CompleteCar
Saab 9-5 review
Saab has returned following a last minute reprieve. The new 9-5 is the company's first offering. We travelled to Sweden to try it out.
Paddy Comyn

Published on June 9, 2010

Things were looking rather perilous for Saab. With General Motors (GM) intent on shedding the brand, there were few takers until Dutch firm Spyker stepped in to save the day at the very last minute. Now with new owners the company has big plans to return to the type of cars that gained it so much respect in the first place. The first offeringis the 9-5 saloon, replacing a model that has been on sale for 13 years. Still very much a GM product, the new car could be the last legacy of a now broken relationship. Nevertheless, it does offer a promise of good things to come.

In the Metal

Saab's new car is a natural evolution of the slightly cobbled together facelifted 9-5 models of latter years. But unlike the ancient old 9-5, this is an entirely new car from the ground up - though you will find a few ghosts of GM past inside the spacious cabin.

The car is quite subtle in many areas; there is nothing overly dramatic about the overall shape as such, but the front grille and those front lights surrounded in chrome are certainly imposing. The rear LED lights do look good, but may not be too easy for other cars to see. Following the 9-5 in convoy we noticed that the indicator lights were tiny. This is perhaps, an example of style over substance.

It is big inside though - massive in fact - although taller real passengers will find headroom a little restricted, but legroom is very generous in both front and rear. It cabin continues with the slightly minimalistic theme of the exterior and it is less driver-focused than before. As with Saabs of old, the seats are brilliant; they are incredibly supportive. There are some of the old Saab touches throughout, with a modern twist. The ignition is in the centre console, as always, but instead of a key, there is a stop/start button.

What you get for your Money

As you might expect for a brand that is trying to make up lost ground, the 9-5 will be generously equipped from the word go. Prices have yet to be confirmed for the petrol versions, which initially will be made up of a 220hp 2.0-litre turbo and 250hp 2.8-litre V6. At a later stage a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol with 180hp will round off the petrol line-up.

The majority of sales are likely to be made up from the two diesel variants. These will be 2.0-litre units, the TiD with 160hp and the TTiD with 190hp. Three specifications will be available: Linear, Vector and Aero.

Prices will start at €36,500 for the 160hp 2.0-litre TiD Linear model. Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels and cruise control. From there it's a €3,000 price walk to the Vector model. This adds Bluetooth, electrically adjusted seats, leather upholstery and parking sensors. Prices have yet to be confirmed for Aero models, which get 19-inch alloy wheels, an Aero body kit, a sport chassis, sports leather seats, sports steering wheel and xenon headlights. Further pricing will be revealed closer to the Irish launch in September.

Driving it

We only tried diesels on our two days with the car, but with it being unlikely that anyone in Ireland will buy the petrol versions, we were probably better off. The car has two different suspension settings available and we got the softer one on both days. Unfortunately we are told that this isn't really reflective of the car to be offered to Irish buyers, which will have a sportier set-up. It felt like a poised enough car as it was, though it is certainly set up for comfort first and foremost.

The Sport chassis set-up should offer improved handling and body control. It includes a 10mm lower ride height, a stiffer front anti-roll bar, stiffer springs and dampers all round. All-wheel drive (XWD) is optional for 2.0T petrol and 2.0TTiD diesel variants, and standard with the 2.8T engine. Also available in conjunction with XWD is an optional, electronically-controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD) that transfers up to 50 percent of torque between the rear wheels - to whichever has more grip. DriveSense, which is an adaptive damper system, is offered as an option with all engines and equipment specifications, except the 2.0TiD diesel and 1.6T petrol engines.

Worth Noting

The 9-5 will be introduced in Ireland in September with four engines. Another will follow in 2011: a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol unit with 180hhp. Only offered as a four-door saloon this year, a 9-5 estate will join the saloon next year. The four-wheel drive system boasts additional traction but at the expense of economy and emissions.

Summary

With prices starting at €36,500, this model sails quite close to the likes of the BMW 520d SE and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, especially when you consider that to match these on spec you should probably choose the Vector model, which starts at €39,500. Convincing Saab customers out of the woodwork will take time and while this car is worthy, it might not be the answer to Saab's problems just yet. It is a comfortable and well-appointed luxury saloon, in the same way that a well-equipped Opel Insignia feels. The Saab isn't a bad car, but you feel that with the shackles off, there might be better to come.

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