The Rise and Fall of Citroën’s Legendary Hydropneumatic Suspension

Explore how Citroën revolutionized comfort with hydropneumatic suspension—and why no other brand adopted it. Discover its impact, decline, and legacy.

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Citroën has always walked its own path — not for show, but out of a deep commitment to comfort and innovation. One of the most striking results of this philosophy was the hydropneumatic suspension system, a mid-20th century engineering marvel that still commands respect and nostalgia today.

The system was conceived by Paul Magès, a self-taught engineer at Citroën. His idea to combine gas and fluid properties into a single suspension system first appeared on the rear axle of the Citroën Traction Avant 15H in 1954. A year later, the legendary Citroën DS showcased it in full, gliding over roads as if suspended in air.

Technically, the system relied on nitrogen-filled spheres replacing traditional springs and a special hydraulic fluid circulating under high pressure. It maintained a constant ride height, adapted automatically to load, and offered a smoothness that became the stuff of legend. In some models, the same hydraulic network also powered the brakes and steering — an integrated, seamless system.

Over time, Citroën refined the technology with Hydractive I and II systems, introduced in models like the XM, Xantia, and C5. Yet despite its evolution, the hydropneumatic system remained essentially unique. Other carmakers hesitated. Rolls-Royce licensed parts of the design for the Silver Shadow, and Mercedes-Benz ran limited experiments — but no one followed Citroën’s bold path in full.

The reasons were clear. The system was complex and expensive to maintain. It required specialized knowledge, original parts, and proper servicing. Meanwhile, market trends shifted: buyers began favoring stiffer suspensions and SUVs over soft sedans. Environmental and cost regulations tightened as well, forcing Citroën to reconsider its approach.

By 2017, the Citroën C5 became the last model to feature the hydropneumatic system. It was replaced by simpler technologies like Progressive Hydraulic Cushions, which offer decent comfort but lack the DS’s legendary floating ride.

Still, the hydropneumatic system didn’t vanish entirely. It remains etched into Citroën’s identity — a symbol of its technical courage and commitment to a unique kind of driving experience. For enthusiasts, it represents more than just comfort. It marks a golden era when cars weren’t merely machines, but pieces of mechanical poetry.