New Saab 9-5 Sedan: Start of a New Era for Saab
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Australian specifications and the local release date
aren't known as yet. Stay tuned to Next Car for the details in due course though.
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27th August, 2009
- All new premium sedan to debut at Frankfurt Motor Show
- Progressive Scandinavian design inspired by Aero X and Saab heritage
- Engineered with driver in focus for segment leading sporty driving experience
- Excels in responsible performance for safety and environmental concern
- Most technically advanced Saab with an array of ‘high-tech’ features
Making its public debut at next month’s IAA in Frankfurt, the all new Saab 9-5 sedan announced
today signals the start of a new era for the Saab brand. Sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab,
it combines stand-out looks with advanced technologies and will bring a fresh alternative choice to
the premium sedan segment when sales start in 2010.
The clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Scandinavian design and its dramatic wraparound
window graphic echoes Saab’s aviation heritage. With frontal styling inspired by the award-winning
Aero X concept car and a 'muscular', low-slung stance, the new 9-5 heralds the introduction of a bold,
more expressive design language.
The array of high-tech features on offer includes: an aircraft-like head-up information display
(Pilot HUD); adaptive lighting (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab DriveSense
adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; tri-zone air
conditioning; dynamic parking assistance and Saab XWD with a rear eLSD, the industry-leading
all-wheel-drive system.
The all-turbo powertrain line-up starts at 1.6 litres and carries forward Saab’s 'right sizing'
engine strategy, which focuses on responsible performance through the development of highly efficient
and relatively small four cylinder turbo engines. There is a choice of three fuels - petrol, diesel
and E85 bioethanol – and with diesel power, the new 9-5 offers CO2 emissions as low as 139 g/km.
“This car is the start of a new era for our brand,” says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s
Managing Director. “We have created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the
power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty driving and
responsible performance. The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects, as will every future product
from Saab.”
Scandinavian Design
Forward-looking design that doesn’t ignore where it’s coming from - that sums up the visual appeal
of the all-new Saab 9-5 sedan. “We are giving a fresh, very modern expression to some of our
classic brand design cues,” says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. “We have taken visual
themes in our recent concept cars, such as the Aero X, which are inspired by Scandinavian design and
our brand’s aircraft heritage.”
The 'face' of the new Saab 9-5 is defined by a deep grille flanked with curving, 'ice-block'
headlamp units. The entire 'glasshouse' is presented as a ‘wraparound’ mono graphic, the disguised
windshield and side pillars giving the cabin Saab’s signature cockpit look. Squint slightly, and the
proportions of the windshield and roof become reminiscent of the classic 900 model.
Viewed from any angle, the all new Saab 9-5 cuts a strong and powerful stance. The ‘organic
sculpture’ of the low-slung body blends clean, uncluttered lines with natural, curvaceous shapes.
Brand design cues are evident in the ‘hockey stick’ belt-line, the strong rear C- pillars and the
fuselage-smooth surfacing of the body work. The large Saab logo embossed in the centre of the grille
characterises the more assertive, self-confident design language.
The car’s dynamic 'character' is emphasised by a falling roof-line that culminates in sweeping
rear pillars which buttress a slightly recessed rear screen. Latent energy is conveyed by mudguards
that are subtly pulled out to melt into the wheels. Below that smooth, flat rear boot lid, a
full-width, 'ice-block' rear light bar wraps into signature lighting.
The new 9-5’s overall proportions stretch the traditional three-box sedan silhouette, while
avoiding the fastback cliché of a four-door coupé look.
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Accommodation in
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Driver-focused cabin
Inside the spacious cabin, simple forms define its architecture and echo the design purity of
the exterior. Compared to its predecessor, legroom and shoulder width are increased both front
and rear. The choice of materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the controls all
reflect the new Saab 9-5’s premium appeal.
The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, while its execution is all new. The deep centre
console sweeps up at a shallow angle around the driver into the main instrument display, which is
topped by a neat ventilation zone. Deeply recessed main dials include a rolling ‘altimeter’ speed
read-out, a reference to Saab’s aviation heritage from the Aero X concept. Driver displays,
including the optional head-up display (Pilot HUD) in the windshield, are predominantly illuminated
in signature Saab green and have a crisp, floating appearance. The car’s ignition, now a start/stop
button, remains between the front seats, next to the gear shift.
Infotainment choices include a top-of-the-line harman/kardon surround sound audio system and an
8-inch touchscreen navigation system with hard disc storage for map data and 10GB of jukebox-style
music files. A large centre console provides stowage and connections for several portable devices
through USB and Aux ports alongside a 12V power outlet.
Rear passengers can access their own audio or watch a DVD. The rear seat entertainment unit in
the back of the centre console accommodates audio controls and fold-our viewing screens are
installed in the front seat-backs. Wired and wireless headphones are provided for listening and
viewing. The rear seat entertainment unit also includes twin air vents and an independent
temperature control for the rear cabin, in addition to the dual zone air conditioning up front.
On the road
An array of chassis technologies is focused on delivering a sporty, rewarding driving experience
that belies the Saab 9-5’s size. Saab XWD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system already
available on the Saab 9-3, is offered with the 2.0-litre petrol, BioPower and 2.8V6 turbo engines.
Available throughout the range is adaptive chassis control with driver settings selection through
Saab DriveSense, Bi-Xenon Smart Beam adaptive lighting and intelligent cruise control. Two
different suspension layouts are factory-fitted according to engine power and both are available
with a sport chassis setting.
Saab has some 30 years’ experience in turbocharging engines and the all-turbo powertrain line-up
in the new 9-5 further develops its right sizing engine strategy. At launch, the four cylinder
choice comprises a 160 hp, 2.0-litre turbo diesel with CO2 emissions of just 139 gm/km and a 2.0
litre petrol turbo developing 220 hp. A top-of-the-line 2.8V6 turbo, generating 300 hp and 400 Nm
of torque, is offered exclusively with Saab XWD.
Shortly after launch, a small, 1.6-litre petrol turbo with 180 hp will be introduced, together
with a 2.0-litre BioPower E85-capable engine. All transmissions will be six-speed.
New era
Defined and equipped by Saab as its top-of-the-line contender in the premium sedan segment, the
new 9-5 is the most technically advanced car ever produced by the company. It will be built at Saab’s
home plant in Trollhättan, Sweden, where it has been engineered and chiefly developed.
Available in Linear, Vector or Aero specification, the all new Saab 9-5 heralds the start of a
new era for Saab. Scandinavian simplicity was never this advanced!
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