Saab 9-5: Exclusive preview
16.10.2009 - Stuart Milne
(15)
The all-new 9-5 is the fastest and most technically-advanced car Saab has ever made, and Auto Trader was among the few VIP guests to check it out recently at an exclusive preview.
The most radical Saab yet, the new 9-5 features a host of styling details to tempt buyers from rivals. The styling follows the Aero X concept with a wrap-around windscreen and 'iceblock' elements in the front and rear lights. Up front there's a daytime running light stripe, but the rear features strip lighting along the width of the car.
The cabin is a quantum leap in terms of design and quality. The dash is angled towards the driver while there's a head-up display and speedo like a rolling altimeter.
There's a huge amount of cabin space, and the seats are wonderfully comfortable. The boot measures an impressive 550 litres which is claimed to be among the biggest in its class.
Engine choices include a pair of 2-litre diesels (160bhp or 190bhp), or a 300bhp 2.8-litre V6. The 160bhp diesel will be available at launch, with the 190bhp arriving soon after. A 180bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol unit will come later.
Saab is remaining tight-lipped on price, but insiders suggest it'll cost around £1-2,000 more than the outgoing model, which starts at £19,580. Given the huge advances in quality this sounds reasonable.
We'll be testing the car next year, so make sure you check back for the latest news.
