Saab kicks off new era

By Ricahrd Yarrow

28th August 2009

It has a new owner – and is celebrating by unveiling a fresh car! As the deal to transfer control of Saab from GM to Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg was being wrapped up, the firm released the first official look at the all-new 9-5 that goes on sale next year.

The wraps don’t officially come off until September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, but it is already clear to see the styling cues taken from the Aero X concept car and Saab’s heritage. Note the strongly sloping waistline and the wraparound glass emphasised by the blacked-out B-pillar.

Inside, there’s the promise of extra leg and shoulder room over the outgoing model, while bosses are claiming there’s more rear space than in rivals such as the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series and Jaguar XF.

The cabin features a centre console that flows smoothly down from the upper dash to a storage bin between the seats. As with all Saabs, the ignition
button remains close to the parking brake.

Described as the firm’s most advanced car ever, the flagship saloon has an array of hi-tech features.

These include a head-up data display plus adaptive bi-xenon headlights and cruise control.

There’s also Saab’s DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping, keyless go and an all-wheel-drive transmission.

The all-turbo engine line-up is broader than ever. Cars will run on diesel, petrol and E85 bioethanol, although the first of these will be the most popular variant in the UK. CO2 emissions are as low as 139 g/km.

“We have created an advanced and very distinctive product, and this is the start of a new era for our brand,” said Saab MD Jan-΅ke Jonsson.

When the car arrives, it is expected to sell for around £23,000.

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