Another German magazine has joined the 9-5 photo circus.
Auto Motor and Sport in Germany (Sweden, too) are now showing images of the 2010 Saab 9-5, shot in the last few weeks in Trollhattan (AMS Sweden are running with Autobild pics).
I thought it might be a good idea to show a few of these and accompany them with the 2010 Saab 9-5 info that GM left on the web back in May.
First, to some new photos. You can view the full set at AMS.de
——
And now, for the information as posted online by GM back in May in PDF form.
——
Here are the colors and specs of the 2010 Saab 9-5:
Click to enlarge color chart.
NOTE: As far as I can tell, the details below are US details only. AND the wagon will most likely come one year after the initial introduction of the sedan (i.e. MY2011).
——
OVERVIEW
The Saab 9-5 offers excellent performance and value in the performance oriented midsize luxury category. It is available in Sedan in base and Aero levels, and in front-wheel and all-wheel drive.
NEW FOR 2010
- 2.8L V6 Turbocharged engine
- OnStar® 1-year Directions & Connections Plan2 with Turn-by-Turn Navigation
- Bluetooth® wireless technology for select compatible phones17
- 6-speed Sentronic automatic transmission with manual shift
- Lane Departure Warning available
- Rear Passenger Package includes rear seat entertainment, dual display
- DVD, remote control, auxiliary jacks, dual channel headphones, tri-zone climate control, rear seat audio controls
- EZ Key passive entry system
SELECTED STANDARD FEATURES
Safety and Security
- Dual-stage front air bags with passenger sensing system1
- Side-impact and head curtain side-impact air bags1
- LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for CHildren) system
- Theft-deterrent system
- Daytime Running Lamps
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control
- OnStar® 1-year Directions & Connections Plan2 with Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Interior
- Front leather-appointed heated bucket seats with power adjustments, driver memory
- Split-folding rear seat
- Floor console with armrest
- Dual-zone automatic climate control with air filtration system
- Driver Information Center with outside temperature display
- Tilt/telescoping adjustable steering column
- Universal Home Remote
- Cargo Management System
- Remote Keyless Entry with keyless start button
- AM/FM stereo with CD player, XM Radio3 with a 3-month trial, USB port and harman/kardon® speaker system
- Bluetooth® wireless technology for select compatible phones
Mechanical
- Front-wheel drive
- 2.8L Turbocharged V6 engine
- 6-speed Sentronic automatic transmission with manual shift
- 4-wheel disc antilock brake system with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution
- Power rack-and-pinion steering
- 4-wheel independent suspension
- Lowered, sport-tuned chassis (Aero)
Exterior
- Intermittent rain-sensing front windshield wipers
- Front integral fog lamps
- P225/55R17 all-season tires
- 5-spoke aluminum wheels
SELECTED OPTIONAL FEATURES
- Ultrasonic Front and Rear Parking Assist
- Lane Departure Warning
- Seating options: driver and passenger ventilated seats, semi-Aniline leather surfaces
- Tri-zone climate control
- Head Up Display
- Audio options: Rear seat controls, rear seat entertainment, voice recognition, Navigation radio, 6-disc CD changer, surround sound, 40GB hard drive device
- 2.8L HO Turbocharged V6 engine (Aero)
- All-wheel drive
- Electronic Slip Differential (e-LSD)
- EZ Key passive entry system
- Xenon headlamps with auto-leveling and adaptive forward lighting
- Power moonroof
- 18- and 19-inch aluminum wheels
——
As mentioned in the Auto Zeiting article, the proposed starting range of engines for the rest of the world will include:
- 1.6t (190hp),
- 2.0t (220hp),
- 2.8t V6 (300hp),
- 2.0TiD (160hp) and TTiD(190hp)
The two strongest petrol engines will have the XWD-option, the 2.0t with option for E85.
I also note that AMS Sweden are reporting TTiD4 means cross wheel drive with the TTiD engine.
–
Related posts:
{ 111 comments }
Still looks very good I have to say, even though that dark grey metallic does the design no favours
. Its basically a very classy, understated design.
Interesting how SAAB are sticking to their guns and not going into the ‘expressive’ surface treatment started by BMW. Now that even Jaguar and Audi are moving in that direction, the new 9-5 really is unique in its very simple and elegant character. I think this will look great in real life and in a light color. My only concern is actually a small detail: I see some, what appears to be plastic ribs in the instrument cluster. I sure hope its just a 2D treatment and not physical ribs…it will look bad in real life, with dust and so on… please, please.
In one of Auto Motor and Sport’s rear seat photos, it seems that there is no center seat headrest. There has to be one, right?
The nose from these photos looks kind of similar to a 9-3 nose pulled forward. I still can’t quite decided whether it’s a good/distinctive nose or kind of Toyota Camry-ish. There I said it! I was hoping that image would go away overnight but every time I look at the nose I’m just a tad disappointed. The rest of it I really like. I’m liking the bold/large SAAB badge on the rear. Like saying, “i’m proud to be a Saab!”. Oh, the butterly cupholder is bye-bye huh. I think it was cool but kind off useless.
Some of these photos do show just how big this car is.
The interior doesn’t look as good as on previous Auto Bild pictures(possibly because of the angle of the picture).
Do not like the steering wheel, somehow it doesn’t fit well with the rest of the interior.
The front end is slightly ordinary looking, the back end is nice.
But overall, it should give a SAAB a year or two of strong sales to recover. Don’t see a really big reason not to buy one if you’re in a market for a similar car, which cannot be said about the current 9-3 or 9-5.
I must say that Auto Motor und Sport’s images are a lot more flattering than that earlier crop. Photographing the car from low down with a wide angle lens did the car no justice whatsoever. I’m relieved that the car looks a lot better than I first thought. I’ll still reserve my judgement to I see a car in the metal, but I am feeling much better about it now.
I have to admit that the interior has grown on me a bit although that steering wheel just looks like an Opel/Vauxhall one with some cladding. I hope the Aero comes with a better looking option. Window switches just have to go back in the centre. Sorry no excuses, if ordinary Ford Falcons made here in Oz can have centre mounted switches, why can’t Saab? Just another GM parts bin thing I suppose? Fix it please.
The ribs ARE 3D
@ peter: I think there is a center head rest integrated into the seat. You can pull it out just like in the current 9-5 SC
These pictures taken from above at teh front and rear 3/4 views are much more flattering, the design is growing on me.
Saab should have distrubuted their own internal pics rather allowed people to take their own and have those leak, could have given a much better first impression.
Alex, I agree totally and I’m more than a little relieved. Those previous photos and the earlier CGIs had me quite concerned. Saab really needs to release some pictures now that show the car the way it wants us to see it.
The from of the car really looks good on AMS pictures. Good, good…
Ok the passenger air vent, and the area around it..is just odd.
The material of the console looks to be two different colors at the seam running across it (below the Hvac controls). I’m concerned about the top right corner of the console, where it turns and the hard right angle meet. Right below the unlock button. That corner is odd.
The front seems bare in these photos, up close it looks beautiful. But I think that goes back to the subtly of the whole design. I feel like with my 9-3, it can look rather bland from away until you really give it a 360 can you appreciate the lines.
I love love love, the second photo thats posted up here.
Ahh got it. Thanks Hans. The center headrest in rear is hidden.
In the Auto Motor und Sport photos, the steering wheel does not look that bad. But I think it does needs a rework though. If one was to buy and drive a car for many years, the last thing you want is a steering wheel you can’t stand.
this is joke…
interior looks same as the insignia. plastic, steering wheel, pedal, seat!!! it is not more than one copy:(
i am very disappointing…
Regardless.
Nordic White, Aero, XWD, maxed out. Two years, it will be mine.
I hated white on cars, until this past auto show season and they had a white 9-3 Convertible Aero on display. It was beautiful and I catch myself looking at white cars more and more.
I’m pretty sure the interiors don’t share a single shape, except maybe the gear shift surround. The seats are actually different, at least the vertical part is, the cuts for the side bolsters are in different locations, and too me the Saab has more side bolstering. Pedals? Really? Steering Wheel, we KNEW that was coming.
Swade, you are really on top of things! You seem to have everything here before its anywhere else! Good stuff, and good thinking adding in the spec.
That pine green makes me think of those facelifted 9000s I used to see in metallic green – I thought they were the business. When I went to look at the 93 last year, I was so disappointed with the colour chart – it was like every colour was just a variation of silver! No sign of dark green/blue/maroon metallics – just light shades called things like cappucino or something I can’t remember. Anyway, I’ll take the GAY.
The pictures look great here – that front 3/4 shot from above really does show the car up to be a stunner, and that roofline/pillars are cool. The more I see this car, the more I like it.
Now I’m used to having center-mounted window switches, but having them there just plain take-up space to have a cupholder and actual storage compartments for my devices. Yeah it’s not “Saab” to have door-mounted switches, but it’s logical.
Thinks are starting to look good. The AMS photos are really nice, but I have to admit that I’m not too sure about the interior: I love the overall form, but it does look a little cheap. Maybe wood would help!
Why do people see similarities where there are non? This car does look nothing (NOTHING!!!) like a buick or opel, neither inside nor out. Couls somebody please tell me what is wrong with some people’s eyes?
DG
Check out the back shot staring below the car – the wheels are right out at the edges – brilliant! And like others pointed out, is that a brake light/reflector at the base of the rear bumper? And check out that A-pillar with the door open – nice – love that sharp angle where the pillar meets the roof – no sign of any gentle ncap-loving swoop!
Man, this looks like a tank- I love it!!! Crappy seats or not!!
Here’s another question: Is Opel still really bad these days? The Insignia seems to be a very competent performer based on a lot of reviews, so I expect Saab engineers to create a great-driving car with this platform.
Why Why Why isn’t there a middle head rest? It makes no sense. Every luxury maker has them, its a safety issue and even mainstream brands are incorporating them. Its not that hard.
I guess we won’t be getting OnStar in the US anymore…? Fine with me.
BTW, I’m pleased with the design. I was looking for a more aggresive front-end, but other than that, I’m very pleased. And for those complaining about it looking like an Opel… 1) it doesn’t. Not even close. 2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_Four_chassis
See bk-aero’s clarification in post #6 about missing rear center headrest.
GML, we might. I don’t think there has been a picture of the rear view mirror. I believe that would be the only indication of Onstar or not.
I would hope we could get it, but its not a deal breaker.
Wish I could edit my comments.
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-saab-9-5-leaked/2159360/
Actually found a picture with the rear view mirror, and there are not buttons or even space for buttons. Interesting, I wonder if there will be a US build and EU build and Onstar being the difference.
Also in that same picture, on the passenger door, what is above the door pull?
The door sill in the 25th AMS photo says “Vector” ~ so that is a confirmation of what most of us figured.
Charles,
I thought OnStar was a GM-exclusive feature.
I’m not sure what that thing is above the door pull. On the driver’s-side, it looks like the mirror adjustment.
GML, actually I know that Audi used Onstar in the A8 at one point. It was right there on the Onstar website, its no longer there now though.
And this car was under development before the breakup, and GM would end up making money from the subscription. So I would lean towards it showing up for a US build of the car. But we will see.
I’ve gotten spoiled with Onstar. Just call up and get directions, its actually much faster than the navigation system.
wish they would rethink the cancellation of pepper green, and, I prefer the wheels seen in the spy-shots from Colorado during the high altitude testing to the ones in these photos.
thought I read somewhere yesterday that the combi has accounted for 80% of 9-5 sales, so I hope they won’t wait until 2011 to offer the combi.
love the taillights.
looks Saabish – sorry I have never been a 4-dr sedan person and cannot comment otherwise.
After seeing these news pictures from a different angle the design has grown on me. The design is very conservative still and I wish it was more striking…lets hope the Aero version does the job but these pictures do it more justice. It would be better looking in black and the wheels are sweet looking. Again I hope the Aero variant is alot more appealing and aggressive looking…larger wheels with a lower stance would work.
I can’t get past that nose though it really is very boring compared to the rear which is in a class of itself. The interior is attractive and rich looking finally and the nav screen and controls are the perfect size. I can’t wait to see in the metal as Swade says I’m sure it will be more positive. I think alot of enthusiasts set the bar very high on this new 9-5 since it replaces such an old design and expectations were maybe too high.
The front headrest, seat mounted video screens (not headrest mounted) and steering wheel are definitely a parts sharing thing. The AutoBild photos show the Buick LaCrosse’s equivalent and the basic shapes are identical. The Buick’s steering wheel somehow looks ok except for the garish wood. So the 9-5′s steering wheel still has hope. Saab spend some money on reworking it. It looks very GMish. Makes one want to throw up. Somehow I don’t want a steering wheel that looks like it came from a Tahoe in front of me everyday. A GM symbol of waste/excess; single drivers/occupants commuting daily in a truck that could transport a village.
hm,i guess the griffin badge is now gone
I still think that steering wheel is completely out of place in this car. Its hideous and nees to be replaced with something a little classier.
That steering wheel belongs in a Chevy SUV not a Saab. It kind of spoils the whole effect, IMO. Change it!
Here is a GM SUV/Truck steering wheel..
http://www.chevrolet.com/assets/en/images/model/2009/tahoe/gallery/interior/masthead/chevy_tahoe09_pg_int_09CHCB01041rgb.jpg
Appreciate your view and candor, it’s safe to say you’re a 2-door / coupe enthusiast. I used to be; but I’ve gravitated to the sedan, plus I have a growing family.
@Zippy,
Gotta disagree with you buddy, Change it? TOO LATE…it didn’t grab me either; but it isn’t THAT bad, Really. My wife and I have ALWAYS owned imports; but I like CHEVY SUVS, lol!
N
The good thing about the 3D ribs and the steering wheel is that the wood panel probably doesn’t have them (but if they do, I’m certain Hirsh will fix any problem with looks), and the steering wheel is also one of the easier parts to replace (as am certain Hirsh will be happy to provide a refined wheel).
Good to see that the console panel cut-out has become much more symmetrical than the current 9-5 and is very close to the 9000. Much better harmony.
This baby is looking better and better everytime I see her. The AMS pic at the top of this article really shows her in full glory.
Just one more comment on the AMS pics. At this moment in time, I wish I was the guy pictured in pic 31 (out of 32) in the AMS photo spread. That’s one lucky dude! Link: http://images.marken.auto-motor-und-sport.de/media/mdb/252298/Saab-95.jpg?r_498x333
Can anyone tell me what are the outputs for:
2.8L Turbocharged V6 engine (2.8t ?)
vs.
2.8L HO Turbocharged V6 engine (Aero)
So according to Swade: “As mentioned in the Auto Zeiting article, the proposed starting range of engines for the rest of the world will include:
* 1.6t (190hp),
* 2.0t (220hp),
* 2.8t V6 (300hp),
* 2.0TiD (160hp) and TTiD(190hp)”
Does that mean the Aero’s will be a 2.8T which will be greater than the 2.8t’s 300hp ?
Concerning the lucky dude in the AMS picture, it doesn’t seem to offer that much headroom in the back. And the windows are rather small, almost coupe-ish.
Speaking of coupes, I think this would make a great base for a hatchback-coupe 9-5, like the Audi A5 Sportback. And a 6 pot diesel, would be a great GT car
Vince Burlapp has a comparison picture of different GM steering wheels:
http://www.burlappcars.com/2009/07/gms-new-steering-wheels.html
They are similar and likely share the same frame/airbag, but they are definitely not the same. Note how the Saab has bumps at 2 and 10 o’clock and uses leather all the way around.
Should Saab have spent millions designing, testing and tooling a completely different wheel? What other feature would you be willing to give up just to have the wheel spokes in a slightly different location?
The instrument panels are also very different.
The wheel looks ok to me – it is very hard to tell until it is in your hands…but no griffin on the wheel I think is a mistake. It looks naked. At least there is still one on the hood…but not on the tail.
Saab talks a lot about “brand” – they shouldn’t throw away the Griffin. The “SAAB” logo just isn’t the same.
I disagree. Those differences are mere superficial by way of extra “pieces” that are modular. Yeah they are not the same in terms of the 10/2-o’clock bumps, external surface material (ie: leather vs. wood) but they are the same underlying wheel.
Yeh I miss the Griffin on the steering wheel.
“It looks naked”
Thats exactly what my girlfriend said.
Concern. The Key FOB. Is there an integrated key that pulls out? Or is there a separate key that has to be attached with a ring? If its the latter I will be very disappointed. And in general the FOB is lacking in design.
Some new photos…
Note the six high-resolution images
http://www.vibilagare.se/zino.aspx?articleID=13924
The car has a start button and may not have a key (metal shank) at all. This fob may slide into a slot on the dash or console somewhere and then activate the start/stop button. Then again it may be like the 9-3SS witha metal shank that is hidden in the unit itself. If that is the case then the metal shank will be used only to lock/unlock doors if the fob battery is dead.
Might have found a reason for why it is so long. Chinese market. There is an audi a6 extended wheelbase having exactly the same length. Great. And i wouldn’t find a parking space in those cramped european towns.
Check out the HUD control
http://www.vibilagare.se/document/Saab_9-5_interior.jpg
HUGE hi-res pics here:
http://www.vibilagare.se/zino.aspx?articleID=13924
Oh those pictures….. Droool Drool…… SO much better….
OMG. Those new photos are drop dead gorgeous.
I had the same question…
Also, why did Saab distribute base models for everyone…why didn’t they have the magazines test/photograph the Aero?
The ViBilägaare-article explains the 4 in TTiD4, it stands for 4 cylinders. It says that turbomotors will all have Turbo4, Turbo6, BioPower4 or TTiD4 (numbers in superscript) on all models to highlight the turbo like in the old days, and also the 4 cylinder engines.
I like both the exterior and interior. And after looking at the high-res pictures for a while the front looks great also!
I wonder about that also SN.
My question about the Aero, is how the “Aero effects/ground effects” are going to work on the side with the J vent.
But I’m loving the base model, so I know the Aero will be Epic. Because honestly, I’m too fond of base model 9-3s or 9-5s as they are.
Charles +1
Pics, #10, #15 (same as #19), #18 and the next to the very last shot (pic #21) just blow me away!
OK, I’m warming up a bit. If only car dealers had shelves, so that the 9-5:s could fly off them like hot cakes…
That’s NOT the base model. Apparently there is Linear, Vector, and Aero. The one in all these pictures is a VECTOR. It’s etched in the door sill plates. Those are the sport seats that will most likely be in the Aero, unless they get REAL ambitious and put something like genuine Recaros in there.
From what the “OPC” package did for the Insignia, the Aero should be drop dead sexy.
Someone may have already notice this or said this deep within the site, but have you noticed how we have lost our saab seats?
Gone is the high backed, scrolled -over safety headrest Saab seat design so dear to us from the 99 to the last 9-5.
If those are GM seats or Insignia seats, then I’m off. Really I mean it- no Saab safety seat, no Saab comfort seat, I am gone. I will buy a ovlov…
And which daft PR person choose dark grey with a coal-hole dark interior for the PR shots? Art editors want bright light reflecting colours, not moron-grey.
That Pres shots car should have been red or silver blue with a grey or a tan interior. Grey does not print well…
Swade mate, I am sickened at saab today- and the German mag that broke that embargo-if it was Ford, they would never have done it- the reaction would be massive. You played it right though Swade.
yours anon…
after seeing those hi res images, i have fallen for this car once again. with all those lights on, its something special.
As I commented in another thread somewhere here, the steering wheel (in my eyes) actually has quite some in common with the pre-GM threespoke one from the 1987 9000 turbo.
Saabcentral has a smallish picture of it in a 9000 article here:
http://www.saabcentral.com/features/saab_9000/form_function_1987/9000_ff_6.php
At least in the new 9-5, you can put one hand dead center on the bottom of the wheel…
How about you get all the facts before you buy a brick.
Did you see the pictures SaabKen found? If not you should check them out.
Chris
P.S. the seats look like recaros to me, however I am sure the Aero seats will be different.
Chris (Elbobo), the credit for the hi-res pics site goes to Johan, three posts before mine.
BTW, I saw one shot of the front with the DRL LEDs turned on …. WOW. They’re quite like the A5′s:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/2425261462_912e0dae44.jpg
http://www.vibilagare.se/zino.aspx?articleID=13924
My big wish for Saab is to add a little more side support particularly on the seat cushions as I tend to have to hang on to the steering wheel for dear life when I am exiting a cloverleaf exit on the freeway.
Anyone else see the photo of the gentleman on the left hand side of the page when you scroll down? Anyone else think he bears a passing resemblence to our own Swade?
The pics of the 9-5 on said page? WOW!
I must admit those AMS shots are far superior to the
Autozeiting pics.
Lance Cole, with all due respect to you I really dont think that Saab will in any way compromise the comfort/safety of Saab car seats. I think they will be Saab thru-and-thru.
Yeh I saw the SaabKen. It makes me sad a little bit. I wish they would of kept it as the eyebrow. But at this point Saab is going to be seen as the copier. Having it below, makes it look like Audi. But now the Mercedes C Class has the eyebrow (though not a very good one) and now BMW is even putting something at the top of their light fixtures, though I’ve never seen it lit up, but same concept.
Elbobo, You say Aero seats may be differnt, but since when did non Aero trim Saaba make do with non Saab type seats- the current Aero seat is based on the non aero trim seat… There is no structural difference in the seat -only padding stitching and bolster size vary..
As for ‘facts’ – well to me, facts are selective interpretations on what we each choose to see as fact in order to support our arguement or position.
hey ho…
My apologies to Johan I did not see his post.
Chris
Look at the doorhandles in the high-res pics. Nice attention to detail with a handle of two different material, not found on the siblings! And I must say that the sideview-mirrors have an excellent design. The turningsignal is elegantly incorporated into them, again exclusive to Saab. The “C” shape ontop of the boot is taken from the aero-x, aswell as that it is concave. A lot of nice small details =)
My real point is lets wait and see what in store, not only in photos but in the tactile truth of actually sitting in the car. SAAB has always been more about form follows function than retaining lineages.
Chris
Awesome, just beautiful. Interesting front headrests. Not ugly but different, if they are made like this, then they should be like this. Seats are superb, I’m kinda with a heavy foot and I like to take corners very fast, seats like this just HOLD you in position. Everything is good, hope it sells very good also. For all saabers with negative comments: “Get a life, get real and get another car also.” Peace
Every time Apple releases a new product, many many many people are underwhelmed and disappointed. This is because expectations are always built so high beforehand…Apple could never live up to them. Nevertheless, once people come back down to earth, they usually realize that Apple really has released something fantastic.
I feel the same way about this car. I feel like Saab have done a fantastic car, but we have all built up such high hopes in our minds, that truly nothing could have met our expectations.
I feel like, since Saab is going independent, everybody feels like this car should be the poster-car of independent Saab. Many seem to have forgotten that this car was 90% developed under 100% GM Control. In fact, the 9-3SS was already under development when GM bought all of Saab, so this is currently (soon to be joined by the 9-4x) the only Saab car 100% developed under GM Control.
I think they’ve done a smashing job, and I think we need to just accept that some things, like the steering wheel, bear resemblance to other GM models. I understand why we’re bitter, but at the same time, GM has some really great models right now!
I guess what I am saying is, that I think Saab have done a phenomenal job with this car. We may never realize how much they had to fight GM to get as much design leeway as they did. Let’s love this model, and let’s see what Saab come out with next.
Ryan +1
Peace to everyone @ my Saab World (Saabs United)!
hi guys… I am AMAZED by the energy a lot of you spend on the design of the steering wheel of the new 9-5. I agree its quite important, but hey, what about rest of the car. Is the car so perfect that the steering wheel is the only imperfection??
is that bye bye gm deal signed yet ?
I won’t comment on this untill i’m sure GM is sure to let Saab go,…, otherwise they might change their mind
Personally, I don’t mind the steering wheel. It looks very comfortable to hang onto. It’s MUCH better than the 2006-2009 9-5 wheel in my opinion.
Those new photos: WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have between now and April to come up with the money. This is going to be tough. But it’s gotta be done.
If we believe the article from VI BILÄGARE (Johan’s link) then the engines will be badged as Turbo6 (2.8 V6) BioPower4 2L E-85 capable, TID4(160bhp diesel) TTID4(190bhp diesel) and Turbo4 for the 2L petrol or 1.6L Petrol ???
How will they differentiate between both engines ???
Or Turbo4 is the 1.6L, and the 2L will only be available as BioPower4??
AMS.se says (swade says they say) the 4 means AWD?
Who has got it wrong ???
AutoZeitung says those are 19″ Rims; VI BILÄGARE says those are 18″ rims, and that the Aero version will use the Turbine rims of the Aero X
VI BILGÄRE also says the XWD system will also be available for the smaller engines. They also say something about a double-clutch transmission, but google is too fuzzy with the translation.
And could somebody be so nice to translate the text of the 8th picture. It talks about the lower door detail. But I don’t get it.
@ me:
VI BILÄGARE is correct. The superscript is the number of cylinders. They’ve worked hard to established the “XWD” name and would never get rid of that. I really like the new lingo. Can’t wait to get my 9-5 turbo6.
Zippy I think that might be Steve Wadesen, Swade’s swedish cousin
I think the steering maybe odd due to the wordmark in the middle, rather than it being too generic and boring, I like it.
The HUD controls look good, I like all the rotary switches. I also like the big screen in the middle (here’s hoping that they can do the funky double screen thing from the XJ/ Range Rover).
The new pictures are so detailed, love checking out the details, eg the wing mirrors (the curve at the top, above the indicator).
Lance, personally I think you’re wrong, I’m pretty sure that they’re not Opel/Vauxhall seats and they will be as comfortable as my Dad’s 9-5 seats I’m sure, I dont think Saab would go away from one thing which is a key point of the brand, even though the design is different.
The key FOB is the exact same for the Cadillac CTS. I would assume GM allow SAAB to have their own FOB at least.
Lance, perhaps you need to take another round on the seats. As far as I know the designer is the same as on all the other Saab seats, the difference is that the designer also designed the insigina seats. In my mind that makes the Insigna seats much nicer than the old Vectra and not that the Saab seats have gotten worse. And, when I sat in the car a few months ago they felt just as good as we have grown to expect from Saab.
@me:
Translation of the text to the 8th picture would be something like “No form without funcion, Saab’s designers says. However, the ‘doodle’ behind the front wheel, seems to be just that. Form without function.”
@me:
The text says that there will be no double-clutch version.
According to a commenter at AMS that claimed to be working at Saab with lots of insights into the project, the April release date (then only stated by Autozeitung) was wrong. He wouldn’t say which way, but I’d bet on it being earlier. In that case, you will have to work even harder or instead aim for the SC version…
Curtis I’ve seen an Aston Martin Key that looked exactly the same as a Ford Fiesta Key.
ThankYou.
I hope it means there will be none, for now.I read an article some months ago about SAAB working on a double-clutch gearbox.
I said from the beginning that this ‘doodle’ couldn’t have no function.
@all
And, what does FOB means?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Key_fob
http://www.alphadictionary.com/goodword/word/fob
Thank You again.
I hope the system is a key-less entry and key-less ignition like on the 7-series so you can keep the FOB in the Jacket while entering the car or staring it.
@me: That’s the plan.
Pardon ??
Which plan, it is a little bit late over here?
@Curtis
The “big” difference is the SAAB FOB is missing the remote start-stop button
The fob is going to be key-less. You just have to have it in your pocket and you can hit the start button by the shifter.
ok, I may be out-of-date on Saab steering wheel evolution since my 9-3 is now nine years old, but I am used to having hand-rest spots at 4 and 8 o’clock as a change from 2 and 10 o’clock, and this steering wheel does not have that option.
and, I shall very much miss the Griffen, a bit of Euro-heraldry that defines Sweden. always surprised how reassuring it is to see my Griffen in the center of steering wheel, maintaining my zero-accidents- since-1976 record like a good luck charm. for all I know, I touch my Griffen whenever a bad driver in an unresponsive vehicle threatens…
hope there is time for interior tweaks between now and production…and a black market for illegal Griffen badges?
after staring at the opel insignia opc seats for the past few minutes, looks like saab used the seat bottom of that car and used a different back rest.
Karen, regarding the 10-2 handrest stops I attended a defensive driving course and they were saying the best place for handrest stops was 9-3 as it allowed the driver to better control my car, in my case a 9-3. I must admit since I took that course I now have my seat set to its lowest position and the seatback upright to the point where the seat back is in contract with my shoulder blades. It sounds odd, but its totally natural.
I love the griffin badge and am glad its staying on the new 9-5 somewhere. What surprises me it it still says SAAB on the badge seeing as SAAB is written on the front and the gorgeous derierre of the car. Gotta say that car has one heckuva nice butt! Those tail lights mesmerize me.
I’m surprised at the attention to the details shown in the comments. I have every intention of buying this car if a dealership resumes up here north of Brisbane.
Am I the only one who thinks the rear window is not harmonious, and it looks as if someone has sat on the rear part of the roof, reducing headroom? I hope this looks more reasonable in the metal.
Thanks Zippy – I know about the 9-3 hand rest as best position, so when I wrote that I use the 4-8 o’clock hand rests on my steering wheel, that is when I am actually in the 9-3 o’clock position. just to confuse everyone using military time, I find my hands at 2-10 o’clock on the outer rim so often because my steering wheel diameter feels so good. I have large hands for a woman, so I assume my experience is closer to what men feel with the steering wheel.
(my lack of personal interest in sedans is sheer practicality – I always want cargo space)
nice rears on a car are so very important. Saabs always have lovely rears. Always a pleasure to be driving behind a Saab, even a sedan
rears are another reason i cannot stand most crossovers, especially BMW – those BMW split taillights are b*##-ugly.
every time I have to look at the bulging rear of a new Volvo, all I can think is “what were they thinking?!”
Like Karen, I’m not really a fan of 4 door Saabs. Never have been, and probably never will be. I’ve owned 5 Saabs and the most doors they’ve had is 3 if you count the hatch.
I still need to see this car in the flesh, but it can look quite attractive photographed from some angles. Conversely it can also look rather stodgy and dumpy if it gets snapped from the wrong angle. The steering wheel looks a bit out of place with the dash and like someone commented, belongs in an SUV, so leave it with the 9-4x please.
This will be Saab’s final car from the GM era and at least it was able to finish that era with a touch of class. Whilst the next Saab (9-3) will have some GM carry over, hopefully Saab’s creative thinking won’t be discouraged and stifled the way it has been under GM..
Anyone know if the nav-screen will be touch or is everything done with the buttons below?
Must say that the AMS and ViBilagare pictures did the car WAAAAY more justice then the earlier ones.
The high rez shots of this car are truly stunning! The more I see this car ,the more I want one and I don’t care much for larger cars. But I know once we see this car in more flattering colors, it will look even more attractive.
Ryan, a well observed and well written comment.
Essentially, this is only the 3rd Saab (counting the 9-7x and 9-2x with the 4th, the 9-4x to follow) that has been made under 100% GM stewardship.
For that alone, Saab of Sweden has done an incredible job on the new 9-5. It will bring new customers to the brand and provide much needed cash flow. It will also encourage a few existing Saab owners to trade up to this new model. So well done indeed!
In particular, I find the exterior appealing if a little conservative, though the rear does make up for a lack of creativity elsewhere –not that Saab is lacking here as recent concepts have shown. Again, I have to remind myself that Saab of Sweden has probably had to fight very hard to achieve differentiation from its Epsilon II chassis siblings, the Buick LaCrosse (to which I think it is most closely related in terms of size) and the Opel Insignia. In that respect they have roundly succeeded.
Less successful and perhaps predictably given the global platform and manufacturing initiative, is the interior which does appear to be heavily shared. Only small styling details set the siblings apart and, to Saabisti like myself I find that a touch disappointing. Additionally, the new 9-5 appears to be poorly packaged in terms of interior space, especially given its size. A recent experience in an Insignia confirmed this for me… however, for newcomers to the brand this will not matter a jot.
With that last thought in mind and adopting a hard-nosed business person attitude, it may be even more profitable for Saab to outsource manufacture of the new 9-5 to GM’s Epsilon II equipped China plant. Especially so if there is a significant cost to Saab in shipping and installing the tooling in Sweden. The 9-4x after all is planned to be built at GM’s Mexican facilities. Remaining capacity at Trollhättan could be used to manufacture wind turbines again (attracting useful EU/Swedish grants in a growing market) until the new 9-3 and other non-GM Saabs come on stream?!
Anyhow, for those of us that have experienced Saabs before (particularly the earlier, pre-100% GM efforts) and who are aware of the high benchmark that Saab is capable of -we can rest assured that future Saabs (or should that be K-Saabs?!) will be back on form -and function!
The steering wheel and seats are two areas that appear to have tickled a few including myself! I think it would be fair to say that the Aero version of the new 9-5 will benefit from the GM/Opel-Recaro seats as seen in the Insignia OPC:
http://allworldcars.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/2010_opel_insignia_opc_st_vauxhal_vxr_st_7.jpg
Evidence that Saab has fully acknowledged these as key design features can be seen in the Aero-X and the 9-X BioHybrid (and Air) concepts. For example, the steering wheel in both concepts has a distinct Saab design about it and is almost reminiscent of an aircraft control yoke, particularly with the emphasised centre boss. As for the seats –well pure Saab form and function again!
Aero-X steering wheel and seats:
http://image.motortrend.com/f/8572890+w750/112_0606_05z+saab_aero_x_concept+interior.jpg
9-X BioHybrid steering wheel and seats:
http://www.automobilesreview.com/gallery/saab-london-show-highlights/220708-e-saa.jpg
Until then and in the meantime, I will continue to thoroughly enjoy my award winning Saab-Recaro’s
http://www.trollhattansaab.net/images/9000/sml1000823.jpg
Mo. About the seats I came to the same conclusion.
Me. The KeyFob is not the same as the CTS, the Saab’s is much more narrow than the one used in the CTS. It also has the small accent around the buttons themselves. Its different, but its still not good.
Bengt. The Navigation will be touch screen. After all this is a GM car, and their approach to the interface is touch rather than Audi/BMW/BMW/Lexus with their dials and mouse to control.
Clearly, the GM sale of Saab was not nearly early enough which can b seen in the very Americanised styling of this car. I afraid it lacks that edgy, individualised Scandanavian styling earlier Saabs. Sad really when there was so much hope for the new 9-5. Oh well, I hope it looks better in the flesh then in these photos. And also hope that it doen’t turn into a whire elephant for Saab. Of more interest will be the 9-3 replacement, which (fingers crossed) will have much more Scandanavian/Swedish styling input. What I would realy like to see is:
1. Saab get back to some of its motorsport roots, and
2. a nicely executived, retro styled C900 harking back to those 99/C900 styling and design cues.
Tony +1. My ’99 OG9-3 eventually needs to be replaced. Hopefully the next gen 9-3 will be that car. The new 9-3 needs to be like the car you describe.
The 9-1 can be something else. Personally I’d like to see the original 9X concept updated and revised. It would make a fine mini competior. Time to blow away all the GM conservatism of this decade and get some exciting things happening again.
http://img.netcarshow.com/Saab-9X_Concept_Car_2001_1600x1200_wallpaper_22.jpg
I also wanted to say that, I think this car is going to have a motorized trunk as well. There’s a shot with the trunk open and the left side I believe has a compartment that houses something…
…but as we both live in Munich I think we won’t care if we find no parking lot at 4,80 or 5 m….
Nice ones – i become more and more familiar with the 9-5 with every picture I see.
But why the hell has the key a button for remote horn?
American influence
Charles, the FOB is like the steering wheel, I agree with you they are not the same, they just look similar. I only wanted to make a notice on the remote on/off button on the Cadillac FOB. They should change the Horn button for a all windows down/up button, it would be quite handy if the car stays for a couple of hours under the sun.
I believe windows down/up are activated by holding the unlock or lock, as on Saab’s current models.
My guess is that horn button is a panic button to set of the alarm system in case of a personal assault while getting in or out of the car.
Hi guys, I LOVE the exterior of the new 9-5, very swish, however the interior is REALLY CONCERNING!
It looks way to much like the insignia, the interior mouldings on the doors, the seats, the shifter, the steering wheel! You know whats going to happen dont you. Just like almost every other car Saab has made, its going to get called a hotted up Insignia like the 9-7x Aero is a hotted up Trailblazer SS. When it comes right down to it what really is Saab about the interior? If the trademark cupholder, fasten seat belt light and window buttons are not between the seats I will hessitate about buying one of these, just not Saab enough for me, sorry, would rather have the old 9-5.
Didn’t know about that, I do not drive a current model.
@Vector 017
Which seems to be normal in the states ???
Comments on this entry are closed.