Saab 9-5 goes for bold

24th July 2009

It's official – Saab’s new 9-5 is here! These pictures show the replacement for the Swedish firm’s long-standing executive saloon in all its glory – and it’s a lot more handsome than the car it replaces. While it’s still clearly a 9-5, Saab’s designers have cleaned up the lines to give it a much tidier look than the outgoing model.

Slimmer headlamps with jagged edges and a prominent, gaping grille feature at the front. But it’s the rear that’s changed most, as the 9-5 has ditched its rectangular shape in favour of a curvy back end with sleek, triangular tail-lights which continue as a slim, horizontal strip across the boot line.

Completing the look on the outside are turbine-style alloys and glossy black door mirrors, while inside it’s business as usual, with a sweeping driver-focused centre console, plush seats and top-quality materials.

But it’s not all show and no go, as Saab has tweaked the mechanicals, too. Auto Express has learned the new car will have a much greater selection of engines, including a pair of 2.0-litre turbodiesels, plus three petrol engines ranging from a 1.6 turbo to a firebreathing 2.8 V6 with around 300bhp.

The chassis and suspension will also be upgraded, so when the 9-5 arrives early next year, its ride and handling should be more polished than ever.

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