2006 Version is Most Thorough 9-5 Upgrade in YearsAt eight years old, many consider the Saab 9-5 to be on its last remaining leg. Having had a facelift once already, with several interim
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| The most obvious changes affect its exterior, which now sports completely revised front and back ends. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
powerplant and model-line upgrades, the car that remains is truly an acquired taste. Nevertheless, needing to give its loyal consumers a large car to move up to while the next-generation 9-5 is in development (speculated for 2008), the current 9-5 will soldier on with yet another post-mid-cycle revision. Making its debut at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the 2006 9-5 is the most comprehensive redo to date, covering everything from powertrain to interior.
The most obvious changes affect its exterior, which now sports completely revised
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| From the front end the differences between the old (shown) and new 9-5 are abvious. (General Motors of Canada) |
front and back ends. It's quite an aggressive approach to Saab styling, and is the first production implementation of the design language first spotted in the bold 9-X and 9-3X concepts. Saab has taken its traditional grille with two offset, diagonal spars and separated them; the central grille is now smaller, and the headlamp bezel incorporates the components, as well as the covered headlamp bulbs. Both are outlined in chrome, to catch the eye. Below this, the bumper is completely new, and features a centre intake with body-coloured ribs, offset on both sides by Audi-esque intakes that have 'teardrop' bulges for fog lamps.
