The New Saab 9-5: More Style and Performance

The New Saab 9-5: More Style and Performance

Bold looks, a unique powertrain package and an uprated chassis combine to give the new Saab 9-5 a fresh, more dynamic cutting edge appearance. The sleeker lines and sportier stance of the distinctive new 2007 9-5 Sedan reinforces the Scandinavian brand’s premium position and showcases the introduction 191 kW turbo engine.

By Gerald Ferreira15 October 20064 min read

Bold looks, a unique powertrain package and an uprated chassis combine to give the new Saab 9-5 a fresh, more dynamic cutting edge appearance.

The sleeker lines and sportier stance of the distinctive new 2007 9-5 Sedan reinforces the Scandinavian brand’s premium position and showcases the introduction 191 kW turbo engine.

South African Car Shows SAAB

The exterior changes are also echoed by interior enhancements, including new instrumentation and infotainment system. And the increased driver appeal is underlined by careful re-tuning of the chassis and steering for sportier responses that do not compromise ride quality.

South African Car Shows SAAB

The new Saab 9-5 Sedan is focused on enhancements across three key dimensions:

Progressive Design

  • Bold frontal styling and cleaner lines.
  • All-new bodywork forward of the A-pillar.
  • New grille with wing motif derived from Saab 9X.

South African Car Shows SAAB

Concept Car

  • Previews future Saab design direction
  • Sportier stance, new light assemblies, color-keyed bumper moldings and trim.
  • Wider rear track and color-keyed exterior detailing enhances visual appeal.
  • New projector-style headlamp units and rear light clusters add modernity
  • New ‘Black Room’ interior design concept.
  • Sportier ambience with all-black door cappings, front fascia and carpeting.
  • Contrasting door inserts and trim.
  • Enhanced, color co-ordinated interior décor.
  • Matching look for main instrument panel and door trims.
  • New black, burled wood-effect and metallic finishes for Linear, Arc, Vector, Aero.
  • New main instrument dials, sports steering wheels and infotainment control panels.

South African Car Shows SAAB

Performance Uprated Aero engine

  • 2.3 Turbo engine exclusive to Aero flagship now delivers 191 kW.
  • Superboost function raises strong torque still higher, to 370 Nm. 

Driver Appeal      

  • More responsive vehicle dynamics for sportier driving experience.
  • Retuned dampers, springs and anti-roll bars deliver sharper handling.
  • Improved body control and steering precision.
  • Excellent ride quality maintained.
  • Uprated sports chassis.
  • Class-leading safety levels.
  • Top ratings for 9-5 model in Swedish and US accident injury studies.
  • Comprehensive safety equipment including Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR).
  •  Stability control program, ESP® fitted as standard for all variants.
  • Saab ComSense dynamic workload management helps prevent driver distraction.

South African Car Shows SAAB

The new Saab 9-5 Sedan is designed to reinforce the brand’s core appeal among discerning customers who seek a distinctive product in keeping with their own, more self-expressive values. Typically, such customers are independent-minded professionals who prioritize good aesthetic and original design that offers strong styling, performance and safety. The Saab 9-5 series has already established a strong, worldwide following and Saab expects the new model to attract more customers to the  brand.

Enhanced Aero engine

The new 9-5 Aero’s position at the top of the range is underlined by a 7 kW  increase in the 191 kW maximum output of its 2.3-liter turbocharged engine. Torque is maintained at an exceptionally strong 350 Nm between 1,900 and 4,000 rpm. The capacity of the 32-bit Trionic engine management system has also allowed the programming of a unique ‘superboost’ facility on engines with manual transmission, raising torque still higher, to 370 Nm, for up to 20 seconds. This feature is automatically engaged at full throttle openings for even swifter overtaking.

On the road, this level of power gives the new 9-5 Aero sedan searing acceleration. The zero to 100 kph dash is accomplished in just 6.9 seconds (Auto 8,2) and 80 to 120 kph in fifth gear in just 8.9 seconds.

The engine has an aluminum alloy cylinder head, chain-driven camshafts and a cast-iron block with a 90 mm bore, half-siamesed cylinders and five main bearings. Special jets spray cooling engine oil to the underside of the pistons at the bottom of their stroke, a feature more commonly seen in competition engines.

South African Car Shows SAAB

Five-speed ‘adaptive’ automatic transmission with steering wheel controls

Convenience and sporty performance are combined in the sophisticated five-speed automatic transmission, which incorporates Saab Sentronic manual gear selection via steering wheel buttons.

Manufactured by Aisin AW, the transmission constantly monitors its surroundings, adapting shift patterns to the prevailing conditions. For example, it can detect changes in altitude and engine performance, or if a trailer is being towed, and will optimizes its gear shifting patterns accordingly, staying within the engine’s ‘sweet spot’. This is facilitated by a high-speed databus connection which provides a continuous flow of information between the Trionic engine management system and the automatic transmission’s control module.

In addition to selecting ‘normal‘ or ‘sport’ modes, the driver can also enjoy close gear changing control akin to that of a manual transmission by using Saab Sentronic steering wheel buttons. With the selector lever in the ‘M’ for manual position, swift sequential changes can be executed via the buttons – the right one for ‘up’ changes and the left for ‘down’ changes.

Comments

Sign in to comment.Sign in

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

SAAB Convertible Johannesburg South Africa
10
24,266
ArticleOctober 31, 2008

SAAB Convertible Johannesburg South Africa

The Saab 9-3 platform provides an ideal base for Saab to consolidate its position in the premium convertible market segment with the Saab 9-3 Convertible. This model builds on Saab’s more than 20 years’ experience in designing 4-seater, all season soft tops with the 9-3 Convertible as practical as it is stylish. It embodies the […]

South African Premiere for Saab 9-5
368,334
24,731
ArticleOctober 25, 2006

South African Premiere for Saab 9-5

Saab’s premium sedan set for South Africa with new-look styling inside and out, together with powertrain and chassis upgrades, to further enhance its appeal for discerning buyers.

ArticleNovember 22, 2012

SAAB SERVICE GOES PLATINUM

Saab Platinum Service only £399 Includes engine flush and fuel treatment Plus six months free Saab Secure Warranty cover All-inclusive price covers parts, labour and VAT charges Following the success of Saab’s fixed price servicing offer, Saab Parts UK and its national network of Authorised Service Centres has enhanced its value for money aftersales package […]

FREE MOT WITH A SAAB FIXED-PRICE SERVICE
46
5,035
ArticleJuly 29, 2012

FREE MOT WITH A SAAB FIXED-PRICE SERVICE

Saab Parts UK and its national network of Authorised Service Centres are pleased to offer all Saab owners a complimentary MoT in conjunction with an Oil or Annual service booked in August or September.

NEW SAAB SERVICE CENTRE OPENS IN CANTERBURY
38,183
3,802
ArticleJuly 5, 2012

NEW SAAB SERVICE CENTRE OPENS IN CANTERBURY

Saab Parts UK is delighted to welcome Team Traction Ltd to its network of Authorised Saab Service Centres operating throughout the UK. Team Traction Ltd is a family-run car business which has been trading for over 25 years in Canterbury and is renowned for offering exceptional levels of customer service and quality vehicles for sale. […]

Saab Parts UK Welcomes Two New Authorised Repairers to The Network
11
0
ArticleMarch 28, 2012

Saab Parts UK Welcomes Two New Authorised Repairers to The Network

Following a successful first quarter trading, Saab Parts UK is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Saab authorised repairers. Saabtech Welwyn, situated on 36, Brownfields, Welwyn Garden City, opens for business on Saturday 31st March, 2012, and will offer full servicing facilities, MOT testing, body shop repairs and an extensive aftersales department supplying […]

ArticleFebruary 9, 2012

SAAB PARTS UK KEEPS SAAB OWNERS MOTORING

New Parts Company set up in UK Service & Repair network established Servicing continues as normal Saab Service Club open to all Saab Owners Saab Automobile Parts UK Ltd (trading as Saab Parts UK), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saab Automobile Parts A.B., commenced trading in the UK on the 1st January, 2012. This newly formed […]

ArticleNovember 30, 2011

WARRANTY DIRECT TO THE RESCUE WITH 25% DISCOUNT FOR SAAB OWNERS

In the wake of the news of the demise of Saab GB, the warranty specialist, Warranty Direct, is offering owners 25% off any new warranty policy for Saabs less than three years-old. Saab, which has traded in the UK for more than 50 years, went into administration yesterday following a turbulent few years which resulted […]

ArticleNovember 29, 2011

SAAB GREAT BRITAIN LIMITED PLACED IN ADMINISTRATION

Following months of intensive negotiations and a long period of suspended production and tight liquidity situation at Saab Automobile AB, a voluntary decision has been taken to place Saab Great Britain Ltd (“Saab GB”) into administration. With immediate effect, David Dunckley and Daniel Taylor of Grant Thornton UK LLP have been appointed joint administrators of […]

ArticleSeptember 29, 2010

BMW Group wins major order to supply Saab with engines

Four-cylinder engines will be delivered as of 2012 Trollhättan/Munich. The BMW Group has received a major order from Swedish automobile manufacturer Saab to provide petrol engines. The contract for delivery of the engines as of 2012 was signed on Wednesday by Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales […]

SAAB Johannesburg Motor Show
11
17,826
ArticleOctober 30, 2008

SAAB Johannesburg Motor Show

Saab General Motors South Africa markets a range of eight models in the Saab 9-3 line-up that offers a choice of Sedan, SportCombi (5-door wagon), and Convertible body styles. These models compete in the premium mid-size market segment. Engines are latest generation turbocharged and intercooled all-aluminium units with a choice of diesel or petrol and […]

Hyundaistariadrivesbuzzandsalessurgeindurban
Hyundaistariadrivesbuzzandsalessurgeindurban 3
Hyundaistariadrivesbuzzandsalessurgeindurban 1
Hyundaistariadrivesbuzzandsalessurgeindurban 2
1 / 4
9
1
ArticleApril 28, 2026

Hyundai STARIA Drives Buzz and Sales Surge in Durban

The streets of Durban have long been a stage for culture, movement, and expression, but in the final week of April, they became something more—a live showroom for Hyundai’s premium ambitions. Following a high-impact pres