Model tested: 9-5 2.0T Aero manual six-speed, 9-5 2.0T Aero automatic six-speed, 9-5 2.0TiD Vector SE manual six-speed
Price: £26,495 - £32,670
Date tested: July 2010
Road tester: Andy Goodwin

The all-new Saab 9-5 is built to take on the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes E-Class, and costs from £25,495 to £37,795.

And, while Saab admits the 9-5 won't take on the top German players in the sales charts, it aims to give its buyers a premium, individual and engaging car.

With styling influenced by the Aero X concept car, the Saab 9-5 plays heavily on the company's aviation heritage. It features turbine-style alloy wheels, a wrap-around front windscreen, driver orientated dashboard and even a Head-Up Display (HUD).

Two diesel and three petrol engines will be available, with power ranging from 160bhp to 300bhp. The 2-litre TiD diesel engine is expected to be most popular, with 160bhp and 258lb/ft of pulling power and front-wheel drive. Zero to 62mph takes 10.1 seconds in the six-speed manual, and it manages 53.3mpg while emitting 139g/km of CO2.

Unfortunately the six-speed automatic - which suits the car's relaxed nature very well - reduces fuel economy to 41.5mpg and brings emissions up to 179g/km of CO2.

A 190bhp, 2-litre TTiD version of the engine will also be available, featuring twin-turbochargers for added performance.

The petrol engines include a 1.6-litre turbo with 180bhp, 2-litre turbo with 220bhp and a 300bhp 2.8-litre V6 turbo with four-wheel drive.

Standard and Drivesense suspension packages are available, the basic setup offering a good level of comfort and body control on the 17-inch alloy wheels standard with the Vector trim level, but a firm ride on Aero spec cars with 19-inch wheels.

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Drivesense adjusts the suspension, engine and steering and has three settings: Comfort, Intelligent and Sport. Driving style and conditions are monitored many times per second, adjusting the car accordingly.

The 9-5 isn't as overtly sporty as the BMW 5-Series, but it covers ground quickly thanks to its powerful engines, relaxed gait and long gears. Fifth and sixth gears are only really needed on dual carriageways and motorways.

Inside, classy switches and clear graphics highlight Saab's focus on logical controls and high safety standards. Rear legroom is plentiful enough for adults to sit in comfort, and there's a huge 515-litre boot.

Every 9-5 will be well-equipped, Vector models getting leather seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, AUX and USB sockets, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, keyless stop and start ignition, nine-speaker CD player, rain-sensing wipers and front and rear parking sensors.

Safety is excellent, the 9-5 having already achieved a five-star score in EuroNCAP crash tests, and coming fitted with a full package of airbags and electronic safety features as standard.

Saab is hoping its most advanced car ever will usher in a new era for the Swedish car maker. The 9-5 is certainly a good car on which to pin its hopes, with great looks, strong engines and enough quirky features and exclusivity to keep old and new Saab customers feeling special.