Search Car Reviews



See all makes

Saab 9-5 2.0TiD

Saab fans rejoice... This is the best car the firm has ever built.

Saab 9-5 2.0TiD

Text: Graeme Lambert / Photos: Pete Gibson

June 2010

  • Rating:

 
The interior boasts some of the most advanced technology seen on a Saab model
For Saab, life begins again at 63. And as we get ready to take to the wheel of the firm’s new 9-5, it’s hard to believe that the company was in the midst of a liquidation process that threatened all those who worked for it just four months ago.

Thanks to entrepreneur Victor Muller, who also owns Dutch supercar maker Spyker, the Swedish car maker has a chance to rise out of the ashes once again.

Plans for the future include an all-road 9-4X, plus a new MINI rival. Not to mention a Saab badged supercar, based on the Aero X concept from the 2006 Geneva Motor Show.

But back to the present – and there’s no escaping the fact that the 9-5 is the most technologically advanced and important car Saab has ever released.

 


At over 5 metres long the first thing that strikes you about the Saab is its size – which gives it real road presence. The traditional three-hole grille has been updated further while purists will be happy to see the hockey-stick side window line has been retained.

It’s the rear styling that works the best though, with the ‘ice-block’ tail-lights, also inspired by the Aero X concept and muscular rear haunches.

The interior boasts some of the most advanced technology seen on a Saab model such as aircraft inspired head-up display, touchscreen sat-nav and optional Drive Sense control (adaptive chassis). The former is actually very useful, and can display speed, engine revolutions and navigation routing ahead of the driver on the windscreen. And though keyless start is standard, the starter button remains between the incredibly comfortable front seats.

All the controls are logically laid out on the gently curving console while the green-lit instruments are easy to read. The extra length of the car translates to a passenger space that is more than generous, both front and back while the boot and its clever u-rail cargo system proves capacious.

Saab has often aimed to be green with its range of turbocharged petrol engines, and while there are such options available in the new car, the diesel will likely be the biggest seller in the UK. With Co2 emissions of only 139g/km the 159bhp 2.0-litre unit is one of the cleanest in its class – it also manages 53.2mpg on the combined cycle.

Refinement of the four-cylinder is actually quite good but thanks to the long gearing of the six-speed box you have to work the powerplant quite hard to make decent progress and the big executive will manage 0-60mph in just under 10 seconds. On the road the biggest complaint is the wind noise, which is most evident from around the windows.

Our Vector model did without Drive Sense, but thanks to deep sidewalls on the 17-inch wheels the ride was acceptable, though the front suspension occasionally sent a shudder through the cabin. A brief drive of the Aero version would suggest it is an option well worth specifying as it also changes the steering weighting – in our car this was very light and over-keen to self-centre.

If you are looking for the ultimate driver’s machine, this Saab clearly isn’t it. However, it is well designed, comfortable, economical and – more importantly for Saab fans – the best the company has ever offered.

Tell us about your car in our Driver Power survey.

For an alternative review of the latest Saab 9-5 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous   Next >

Sponsored Results

13 Comments

Frameless windows?

Autoexpress write: "On the road the biggest complaint is the wind noise evident from the frameless windows."
Frameless windows?? It doesn't look frameless to me: http://www.media.allerinternett.no/php/obj.phpi?o=3228514&w=&h=&ee=1253697557

By Arild on 2 June, 2010, 4:37pm

Ultimate Driving machine?

Not even BMW's are the Ultimate driving machine anymore, they're all about efficient dynamics these days. So a bit of a Captain Obvious remark. One would think you've missed the point of the all new 9-5, which might explain the 3 stars. Yet, coming from a person who owns a SAAB I'm surprised you think the company were going to make some radical change to a CI they are trying to get back to; which is a refined, frugal vehicles that are not intended to compete with the likes of the M5 and RS6.

Personally I think this should have got 4 stars.

By W00DZ on 2 June, 2010, 5:12pm

Rear end?

If the rear end is the most aesthetically pleasing, why are we not treated to a shot of it?

In my opinion, the remainder of this car is downright ugly!

By BARNEYM1979 on 3 June, 2010, 7:35am

Its got high depreciation written all over it

I am afraid that Saab still suffer from outwardly old looking bodyshells inherited from grandad. Unless there has been a great uplift in quality these cars are going to be very expensive to own in terms of loss of value. 0-60 in 10 secs doesn't sound very fast for a 30 grand car - BMWs were that quick 30 years ago. As for the high output TTid, I remain very suspicious of any high output turbo diesel. If the turbo lasts more than 30k miles I'll be surprised. Saabs remain a marginal choice to be avoided by all private owners.

By IanHeath on 3 June, 2010, 8:47am

"9-5, What a way to make a livin..."

In profile the Saab 9-5 looks pug ugly. Sadly, no attempt has been made to hide its bulk. I reckon if they develop an estate version though it'll suit the styling better and may even end up being quite a looker...

By sgtgrash on 3 June, 2010, 11:30am

Grandad, Grandad, you're ugly!

Interior looks and sounds good. Just as long as you don't glance back at the car when you get out all will be well!

By lairdfp on 3 June, 2010, 12:01pm



"If the rear end is the most aesthetically pleasing, why are we not treated to a shot of it?"

Check out the video, there's a shot of the rear included.

By DanStrong2 on 3 June, 2010, 3:22pm

3 stars...

WOODZ wrote
". One would think you've missed the point of the all new 9-5, which might explain the 3 stars. Yet, coming from a person who owns a SAAB I'm surprised you think the company were going to make some radical change to a CI they are trying to get back to; which is a refined, frugal vehicles that are not intended to compete with the likes of the M5 and RS6.

Personally I think this should have got 4 stars."

Trust me I get the point of the new 9-5. The car reviewed is the 160bhp 2.0Tid which should be as you say - frugal, refined and frankly a comfortable old barge that is adept at eating the miles. However on the standard suspension with 17inch alloys and high profile tyres the ride can only be described as disappointing. Drive the Aero V6 with sports suspension and DriveSense adaptable dynamics and you'll find a ride that is much better, even in sport mode. Most other elements of this car are competitive, but for the ride alone this particular example cannot justify an extra star in its rating.

Graeme Lambert

By Im_Graeme_Lamber on 3 June, 2010, 3:44pm

They still haven't got rid of the Dame Edna Glasses.
When are Saab going to realise that their design lacks style and flair?

By toycollector on 3 June, 2010, 6:57pm

Give them a chance

What ever we all think, Saab is a rareity in the motoring world and we should give them a chance. I had a couple of Saabs a few years ago (9-3 and 9-5). Both were exceptionally comfortable and refined, and shock horror one of them was reliable (9-3). The 9-5 was woefully unreliable but if they can sort that then if I had the money (I actually buy my cars with real money) then I would give them a go again.

By hustin1 on 3 June, 2010, 7:56pm

Nice interior

I'll start with the video, that guy looks as though he's just been dragged out of weatherspoons after a good night out and told to review a car, left me bored rigid

Nice dash, bland front, rear end looks like its from another car and the side profile just looks awkward. I'm sure it will be a hit with the loyal Saab buyers,but, i cannot see any point in this car as it fails in so many areas, especially looks, Jag, BMW, Audi & mercedes must be breathing a sigh of relief.

By A1Jaguar on 3 June, 2010, 8:00pm

4 stars

I agree with graeme, the whole point of a saab is comfort, too many cars these days are marked down for not being sporty enough to drive. I admit that having a sporty car is great on a country road blast but 95% of my is done on normal 30mph roads where comfort and a soft ride is far more important.

Personally speaking the new 9-5 is a great piece of design, the picture taken with the 17'' wheels on dont seem to do the car justice. Larger wheels make it look far better, isnt that the case with most cars these days though?

By James_T on 4 June, 2010, 10:15am

Four Stars

I have just returned the new Saab 9-5 after a 2 hour test drive.

Having recently tried the Jag XF and BMW 5 series I would personally rate this car 4 stars. I personaly think it's the best of the bunch, and I intend to order one next for next March.

The car may be large but it feels small to driven and can be thrown into any corner with complete ease. You very quickly get to know the cars handling ability, and I was impressed. I must say the car isn't flawless - which car is? - but it is impressive. Once you forgiven some switchgear cheapness, and "thin-ish" steering wheel (2.0 Tid - thicker on other models). Then you realise how comfortable the seats are, the impressive overtaking ability and cornering ease. I would say 2 hours of driving is a minimum to assess this car its true worth. Try it, I promise you wont be disappointed!

By logburner on 16 September, 2010, 3:00pm

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.



Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -

Pictures

Saab 9-5 2.0TiD
saab
Saab 9-5 2.0TiD
Saab 9-5 2.0TiD

Sponsored Results

FIRST OPINION

    There’s no doubt the new Saab 9-5 is an appealing car. But what’s more, its launch is impressive feat for a company that managed to bring the model to market while staring closure in the face.

    With prices starting at £26,495 for the 2.0TiD tested here a tempting one as well. However, we’ve got a sneaking suspicion that the star of the show won’t be the hot 2.8T Aero or perky 2.0T four cylinder but the forthcoming 2.0-litre TTiD.

    Specified with the sports chassis and Drive Sense the 188bhp diesel promises to be just like the re-birth of the company – worth waiting for.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Engine: 2.0TiD, 4 cyl 159bhpMPG: 53.2mpg
    CO2: 139g/km
    0-62mph: 9.9 seconds
    Top Speed: 134mph
    Luggage capacity: 513 litres
    Equipment: Aircraft inspired head-up display, touchscreen sat-nav and optional Drive Sense control (adaptive chassis).
    On Sale: Now
     
    - Advertisement -