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 BMW and Audi, among others. The brand name DS is, as is well known, linked to Citroen – and the French pronunciation "déesse" means goddess. European car press has speculated whether DS will present a car that can revitalize the legendary DS model from Citroen. However, the boss of DS Automobiles, Olivier François , has denied these rumors. But the retro rumors were not completely unfounded, because at Chantilly Arts & Élégance earlier this month they showed off their SM Tribute – a tribute to the SM – another legend from Citroen.
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 that was also used in the Maserati Quattroporte, among others. The Maserati lineage placed the SM in the top echelon. It was ideal for the wealthy in Paris to drive the Route N7 to the Côte d'Azur. Outside the casinos, the SMs were often parked together with Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Maserati.
Could the SM Tribute be a prestige boost for the DS as well?
In my opinion, it is difficult to find a place for DS in the Norwegian car market. Comparisons can be drawn with Audi. Both DS and Audi appear as premium car brands based on another model in the group. I do not think that DS has succeeded as well as Audi in highlighting its advantages in terms of design or technology. It now seems clear that DS is planning 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 any independent model from scratch. In light of this, DS needs a model like the SM Tribute to create its own brand identity.
Electric drive
The new SM Tribute is currently presented only as a design study. It has also been demonstrated in motion – at walking speed on the gravel around Chantilly Castle – but then it was also clear that the car lacked suspension. DS has not stated what type of drivetrain will be offered, but it will probably be one of the electric powertrains from Stellantis. It may be interesting to see if 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
