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The all-new Saab 9-5 - a car with one of the most tortuous gestation periods in automotive history - is now available to order in UK showrooms from £26,495.

Two trim levels - Vector SE and Aero - will be available from launch. The entry Saab 9-5 features half leather seats, iPod integration, Bluetooth, heated seats, parking sensors, climate control and cruise control.

Aero adds 19-inch alloy wheels rather than 17s, twin tailpipes, bi-xenon headlamps, electric leather sports seats and sports suspension.

The three engines available to order now are the 2.0 TiD 158bhp diesel, a 2-litre, turbocharged petrol producing 217bhp and the range-topping 2.8-litre, turbocharged petrol V6 with 296bhp and, thankfully, standard four-wheel drive.

A 177bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol and a twin-turbo 2.0 TTiD diesel with 188bhp will join the range later in the year.

The first 9-5 saloons will arrive in the UK this summer, when it will take on a very talented range of executive saloons including the new BMW 5 series, the Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6. The cheaper Skoda Superb will also be on the 9-5's hit list.

Full Saab 9-5 price list:

Vector SE:
2.0 TiD 160PS £26,495
1.6T 180PS £26,695
2.0T 220PS £28,195
2.0 TTiD 190PS £28,495

Aero:
2.0T 220PS £31,195
2.0 TTiD 190PS £31,495
2.8T 300PS £37,995

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