Vehicle Overview
The 9-5 is Saab’s top-of-the-line car, and it competes with cars such as the Acura TL, Volvo S60 and Lincoln MKZ. It’s available as both a sedan and wagon, which Saab calls a SportCombi. All 9-5s are front-wheel drive and are powered by a 260-horsepower, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. The 9-5 was extensively redesigned for 2006 and receives only minor changes for 2008.
Exterior
A visibility option package includes xenon headlamps, power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors, and rear park assist. The Aero includes a sport chassis and a suspension with increased spring and damping rates, plus larger anti-roll bars to improve handling.
Standard wheels on all trims measure 17 inches in diameter, but Aero models get a new five-spoke design. Snow Silver and Pepper Green are new colors for 2008. The Aero version of the SportCombi gets matte chrome roof rails for 2008.
Interior
The 9-5 can seat up to five people. In both the sedan and SportCombi, upright chairlike seating permits comfortable posture, and leather-upholstered seats are standard. The audio system includes MP3-play capability, XM Satellite Radio and an in-dash six-CD changer. Satellite radio and the CD changer are not available if you opt for the optional DVD navigation system. Dual-zone automatic air conditioning and eight-way power-adjustable front seats with three memory settings for the driver’s seat are standard.
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 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.