Saab has released official details of its 2010 9-5 flagship sedan about a month after photos leaked online. Saab's managing director Jan-Ake Jonsson says that the vehicle is the "start of a new era for [the] brand."
Even though Saab is in the process of being purchased by the Swedish supercar-builder Koenigsegg, the 9-5 will be built on the GM Epsilon II platform that is shared with the Opel Insignia and Buick LaCrosse. The car features a front that is reminiscent of the old Aero X concept and blacked-out B-pillars that give it a dramatic wraparound window look.
The automaker has an all-turbo powertrain lineup that initially includes two 2.0-liter four-bangers - one in turbo diesel form with 160 horsepower and the other a gas version with 220 hp. A 2.8-liter V6 (found in the 9-3 Turbo-X and Cadillac SRX) with 300 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque is the range-topping model that is only offered in Saab's XWD trim. A 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 180 hp and a 2.0-liter BioPower E85-capable variant will also be available shortly after it is released.
Intelligent cruise control, adaptive chassis control with Saab's DriveSense system, Bi-Xenon Smart beam headlights and an adjustable suspension are just a few features that make the Scandinavian automaker deem it the "most technically advanced Saab ever."
Some of the high-tech options inside include heads-up information display, a top-of-the-line Harman/Kardon 5.1 channel surround sound audio system and an 8-inch touchscreen navi system with 10 GB for storage.
The car is available in Linear, Vector or Aero trims, and will be built at Saab's home plant in Trollhattan, Sweden.
cruiserhead1 says:
02:04 PM, 08/27/09
The profile shape and interior reminds me of the classic 900. Too bad it doesn't have the huge hatchback
jederino says:
03:39 PM, 08/27/09
Looks good. I don't know why I feel compelled to want Saab to succeed, but I do. Perhaps because they used to be a little different. In a good way.
bankerdanny says:
08:32 PM, 08/27/09
+1 to cruiserhead. My 81 900 Turbo was an incredibly versatile car. I once put a loveseat size sleeper sofa in the back (rear seat folded down of course) and came within about 2 inches of being able to close the hatch. I did successfully fit a 25 inch console TV in the back.
smudge12 says:
06:28 AM, 08/28/09
This car is a beauty. I'm especially lovin' the interior. This is what the 9-3 needs! And with "sportbacks" gaining popularity, who knows, we might actually see a 9-3/9-5 hatchback in the future!
seppoboy says:
07:39 AM, 08/28/09
Without a hatchback, I'm not sure I see the point. I have friends who are very happy with their old 9-5 wagon, but most other Saab people I know have given up and moved on to other makes.
Reliability has not been the greatest, and cost of repairs is high. Partly because Saab has not made their service codes widely available; a friend who runs a respected import repair shop finds working on even recent Saabs an exercise requiring patience and a good relationship with authorized dealer's service team.
Too bad, Saab up through the 9000 and early 9-5 were interesting and cool cars. I hope they are successful, but they have a tough road ahead of them.
estreka says:
03:27 PM, 08/28/09
I like the looks, but that photo looks extensively airbrushed.
greenpony says:
06:20 AM, 08/29/09
A nice clean look, but that profile view has too much Camry in it for my tastes.