Underneath, the old platform remains, but Saab's engineers have tried their best to extend the 9-5's shelf-life by revising its suspension. While it's unclear what exactly has been changed, expect new springs, dampers, uprated anti-roll bars, all with wider front and rear track for a better footprint on the road. Other important revisions include a sharpened
steering system, hopefully something that will help filter out the 9-5's rabid torque steer and fidgety cornering. More information about these changes will follow in an in-depth preview after the vehicle's debut.
Included in this change is a model shakedown, revising trim levels, names and standard specifications. The Arc trim line is a casualty; while currently available in North America as the base-model station wagon it has been discontinued, replaced instead by a Classic package. This option group includes heated seats, dark walnut accent trim and integrated fog lamps. Elsewhere, the model names stay the same: Linear now fills the base model, with mid-grade Vector, and the performance Aero model rounding out the top.
As with before, the 9-5 engine lineup relates directly to the trim level selected. Linear models are badged 2.0t, and powered by a 185-horsepower turbo-four motor, the ethanol-powered E85 'Biofuel' turbo-four (not available in North America), or a Fiat-designed 150 hp 1.9-litre JTD turbodiesel (also not available in North America). The Vector's 2.3t motor generates 220-horsepower from its small-displacement turbo-four, while the top of the line Aero model receives a modest
10-horsepower upgrade for a total count of 260. The Holden-designed 2.8-litre twin-turbo V6 as fitted to the 9-3 Aero will not make an appearance on the 9-5 due to what would be extensive and costly re-engineering required to make the components fit.
The cockpit - we stress this because of its fighter jet layout and Saab's fighter jet manufacturing history - has also been freshened. The driver-focused, wrap-around cabin, a true Saab trademark now, has new door trims, new faces for the semi-circle gauges on the instrument cluster, and a sportier multi-function steering wheel, borrowed from the 9-3. Also freshened is the centre console which includes new, simplified HVAC controls that use round knobs rather than tiny, complex pushbuttons, and a new large-format satellite navigation screen. Yes, the clever 'ballerina' cupholder, and the 'floor' mounted key are still there.
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| Linear now fills the base model, with mid-grade Vector, and the performance Aero model rounding out the top. (Photo: Saab) |
Included in this change is a model shakedown, revising trim levels, names and standard specifications. The Arc trim line is a casualty; while currently available in North America as the base-model station wagon it has been discontinued, replaced instead by a Classic package. This option group includes heated seats, dark walnut accent trim and integrated fog lamps. Elsewhere, the model names stay the same: Linear now fills the base model, with mid-grade Vector, and the performance Aero model rounding out the top.
As with before, the 9-5 engine lineup relates directly to the trim level selected. Linear models are badged 2.0t, and powered by a 185-horsepower turbo-four motor, the ethanol-powered E85 'Biofuel' turbo-four (not available in North America), or a Fiat-designed 150 hp 1.9-litre JTD turbodiesel (also not available in North America). The Vector's 2.3t motor generates 220-horsepower from its small-displacement turbo-four, while the top of the line Aero model receives a modest
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| The cockpit - we stress this because of its fighter jet layout andSaab's fighter jet manufacturing history - has also been freshened.(Photo: Saab) |
The cockpit - we stress this because of its fighter jet layout and Saab's fighter jet manufacturing history - has also been freshened. The driver-focused, wrap-around cabin, a true Saab trademark now, has new door trims, new faces for the semi-circle gauges on the instrument cluster, and a sportier multi-function steering wheel, borrowed from the 9-3. Also freshened is the centre console which includes new, simplified HVAC controls that use round knobs rather than tiny, complex pushbuttons, and a new large-format satellite navigation screen. Yes, the clever 'ballerina' cupholder, and the 'floor' mounted key are still there.