Citroën GS: The Car That Revolutionized Comfort and Design in the 1970s

Designed by the legendary Robert Opron, the Citroën GS forever changed the way we understand comfort, technology, and elegance on four wheels.

The Citroën GS was not just another car in automotive history — it was a statement of intent. First unveiled at the 1970 Paris Motor Show, this model marked a turning point for the French manufacturer. With its futuristic design, advanced engineering, and unrivaled ride comfort, the GS redefined what a mid-size sedan could offer. Its creator, Robert Opron — the same visionary behind the Citroën SM and CX — managed to achieve the perfect blend of aerodynamics and functional elegance in one timeless design.

Technology and design ahead of its time

The Citroën GS introduced features never before seen in its segment, such as four-wheel disc brakes, a lightweight alloy structure, and the famous hydropneumatic suspension, capable of delivering a ride quality on par with luxury vehicles. Under the hood, its air-cooled four-cylinder engine, producing 60 hp and reaching a top speed of 150 km/h, offered the perfect balance of performance and reliability. This same powerplant was so advanced that the French brand BFG reused it in its motorcycles during the 1980s.

Inside, the GS was equally groundbreaking. The cabin, designed by Michel Harmand, embraced a futuristic and ergonomic approach, featuring a sculptural dashboard with innovations like a magnifying speedometer, hidden handbrake, and illuminated, easy-to-reach controls. All of this reinforced Citroën’s reputation as a pioneer in interior design and comfort. This vision would later inspire future brand icons such as the BX, the first-generation C4, and the modern Citroën lineup.

Crowned European Car of the Year in 1971, the Citroën GS stood out not only for its exceptional comfort but also for its fluid design and outstanding driving dynamics. Its hydropneumatic suspension provided an unmatched ability to absorb road imperfections, making it one of the most comfortable cars of its era, even when compared with more expensive and prestigious rivals. In markets such as Spain, the GS earned a well-deserved reputation as an elegant, practical, and remarkably pleasant car to drive.

Finally, the GS family expanded in 1972 with the introduction of the estate (break) version, followed by aesthetic and mechanical updates in 1976 that kept it fresh and desirable. In the 1980s, its natural evolution, the Citroën GSA, added a fifth door, kickstarting a design trend that would become part of Citroën’s DNA. The GS did more than mark an era — it laid the foundation for modern comfort at Citroën and for intelligent automotive design across Europe.