the option to choose from the Tech Black or Vibrant Orange scroll wheel. With a price tag of $50, this smartwatch is already going to be on many people’s wishlists, I’m sure.

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Smart Concept #2 reimagines the iconic city car as a fashion-forward electric micro-mobility commuter

Posted on 25/04/2026 by Gaurav Sood

Smart has always had a knack for making the smallest cars feel like big ideas. The original two-seater wasn’t just about transportation; it was a statement about how little you actually need to move through a city. With the smart Concept #2, that philosophy doesn’t just return, it gets reinterpreted through a far more expressive, almost fashion-led lens.

At first glance, the proportions instantly take you back. The compact, upright stance, near non-existent overhangs, and wheels pushed right to the corners are all deliberate callbacks to the original Fortwo. But this isn’t nostalgia for the sake of it. The Concept #2 stretches to about 2.79 meters subtly growing to create a bit more usable interior space while remaining firmly in microcar territory.

Designer: Smart

What’s interesting is how smart has shifted the conversation from pure utility to identity. The brand calls it “Function becomes Fashion,” and it shows. The matte white and warm gold two-tone finish feels more like a wearable than a vehicle, while details like strap-inspired elements on the bumpers and door handles borrow cues from luxury accessories rather than traditional automotive design. There’s even a subtle influence of sneaker culture in the textures and tire patterns, turning what would otherwise be functional surfaces into design statements.

This shift matters because the original smart succeeded in cleverness but struggled to evolve emotionally. Concept #2 attempts to fix that by making the car feel personal. It’s less about squeezing into tight parking spots (though it still excels at that) and more about how the object itself fits into your lifestyle. Underneath the stylized surface is a thoroughly modern EV architecture. Built on Smart’s new Electric Compact Architecture, the concept is designed to deliver the kind of urban usability that today’s drivers expect. The projected range sits close to 186 miles, which is more than sufficient for daily city use, while DC fast charging from 10 to 80 percent takes under 20 minutes, essentially the time it takes to grab a coffee.

The packaging remains its strongest trick. The signature “wheels-at-the-corners” layout maximizes cabin space within that tiny footprint, while a tight 6.95-meter turning circle makes the car feel almost pivot-like in dense urban environments. It’s the kind of manoeuvrability that reminds you why cars like the original Fortwo made sense in the first place. There’s also a subtle shift in how the car integrates into daily life. Features like Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) hint at a future where even the smallest cars double as mobile power sources—useful for everything from charging devices to supporting outdoor activities.

The bigger picture is just as important. Since becoming a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, Smart has moved upmarket with crossovers and SUVs. Concept #2 feels like a deliberate course correction, returning to the brand’s core idea, but doing so with a premium edge shaped by Mercedes-Benz design sensibilities. Set to evolve into a production model debuting at the Paris Motor Show in late 2026, the Concept #2 is less of a wild design exercise and more of a near-production preview. That makes its details (both practical and expressive) feel intentional rather than experimental.