DS Automobiles states that it will launch new models towards the end of the year, including a larger electric model with a long range. So far, they have not succeeded very well in highlighting their advantages in Stellantis, either in terms of design or technology. They need a model to highlight their own brand identity. Can SM Tribute contribute to that?
DS is one of Stellantis' prestige brands - a car brand that will compete with, among other things, BMW and Audi. The brand name DS is, as you know, linked to Citroen - and the French pronunciation "déesse" means goddess. The European automotive press has speculated whether DS will present a car that can revitalize the legendary DS model from Citroen. The head of DS Automobiles, Olivier Francois, however, has denied these rumours. But the retro rumors were still not completely groundless, because on Chantilly Arts & Élégance earlier this month they showed off their SM Tribute – a tribute to SM – another Citroen legend.
The Citroen SM was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1970. The model was developed while Citroen owned Maserati. It was equipped with a completely new Maserati engine which, among other things, was also used in the Maserati Quattroporte. Maserati's family ties placed SM in the top tier. It was ideal for riches in Paris to drive Road N7 to the Côte d'Azur. Outside the casinos, the SMs were often parked alongside Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Maseratis.
Could the SM Tribute be a prestige boost for the DS as well?
In my eyes, it is difficult to find a place for DS in the Norwegian car market. One can draw comparisons with Audi. Both DS and Audi appear as premium car brands based on another model in the group. I don't think DS has succeeded as well as Audi in highlighting its advantages either in terms of design or technology. It now seems clear that DS plans to launch a new large, electric model with the same technology and shape as another model in the same group, probably the sister model Peugeot e-408. DS has not yet developed an independent model from scratch. In light of this, DS needs a model that SM Tribute to create their own brand identity.
Electric drive
The new SM Tribute is presented today only as a design study. Well, it is also demonstrated in motion - at walking speed on the surrounding gravel Chantilly Castle - but then it also became clear that the car lacked suspension. DS has not disclosed what type of powertrain will be offered, but it will probably be one of the electric powertrains from Stellantis. It might be interesting to see if the DS offers electronic 4-wheel drive.
HyperSquare steering wheel?
Inside, the main features are designed to follow the same lines as in the original SM model. The seats are also similar to the original model. However, there is one detail that is particularly interesting: the rectangular steering wheel. Peugeot has recently launched a new steering wheel, called HyperSquare. A rectangular steering wheel with 4 grip holes - one in each corner. The steering is operated electronically without the need for a steering column. Peugeot intends to put the steering wheel into production on selected models as early as 2026. If DS Automobiles does not choose the HyperSquare steering wheel on its new SM, perhaps there will be a similar concept.
Original SM color
The displayed SM Tribute is painted in one of Citroen SM's original colors "Gold leaf". The color is similar to something that an earlier SM might have had, but it's hard to pinpoint which one. In the picture below you can see several colours. From what I can see, the color of car no. 2 fits best.
See
