Vehicle Overview
The 9-5 was updated extensively for 2006. The 2007 version gets only minor changes, including the introduction of a special edition with new Ice Blue metallic paint, unique leather trim and 17-inch wheels.
Offered in sedan and SportCombi wagon form, modifications include new sheet metal, chassis and powertrain enhancements, and revised instrumentation. All trim levels are powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that generates 260 horsepower.
Exterior
A visibility option package includes xenon headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and rear park assist. For 2007, an Aero option package replaces the Sport package. The Aero includes a sport chassis, sport seats, metallic interior trim and Aero badging.
Standard wheels on all trims measure 17 inches in diameter.
Interior
The 9-5 can seat up to five people. Upright chairlike seating permits comfortable posture, and leather-upholstered seats are standard. A new audio system includes MP3-play capability, XM Satellite Radio and an in-dash six-CD changer. Dual-zone automatic air conditioning and front and rear heated seats are standard.
Saab’s Dynamic Workload Manager feature can briefly suppress dashboard warning messages when appropriate, while the Night Panel function can shut off primary instrumentation — aside from the speedometer — at night. Both systems are intended to reduce driver distraction.
Under the Hood
The front-wheel-drive 9-5’s turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder generates 260 hp and 258 pounds-feet of torque. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard and a five-speed automatic transmission that permits manual gear selection via steering-wheel controls is optional.
Safety
All-disc antilock brakes, traction control, an electronic stability system, side-impact airbags for the front seats and active front head restraints are standard.