The all new Saab 9-5 sedan signals the start of a new era for the Saab brand. Sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab, it combines stand-out looks with advanced technologies and brings a fresh alternative choice to the premium sedan segment.The clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Scandinavian design and its dramatic wraparound window graphic echoes Saab’s aviation heritage. With frontal styling inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the new 9-5 heralds the introduction of a bold, more expressive design language.

The array of high-tech features on offer includes: an aircraft-like head-up information display (Pilot HUD); adaptive lighting (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; tri-zone air conditioning; dynamic parking assistance and Saab XWD with a rear eLSD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.

The all-turbo powertrain line-up starts at 1.6 liters and carries forward Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy, which focuses on responsible performance through the development of highly efficient and relatively small four cylinder turbo engines. There is a choice of three fuels – gasoline, diesel and E85 bioethanol – and with diesel power, the new 9-5 offers CO2 emissions as low as 139 g/km. ‘This car is the start of a new era for our brand,’ says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s CEO. ‘We have created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty driving and responsible performance. The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects, as will every future product from Saab.’

Price: $38,525 – 49,565.
Invoice: $36,795 – 47,335.

Design

Forward-looking design that doesn’t ignore where it’s coming from – that sums up the visual appeal of the all-new Saab 9-5 sedan. ‘We are giving a fresh, very modern expression to some of our classic brand design cues,’ says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. ‘We have taken visual themes in our recent concept cars, such as the Aero X, which are inspired by Scandinavian design and our brand’s aircraft heritage.’ The face of the new 9-5 is defined by a deep grille flanked with curving, ice-block headlamp units. The entire glasshouse is presented as a ‘wraparound’ mono graphic, the disguised windshield and side pillars giving the cabin Saab’s signature cockpit look. Squint slightly, and the proportions of the windshield and roof become reminiscent of the classic 900 model.

Viewed from any angle, the all new 9-5 cuts a strong and powerful stance. The ‘organic sculpture’ of the low-slung body blends clean, uncluttered lines with natural, curvaceous shapes. Brand design cues are evident in the ‘hockey stick’ belt-line, the strong rear C-pillars and the fuselage-smooth surfacing of the bodywork. The large Saab logo embossed in the center of the grille characterizes the more assertive, self-confident design language.

The car’s dynamic character is emphasized by a falling roof-line that culminates in sweeping rear pillars which buttress a slightly recessed rear screen. Latent energy is conveyed by fenders that are subtly pulled out to melt into the wheels. Below that smooth, flat rear deck, a full-width, ice-block rear light bar wraps into signature lighting. The new 9-5′s overall proportions stretch the traditional three-box sedan silhouette, while avoiding the fastback cliché of a four-door coupé look.

Gasoline and BioPower

The performance stakes are raised with this all-aluminum engine, which is also available in BioPower specification, enabling it to run on gasoline and/or E85 fuel (85% bioethanol, 15% gasoline) in any blends. In both configurations, it delivers peak power of 220 hp/162 kW and plentiful torque of 350 Nm from just 2,500 rpm. This engine is offered with front wheel drive or Saab XWD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system. It features variable valve timing and direct injection to further improve fuel consumption, emissions and performance. The camshafts have hydraulically operated vane-type cam phasers which allow both the inlet and exhaust valve timing to be adjusted independently, according to varying engine speed and load.

The many benefits include a broader spread of torque, higher maximum power and improved fuel consumption. Direct injection delivers fuel under high pressure directly into the combustion chamber during the compression stroke. This enables the separation of air and fuel delivery, allowing improved scavenging of the combustion chamber to give substantially more low-end torque and reduced engine knocking.

A twin-scroll turbocharger is also used, which virtually eliminates turbo lag at low engine speeds and delivers a throttle response comparable to that of a naturally-aspirated engine. Each of the two scrolls on the turbine is fed by a separate exhaust passage – one from cylinders one and four, the other from cylinders two and three. Other features include: twin counter-rotating balance shafts for smooth running; a forged steel crankshaft for added strength and aluminum pistons to reduce reciprocating mass. With front wheel drive, this engine propels the new 9-5 from zero to 100 kph in 7.9 seconds, giving combined fuel economy of 8.4 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 194 g/km.

Interior Decor and Equipment

Linear, Vector and Aero variants are each distinguished by a unique cabin ambience, including decor trim applied to the main instrument panel, center console and behind the door grab handles. In Linear specification, the upper/lower instrument panel, door cappings and decor trim are in Jet Black, with a choice of Jet Black or Parchment fabric seat upholstery, complemented by door inserts and armrests in a light or dark color.

Vector adds a choice of Shark Grey with Jet Black, or Dark Cocoa with Parchment for the instrument panel and doors, and the decor trim has a brushed metal look. The seats are upholstered with leather bolsters and fabric inserts in Jet Black, Parchment or Shark Grey. Top-of-the-line Aero adds a sporty, all-leather interior. The front fascia and door trims are in Jet Black with dark, bushed metal, titanium-like decor trim. The sculptured, perforated leather sports seats are offered in the same colors as Vector.

Driver Focused

The new 9-5′s spacious cabin is characterized by simple forms that echo the clean lines of the exterior. The choice of materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the controls all reflect the new 9-5′s premium appeal.A wheelbase longer than that of its predecessor has enabled a substantial 58 mm increase in rear legroom, which exceeds that offered by all main competitors. Front legroom is also up by 11 mm. The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, while its execution is all new. A deep center console sweeps up around the driver into the main instrument display. It is a new expression of Saab’s signature cockpit layout, first introduced on the Saab 9000 model and continued with the current 9-5. The console is now inclined at a much shallower angle, improving driver ergonomics in the operation of its functions and in viewing the display screen.

Simplicity of form is evident from a ventilation zone, with signature Saab ‘joystick’ controls, which extends across the top of the main instrument display. ‘This helps clean up the look of the front fascia area,’ explains Simon. ‘We have eliminated separate vents in the center and on the driver’s side, which would break up the fluid, integrated forms we wanted.’ The deeply recessed main dials include a driver-selectable, rolling ‘altimeter’ speed read-out, a reference to Saab’s aviation heritage from the Aero X concept. The needles of the dials, the main display screen and the optional HUD in the windshield, are all illuminated in signature Saab green. The ‘Night Panel’ button, another unique Saab feature, allows the driver to minimize distraction during night driving by switching off all the main instrument illumination, except the speedometer.

In Saab tradition, the car’s ignition – now a start/stop button – remains between the front seats, next to the gear shift and an electric park brake, which is fitted as standard for all variants. The matt aluminum trim surrounding the gear shift and start/stop button has an ‘organic’ shape with a varying width and thickness to match the curvature of the surface. ‘This is in harmony with ‘free form’ that we’ve applied to the exterior,’ says Simon. ‘It’s a detail that looks very natural, adding to the crafted, quality appeal of the cabin.’ Another subtle detail are the small channels in the center stack fascia that link the main infotainment and climate controls. They resemble the shape of Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, a hint at the combination of human design and scientific precision deployed in the layout of the cabin. It’s part of the logical, zonal groupings used for the location of the car’s interior, chassis and lighting controls.

The removal of a mechanical handbrake linkage frees up space for a large, two compartment center console, with twin cup-holders and the potential to connect several portable devices through USB and AUX connections alongside a 12V power outlet. A useful pull-out storage drawer next to the driver’s door is big enough to take a number of personal items, such as a wallet, PDA and glasses. The rear of the cabin provides comfortable accommodation for three adults. Apart from more leg room, it now offers the option of rear seat entertainment via fold-out screens in the front seatbacks and separate rear climate control. The 60/40 split, folding seatback includes an arm-rest with twin cup-holders, a storage compartment and a load-through ‘ski hatch’. The trunk features convenient bag holder hooks on each side, an umbrella holder and a storage compartment in each sidewall. The optional, U-shaped track in the floor carries a telescopic cargo divider which can keep a wide range of different sized items in place.

Standard equipment

A keyless start/stop button, electric park brake, six-way adjustable driver and four-way adjustable passenger seat, dual zone climate control, a nine speaker audio system with an AUX socket, a leather steering wheel and a text information display . Vector adds front seat squab storage pouches, steering wheel audio and cruise controls, an adjustable front arm-rest, cruise control, ambient interior lighting, a USB connection and a graphic information display. Aero adds powered and heated front seats, with an extending under-thigh support. The interior is further distinguished by a full color information display, an ‘Aero’ embossed, flat-bottomed sports steering wheel and sports aluminum foot pedals.