What is it? The new 9-5 will replace a car that has been on the market since 1997--a time that has spanned two and even three generations for some competitors. (Visit the Saab 9-5 model overview, available to online subscribers.)
The new 9-5 will offer all-wheel drive, better enabling it to tackle Swedish winters and compete against other European sedans in its class. It will be available with a choice of two turbocharged engines: a 300-hp, 2.8-liter V6 in the 9-5 Aero with all-wheel drive and later a 220-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Manual and automatic six-speed transmissions will be available.
Instruments will include a heads-up display, as well as a speedometer with a center display designed to look like an aircraft altimeter. The traditional Saab ignition is still near the shifter between the seats, but it is now a start button, which appears free up some space for better interior storage and a cup holder. Saab claims the new car has more shoulder and leg room in front and back than the old 9-5. Typical options in this price range include a rear seat entertainment system, touch-screen navigation system, 10-gigabyte jukebox music player, and dual Xenon high- and low-beam headlamps.
The new 9-5 sedan will be the first Saab released under the company's new Swedish ownership, although most of the design work was done by General Motors. Saab spokeswoman Gunilla Gustavs says a wagon version will follow, but did not reveal timing.
