Saab's Compelling Euro Luxury Alternative: 9-5

Motoring Channel Staff - 2/May/2006

If you haven't yet seen the new look Saab 9-5, the bigger brother of the now-entrenched 9-3 model, then take a look. It's quite a sight, and has just recently arrived at Saab dealerships around Australia.

Priced from $57,900 for the 136kW Linear sedan, the new European luxury saloon will appeal to drivers who value safety, practicality, reliability and Scandinavian innovation. And best of all, Saab has beefed up its engine range, offering a powerful 191kW Aero flagship model.

With the new 9-5 model launching locally (it was released on May 28th), Saab says that its collated ownership data confirms the strength of the 9-5 nameplate and how loyal the majority of its customers are.

"Around three-quarters of our current 9-5 drivers have previously owned another 9-5," said Ralph Stevenson, the Director of Saab in Australia and New Zealand. "This is an enormous vote of confidence from our customers in both the vehicle and the brand.

"Building on the vehicle's existing strengths, we think the enhancements will give our existing and prospective customers reason to move into the new 9-5."

And what are the enhancements? For one, the powertrains. Motion for the new Saab 9-5 range comes about via a number of turbocharged engines, with all Australian models fitted with engines that displace 2.3-litres, or 2290cc. There is talk of 6-cylinder engines coming to the 9-5 range in future, but that's all it is at this stage: talk.

The 4-cylinder engines each feature turbochargers to ramp up torque and power levels, and Saab insists that the new engines boast exceptionally flat torque curves, which in turn will help increase drivability, not to mention acceleration. The three engine variants on offer are:

Linear Sedan & SportEstate: 136kW / 280Nm
Vector Sedan: 162kW / 310Nm
Aero Sedan & SportEstate: 191kW / 350Nm

The flagship Aero models get a decent boost in power, up from 184kW to 191kW (@ 5200rpm), achieving the maximum output for the 2.3-litre engine. Generating 350Nm between 1800 and 5200rpm, Saab says that the Aero remains among the best in its class for low-end torque.

And not unlike the Porsche 911 Turbo that broke cover a few months ago, the range-topping Scandinavian 9-5 Aero (in manual form) features a 'super boost' function, which, according to the company, automatically engages when you request full throttle via the accelerator pedal, instantly raising torque to 370Nm (up 20Nm) for up to 20 seconds for even quicker speeds. Saab also mentions that the manual Aero model is available in Australia as a 'special order' as the auto gearbox is standard equipment. The 5-speed manual gearbox is also the pick of the Aero models, as it's 0-100km/h time takes 6.9 seconds compared to the 5-speed automatic's 8.2 seconds.

The Aero model prefers 98 RON fuel, where the 136kW Linear and 162kW Vector models prefer 95 RON fuel, but all models will run adequately on 91 RON fuel. The entry-level Saab 9-5 Linear model generates 136kW of power @ 5500rpm and 280Nm of torque @ 1800rpm, and the 9-5 Vector, which sells from $70,900, makes 162kW @ 5500rpm and 310Nm @ 1800-4500rpm.

The 9-5's new look is an evolution of the older 9-5 model's exterior. It's silhouette and overall shape hasn't changed drastically, but there are obvious differences in its design, such as the futuro headlamps and revised rear end. The asymmetric halogen headlamps feature remote levelling and are fitted as standard on Linear and Vector models, while xenon headlamps with auto-levelling and washers are standard on Aero models.

Saab explains that the new look represents the most dramatic change in frontal design since the launch of the classic Saab 900, while the all new front end features a modern grille and lots of chromium, which surrounds the headlamps and central grille section. Exaggerated wheel arches add a sporty element to the new 9-5 stable, but overall the vehicle is still instantly recognisable as a Saab.

Inside the new Scandinavian auto, the cock-pit retains its driver-focussed theme, but adds what Saab calls a more fluid and organic form. Saab explains that the new main instrument panel curves around the driver featuring new white-on-black dials set in chrome and the main console now has separate control panels for the infotainment system and automatic climate control.

"The new exterior and interior styling will increase Saab's appeal among independent-minded and discerning customers with a strong design aesthetic," Saab Australia boss Ralph Stevenson said. "Even more dramatic are the changes under the skin. The new 9-5 offers a much more dynamic driving experience without compromising the excellent ride quality the vehicle is renowned for."

The way the new 9-5 behaves on the road, as Stevenson noted, has been set up to ensure driving comfort is never compromised, despite the fact that the new car's front assembly is 40 per cent more rigid than the previous model. Getting back to Saab's customer research, it reveals that nearly 90 per cent of 9-5 owners based their buying decisions on 'driving comfort', so this was a key element for the suspension engineers to consider.

Saab claims that the new 9-5 has better road holding, responsive dynamics and more precise steering thanks to independent suspension at all four corners, while the Aero models get a sporty spring/damping tune and a 10mm lower ride height so that it's handling matches its increased power delivery, and it also gets wider tyres for better grip.

The mid range Vector and top range Aero models both get 17-inch alloy wheels, with 225/45 and 235/45 aspect ratio tyres respectively, while the Linear model gets 16-inch alloys shod with 215/55 R16 rubber. The 9-5 also benefits from a number of safety enhancements, and has managed to achieve a maximum five star EuroNCAP crash test rating, and according to Saab the new car is recognised by independent American and Swedish accident injury studies as one of the safest cars on the road.

As well as its rigid safety cell body structure, the new 9-5 features an electronic stability program (ESP), traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and ABS all as standard features across the range. Passive safety features - all of which are again standard across the entire 9-5 range, include Saab's active head restraints, dual-stage front airbags, head/thorax side airbags and seat belt pretensioners are also standard.

Available in both sedan and estate body styles (or SportEstate to use Saab's terminology), the new 9-5 has been unleashed in Australia and Saab has high hopes for the new model, which we'll be road testing in due course. Continuing the tradition of progressive and individual cars, Ralph Stevenson from Saab says the enhancements to the new 2006 model ensure the new 9-5 is a compelling alternative in the premium segment.

Pricing:

9-5 Linear sedan: $57,900 (man) $60,400 (auto)
9-5 Arc sedan: $70,900 (auto)
9-5 Aero sedan: $82,900 (auto)

9-5 Linear SportEstate: $62,400 (auto)
9-5 Aero SportEstate: $84,900 (auto)