When you think of French automotive design, few names stand out more than the SM. Originally launched in the early 1970s by Citroën, this luxury grand tourer represented the pinnacle of French innovation, seamlessly blending advanced technology with unparalleled style.
Fast forward fifty years, and DS Automobiles has resurrected this iconic vehicle in the form of the SM TRIBUTE. But make no mistake—this tribute is far more than just a nostalgic nod to the past.
It’s a bold declaration of what’s to come, blending history, cutting-edge design, and a future-facing vision that speaks to DS’s evolution as a luxury brand.
An Ode to the Iconic SM: A Blast from the Past with a Modern Twist
The original SM made waves in the 1970s with its avant-garde design by Robert Opron. Its hydropneumatic suspension, aerodynamic lines, and Maserati-powered V6 engine set it apart as a revolutionary vehicle that embodied the best of French automotive engineering.
The SM wasn’t just about style, though; it was a technological marvel, offering a driving experience that was as smooth as it was powerful. Inside, it boasted luxurious materials and innovative features like electric seats, air conditioning, and power-assisted steering—unheard of at the time.
Now, with the SM TRIBUTE, DS Automobiles has reimagined what the SM would look like today if it had continued to develop over the past five decades. According to Thierry Metroz, Design Director at DS Automobiles, this project was more than just a design exercise.
It was about exploring how the DNA of the original SM could be adapted to a modern context while respecting its heritage. The result? A car that not only pays homage to its predecessor but also sets a new benchmark for what the future of DS Automobiles might look like.
Balancing Heritage and Innovation: The Exterior Design
One of the most striking aspects of the SM TRIBUTE is how faithfully it retains the proportions and elegance of the original SM while incorporating modern design elements.
The car’s silhouette—dominated by its long bonnet and tapered rear—remains unmistakably SM, but the updated design brings a muscular, contemporary edge to the mix. It sits lower and wider than the original, with 22-inch wheels and aerodynamic inserts that speak to both its performance potential and its sleek aesthetic.
Perhaps the most futuristic feature of the SM TRIBUTE is the reimagined front grille. Gone is the traditional upper grille, replaced instead with a glass section that lights up and acts as a 3D screen. Framed by LED lights, this bold feature harks back to the original SM’s distinctive front end while adding a high-tech flair.
The body color—a reinterpretation of the Gold Leaf from the original SM’s 1971 brochure—was given a satin finish, providing a handcrafted patina that further bridges the gap between past and present.
A Modern Masterpiece: The Interior Design
Step inside the SM TRIBUTE, and you’ll find a cabin that exudes luxury, blending modern technology with retro charm. The dashboard retains the signature oval shape of the original, but the addition of projection displays and a curved screen console connected to a steer-by-wire system gives it a futuristic feel.
The steering wheel, reimagined for the modern age, is both functional and visually striking, highlighting DS Automobiles’ commitment to avant-garde design.
The seats continue the iconic upholstery pattern of the original SM, but with modern materials like leather and Alcantara® in a light ivory tone. These touches of elegance are enhanced by laser-engraved leatherwork on the door panels, inspired by French decorative arts.
According to Vincent Lobry, Head of CMF Design at DS Automobiles, these intricate details are meant to create a seamless fusion of art and function, capturing the essence of the original SM while pushing the boundaries of interior design.
One of the most impressive features is the SM TRIBUTE’s ability to mix luxury with innovation. A large display case on the dashboard allows for an infinite range of finishes and materials, offering endless possibilities for customization.
Sound and light also play a significant role in creating an immersive experience for the occupants, enveloping them in an environment that feels both classic and cutting-edge.
Where the Past Meets the Future
What makes the SM TRIBUTE stand out is its ability to bridge eras. It’s a tribute to a car that represented the best of French automotive design in the 1970s while pushing forward with modern innovations that hint at the future direction of DS Automobiles.
As Thierry Metroz notes, this isn’t just about reimagining the past—it’s about creating a vision for the future that honors the brand’s legacy while moving it forward.
The rear profile of the SM TRIBUTE retains the characteristic lines of the original SM, following the airflow from the front to the narrow rear. But even here, modern touches abound.
The rear quarter panel is cut in half to create a floating effect, while the rear wheels are partially covered with removable parts. These design elements, while subtle, reinforce the SM TRIBUTE’s commitment to aerodynamics and efficiency.
A Celebration of Elegance and Innovation at Chantilly Arts & Elegance
It’s fitting that the SM TRIBUTE will make its grand debut at the Chantilly Arts & Elegance, one of the most prestigious automotive events in the world. DS Automobiles has been a partner of the event since 2014, and the unveiling of the SM TRIBUTE marks ten years of art and elegance for the brand.
Positioned in a stunning 120m² display next to an original SM, the SM TRIBUTE will undoubtedly turn heads as it competes in the Concours d’Elegance.
DS Automobiles has a history of winning at Chantilly, with models like the DS E-TENSE PERFORMANCE and the SM MYLORD cabriolet taking home top honors in previous years.
This year, visitors will also have the opportunity to see an incredible array of SM models, including prototypes, presidential versions, and racing variants, all thanks to l’Aventure DS and the Euro SM Club.
A Glimpse Into the Future
While the SM TRIBUTE is, for now, a one-off concept, it offers a tantalizing glimpse into what the future holds for DS Automobiles. As Thierry Metroz said, “It’s not just a portrayal of the SM—it’s a reinterpretation.” This reinterpretation may well inform the design of future DS models, which are expected to debut towards the end of the decade.
As DS Automobiles continues to push the boundaries of luxury and innovation, the SM TRIBUTE stands as a symbol of the brand’s commitment to avant-garde design. Whether or not the SM will ever return to production in some form remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: DS Automobiles has once again proven that it is a brand that knows how to honor its past while boldly stepping into the future.
