Gentlemen, start your engines: the Saab 9-5 SportCombi is here
January 19, 2011 in News
UPDATE: I’ve changed the text with the official Press-release from Saab UK.
January 19, 2011
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All-new Saab 9-5 SportWagon to Debut at Geneva
• Next step in Saab’s biggest-ever new product offensive
• Distinctive alternative choice in premium estate segment
• Styling carries forward 9-5 saloon’s bold design language
• Order book opens in Spring, first customer deliveries from September
Trollhättan, Sweden: Saab Automobile takes the next step in the biggest new product offensive in its history when the much-awaited 9-5 SportWagon is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.
Sleek and fun-to-drive, the SportWagon adds versatility to the widely acclaimed attributes of the 9-5 saloon and will bring a distinctive, alternative choice to the premium large estate segment.
It shares the saloon’s bold, AeroX-inspired looks and features an extended, falling roof-line which culminates in a steeply raked rear screen flanked by signature Saab ‘wraparound’ window glazing. The result is an imposing body with a low stance and a dynamic, visual appeal that concedes nothing to the requirements of load-carrying.
Smart cargo handling features include an adaptable multi-fold floor, flexible U-rail load space configuration and under-floor stowage with a sealed wet storage compartment. A programmable, powered tailgate is also available.
Backed by the same all-turbo petrol and diesel powertrain line-up as the 9-5 saloon, the SportWagon includes Saab’s industry-leading XWD all-wheel-drive system and advanced features such as: Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis control, adaptive cruise control (late 2012), Bi-Xenon SmartBeam adaptive lighting, keyless entry and starting, tri-zone air conditioning and a Head-up Display which projects information, aircraft-style in the windshield.
The order book for the SportWagon opens in Spring, with first customer deliveries to follow from September. It will significantly broaden the appeal of the new 9-5 range in a segment where Saab, with its tradition for designing versatile vehicles, has enjoyed estate sales volumes on a par with saloon levels.
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Red J here
The Swedish press release says that the order books will open from mid April, and the first deliveries will be in August. Difeerent markets will have different delivery dates.
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“The launch of the 9-5 SportWagon is a much-awaited next step in the roll-out of our new product offensive,” says Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson. “It will take Saab back into the large estate segment where we have established a strong presence in many key markets with our previous offering.”
Sporty character
Designed in parallel with the saloon, the 9-5 SportWagon shares the same bold frontal styling and adds a swept, ‘wraparound’ rear window graphic. This echoes the 9-5’s signature frontal theme and gives the SportWagon its own distinctive identity. The dramatic, sweeping roof-line is extended by a deep rear spoiler integrated into the top of the tailgate. Ultra-slim roof rails that blend into the car’s svelte silhoutte are fitted as standard.
Signature Saab themes, such as the strong C-pillar with its hockey stick extension of the belt-line, are combined with a prominent rear shoulder contour to give the SportWagon a muscular and dynamic stance.
The tailgate is raked forward to underline the car’s dynamic character. It features a full-width ‘ice-block’ rear light bar which wraps into light units at either side, continuing a new signature Saab styling theme first seen on the 9-5 saloon and 9-4X crossover.
Dynamic and functional
The deep cargo deck is fully carpeted and optimized for space and ease-of-use. The 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold down almost completely flat without having to reposition the seat squab or remove the head restraints. Careful attention to soundproofing in the rear bodywork attenuates noise, vibration and resonance so that occupants enjoy a level of interior refinement similar to that of the saloon.
With the seatbacks lowered, the cargo deck is almost two metres long (1,962 mm) and offers an adaptable load capacity of up to 1,600 liters (527 litres, rear seats up). The side walls are completely flat and upright, creating a clean, open space without any hard-to-use corners or rear wheel-arch intrusions. Compartments in the side walls offer convenient stowage for small items. Four tie-down loops and a 12-volt power outlet also come as standard.
An optional, U-shaped track around the outside of the floor provides flexible space configuration. As in the 9-5 saloon, it carries an adaptable, telescopic dividing rail which allows the cargo deck to be split as required so that different sized items can be separated and kept in place.
The floor, with a signature Saab aircraft-shaped handle, folds back in steps to access under-floor storage, with a sub-floor 65 mm below the main floor height – ideal for the separate stowage of flat or small items.
A pull-out support arm can be slotted in place to keep the folded floor in a fixed position. This provides further support for items stored in the under-floor recess, as a flexible alternative to using the entire cargo deck.
The underside of the floor has two fittings for flat stowage of the U-rail divider. They also carry hooks that can be used to organize bags, for example. A waterproof plastic liner, available as an option, can be dropped into the recess to provide a separate wet storage area for sports equipment, outdoor clothing or muddy boots.
Smart tailgate
For additional convenience, the tailgate is available with a remotely-controlled, electric power operation. It can be fully opened and closed via a rotary knob in the driver’s door or a button on the car’s key fob. A touch pad on the outside of the tailgate, above the number plate, also triggers powered opening and closing.
A programmable mode can be used to raise the tailgate to a lower position if there is restricted clearance overhead, such as inside a garage. The opening height is pre-set via the rotary knob, which can also disable the powered function.
For ease of loading, the tailgate opens down to bumper level with a lift-over height of only 648 mm. The cargo deck floor is also flush with the tailgate opening to facilitate sliding heavy loads inside. A down-lighter in the tailgate and small sidewall lights provide excellent illumination of the load space at night.
A retracting cargo cover can also be slotted into lugs in the sidewalls immediately behind the rear seats. It keeps items out of sight and includes a convenient one-touch action which allows the ends of the locating bar to slide up channels on the inside of the D-pillars for convenient access to the cargo deck.
Red J
Thylmuc said on January 20, 2011
From the diagonality of the tailgate, I’d say it’s as close to a hatchback as it can possibly get without actually calling it a hatchback. The monster C column however does only work for me with darker paintings, as in the OG9-5.
zippy said on January 20, 2011
A wee bit off topic but here is a good review of a 9-3 Aero Convertible with the headline
“Swede dreams are made of… Agnetha from Abba?”
Red J said on January 20, 2011
Where is here ???
Belfast_saab said on January 20, 2011
also a nice piece on old 900s:
Matt said on January 20, 2011
I think Zippy meant the article on Pistonheads > here
zippy said on January 20, 2011
Thanks Matt!
Nate 9-3 said on January 20, 2011
This makes me want to have kids so I can lug them and the dogs around in style
Talladegan said on January 20, 2011
Just get more dogs…cheaper and better behaved
Nate 9-3 said on January 20, 2011
Well played, kind sir. Well played.
Quickening said on January 20, 2011
Thats the boat I’m in. Two black 50+ lbs lab mixes. Both are rescues.
I need the 9-5, 9-5SC and 9-4x to be at the dealership together so I can really compare them and see whats going to work with my dogs.
74stingray said on January 20, 2011
@ Quickening… good on you for the rescue dogs. I volunteer time for a local rescue and I make supply runs to a more rural rescue about 5 hours away.
I have a crew cab truck and a 9-3SC… not for the kids, but for our three Shetland Sheepdogs…. they ride in style. ( as they should)
keith said on January 20, 2011
Well depending on how many and what type of dogs you have already, increasing by number may be a simple matter. ie, I cart around 3 great danes in my 2001 9-5SC Aero.
I am hoping that the new version was going to be similar in cargo space, but it appears to have reduced. I wonder if the reduction in litres is a matter of the angle of the rear window, in which case it may not be so bad. But much like some people gauge using how well a sheet of plywood fits, my dogs are the cargo. So the floor space matters.
Oh, and Talladegan, it can sure seem like dogs are expensive. But I don’t have kids, so I can’t compare directly. (Though I do know a couple who have 2 great danes and 2 kids. I don’t know how that family manages. They are looking at getting a new car. I’ve argued that they look at the 9-3SC. They are starting to realize how awkwardly the dogs get in and out of a Honda CR-V)
Jörgen Trued – SUHRT – for me, the lower the point of entry better. I want a gate that meets the bumper. I want a big door/hatch. I don’t want to have to help my dogs in and out of a car, which is partly what makes the current car so easy for the dogs to get in and out of. No heavy lifting required by me. Quickening, although they aren’t as heavy, I would still suggest either of the SC models over the 9-4X, only because of the dogs. I’m telling ya, it’s so much easier to not have to lift a dog. But my bias isn’t everyone’s, of course. How many fools get 3 great danes at the same time?
Quickening said on January 20, 2011
I wasn’t even thinking about that because they are young spry puppies! But that is a good point. I really think the 9-5SC makes the most logical sense..
And I hear ya on dogs being expensive. One of mine was a hardcore street dog when I picked her up and its been a solid 3 months of treatment….and it still continues.
Talladegan said on January 20, 2011
I have two Border Collies and the 9-5 Estate I had before was the best ‘dog car’ I’ve owned. I particularly liked the cargo divider which worked with the OE cargo guard to split the area and give them their own space each as one dominates the other.
I hope this new one is as good although I really hope it’s even better of course.
Wonder if that U-rail is dog-lead strong? Just an idea
mo said on January 20, 2011
interesting spot of where they chose to put the 9-5 badge, but i guess they had nowhere else to put it. anyways it looks fantastic and that opening is going to be huge!
one thing i do hope saab changes, is making the power liftgate standard. i suppose this car will start around 40k, and at that price imo it should have it. my parents got a cts wagon which has a similar price and it also has a power liftgate standard. these small details really do count and impress the buyers.
bk-aero said on January 20, 2011
Why? It only adds weight and is something that could break. I’ve been perfectly able to operate any tailgate I came across up to now without electric support.
Chris Carrier said on January 20, 2011
Yes, but a woman holding a 35lb toddler might sure appreciate it.
mo said on January 20, 2011
@chris: precisely, and im sure when that woman does use that power liftgate in that situation she will really praise having that.
mo said on January 20, 2011
it may not be beneficial to you personally, but im sure more people would accept that option than forego it as you may. all my point is, its those small details like a power liftgate being standard make me feel personally as this car is offering something useful and not charging more for it. for our wagon its great it has it, but we wouldnt have paid extra for it but its nice knowing such a “unique” feature was standard.
thats how i felt about the dam edna 9-5, i loved how it had front and rear heated seats standard.
StefanH STHLM said on January 20, 2011
I noticed that too. Did they really have to put rear light arrangements on the tailgate?
Just for the Combi design or are there other restriction needs for that?
Because of the different tail light arrangement they needed to find a new clean spot for the badge. Or badges. They haven´t shown the Turbo4-badge on the right side.
A very exposed spot to chose. But don´t misunderstand me. I´m not complaining.
The Saab look fantastico!
Red J said on January 20, 2011
StefanH,
the tailgate is wider that the one from the Sedan, therefore some of the lights had to move to the tailgate.
Furthermore the lower central reflector/fog-lamp cluster has disappeared. The fog-lamps have moved to the main real light cluster and the reflectors are now left and right from the tailgate.
I think this is the main reason.
Martin said on January 20, 2011
Mama mia! That is gorgeous!
I. WANT. ONE.
saab93f said on January 20, 2011
Damn right – that is one gorgeous automobile. Just stunning!!
some said on January 20, 2011
there is info on Polish Saab site, that deliveries will start in June:
http://www.saab.pl/docs/pl/aktualnosci.asp?str=saabWtrollhattan
Bernard said on January 20, 2011
I really like the way they did the rear, especially compared to the Insignia wagon and its mostly-useless wraparound hatch and tail lights. Well done.
Jeff said on January 20, 2011
Mmmm it has the sexy partial opening hatch that you can stop any point along the way electronically
Means that is probably a GM part but I don’t care, that’s a very cool option to have, great those of us in a garage. It will open like a huge gaping maw when it’s open all the way though, whoa.
Jörgen Trued - SUHRT said on January 20, 2011
As an owner of both a 2002 9-5 SC Aero and a 2008 9-3 SC TurboX I say this.
Design:
I am not at all in surprised of the design, very much expected look of this SC model. Very similar to the old 9-5 SC. Was hoping for something more radical. The design is much to tame/lame/bland and that goes for the whole present line of 9-5. Saab need to sharpen the design when they update the exterior this summer. Looks like any Beamer could eat the Saab for breakfast.
Practicality:
I bet they have done a super job on this. I was just a bit scared when I saw the lowest part of the rear gate going all the way down to the “bumper”, what happens when there is a minor fender bender. Will the whole rear gate have to be replaced?
Aerodynamics & clear rear window:
The old old 95 had a “cheese slicer” built into the roofline over the rear window that design kept the window CLEAN. On my 9-3 SC Turbo X I have the Hirsch roof spoiler with a sort of “cheese slicer”, does not keep the window clean except for a really small area.
So have Saab found their genetics and built it right this time?
Loma said on January 20, 2011
Will be a sexy ass in the flesh imho !
And no center reflector/rear fog light between the tailpipes for the SW (as in the sedan) ?
Curious to see a picture with the tailgate open : I wonder how they found a solution for waterproofing the side-gaps between the bootlit and fixed part, since the tailgate has an outward curve laying ON the bumper. OG 9-5 SW and 9-3 SW have just a verticaly straight ending tailgate.
Kjell Erik said on January 20, 2011
I love this tailgate. At least in the snowy parts of the world its annoing when there is ice on the bunber that prevents the rear hatch to open. With this solution that will be a non-existing problem.
R. said on January 20, 2011
It looks really good so far. I can’t wait to test-drive either the wagon or its sedan compatriot.
As a general comment, however, I hope that Mr. Muller and Mr. Jonsson have some halo cars in mind for Saab. To get young people into Saab showrooms, they are going to need a 9-3 that can shame BMW’s mighty M3 in all conditions, not just in the wet. Saab needs a lighter, all-wheel drive 9-3 evolution with a twin-turbocharged I4 or even V6 and an automated double-clutch manual transmission. Such a thing would be expensive to make, but it would generate serious sales.
Carl-Henrik said on January 20, 2011
Not all young people want a M3…
zippy said on January 20, 2011
And none of tham can afford a new one either!
Toby said on January 20, 2011
Most of them do actually-sigh…BMW now outsells Ford in the UK in the Medium size saloon segment. and I cannot think of the last time I saw anyone young and hip and rich in a nice sporty 9-3 or a Merc or an Audi…it really does always seem to be an M3 normally white and playing noise very loudly (well it’s not music is it?), at least that’s very much how it is here. I wish it were different since it seems to be badge/lable lead like designer goods and many of us know designer and true quality are different. people seem not to research their decisions quite as much these days but is you had your time again and you were young hip and rich tell me…what would you choose, right now? would it really be a Saab…honestly?
maybe in 18 months Saab may have an answer
Tomas TL1000R said on January 20, 2011
Saab cant beet BMW but I can tell you this, try to boost your ordinary BMW with say 30hp. the cost of that is significant. In a Saab turbo it´s almost nothing. So in Sweden youngsters do buy Saabs cos BMW is none as “Pizza racers” and that´s not that cool. But I don´t know any “brats”, but if I were one I would have more fantasy then picking a car that common.
But what do I know (main stream or Saab….I pick Saab a cab if I was a “brat”of course!
Alex L said on January 20, 2011
I’m a young person (22) and that’s exactly what I’ll be looking for when I finish school in two years and can afford to buy a nice car
Tomas TL1000R said on January 20, 2011
“Young people into Saab showroom-M3″ Do you think “Young people can afford a M3?
As a third hand yes! But I think that´s not Saab style and what I heard the Carlsson edition in the UK didn´t sell well. I know that´s not a M3 car but it is a top of the line version anyway. Maybe VM & JÅJ in time fix a Viggen/Hirsch thing when time is right in mean time there is mush more urgent things to take care of. Saab will generate serious sales in smarter ways than a M3 killer!
That´s my way of thinking, no offence!
R. said on January 20, 2011
No offense taken!
But it’s not an issue of whether young people can afford an M3. An M3 brings young people into the showroom because it’s exciting. They then look at a used 1-series or 3-series and possibly get that, if they can afford it. My point is this: If Saab can build a fast 9-3 that is capable of beating the M3 at its game, it will generate interest. While young people may not be able to afford an M3-beating Saab 9-3, they probably will, given enough buzz, come into Saab showrooms to talk about models they can afford. That’s the point of a halo car: It improves a model range’s or brand’s image, hopefully driving sales! If Saab wants to expand sales, it should take this step. The nice thing about this approach is that it would not entail changing the product ethos for most of the Saab model range.
vince said on January 20, 2011
wow that sure looks hot !! the main difference with this new 9-5 and the dame edna for me, is I had no interest in dame edna sedan… Only interest was in sport combi .. where as this new 9-5 the sedan is attractive and the sportcombi maybe even more so hmmm will be tough decision between getting a sedan or wagon ..
Saabheart said on January 20, 2011
Wow all I need are a wife and kids to justify buying it!
Wulf said on January 20, 2011
I am single without kids and I love my current 9-5 SC. No excuse needed!
Carl-Henrik said on January 20, 2011
Yep, I’m with Wulf.. hehe.. you do not need that reason to buy it. If you can use that “excuse”, then we just have to change it.. to… well.. no excuse is needed at all.
J Fan said on January 20, 2011
Janey Mac,
I got called away from my desk to work in the city this afternoon. I’m gone for a couple of hours and THIS happens
I like it! Some nice touches, like the tailgate extending into the bumper, and the reflectors on each side. I was worried they were going to do something silly like the Insigina ST and have all the lights on the tailgate, and then another set on the inside, too, which I just think is stupid. Saab apparently agree – the lights on this 9-5 are stunning. The rear glass on the pillars is nicely executed, but look how small those rear quarter windows actually are, when you compare to the OG 9-5 estate which had a big rear window – some thick looking pillars, hopefully rear visibility is ok!
Like everyone else, I think it’s really nice – I love the ‘crisp’ line down the side!
Hooray!!
Red J said on January 20, 2011
J Fan,
I think the true size of the rear quarter window can only be seen with a side shot.
You can compare a 3/4 shot from the sedan with a side shot, and you will see the difference.
bk-aero said on January 20, 2011
Carscoop has some drawings from the U.S. patent office. It looks horrible from all angels on them but I guess so would every car with the smallest available rims and in this dotted grey-in-grey.
bk-aero said on January 20, 2011
Just to make that clear: The official photo I adore! Luckily my parents think about buying one. I try to convince them that the 9-4X is not what they want and I’m sure, this picture will help.
J Fan said on January 20, 2011
lol, I hope side profile pic in Carscoop doesn’t get out!
Looks GIGANTIC!
Thanks for the link!
Jörgen Trued - SUHRT said on January 20, 2011
Carscoop side patent picture does not look nice. Seams like the 9-5 was primarily designed as a sedan.
Jeff said on January 20, 2011
Don’t worry about the side view so much. In person it will look much better, because what you can’t see is how sculpted the rear is volumetrically. Check out the overhead view to see how tapered the roof is down to the bumper, pretty remarkably raked, which should give it a very sporty appearance in real life.
J Fan said on January 20, 2011
True, was just looking at the amount of ‘black’ under the glass, i.e, the bits that look like window, but aren’t. Tis just a minor thing and would be something I’d need to see in real life sitting in the car.
J Fan said on January 20, 2011
Just scanning the other forums… a lot of negative comments regarding the load capacity.
It’s almost the same as the V70, Audi and BMW – but far behind the Merc E-Class. Given the size of the car, I have to admit I was hoping for a 1700+ litres, just for perception… nearly!
The Skoda Superb Combi: 1865
OG Saab 9-5 Estate: 1490 (as far as I can find)
1998 Volvo 945: 1702
Size and shape obviously play a big part though.
keith said on January 20, 2011
Hi there. The info that we have is that our 2001 9-5SC Aero has 2067 / 1042 litres (rear seats down / rear seats up) of cargo space.
You’re absolutely right about the shape. This is crucial to one’s own uses.
TuuSaR said on January 20, 2011
“Size and shape obviously play a big part though”
According to km77.com Merc counts the spare wheel area too. I would not judge the cargo so soon, press says that “The side walls are completely flat and upright” and it’s yet to be seen how small compartments are made. Patience is the name of the game at the moment.
J Fan said on January 20, 2011
Yes but speculating is fun.
SaabKen said on January 20, 2011
I’m in LOVE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pedro said on January 20, 2011
Good stuff!
theSandySaab said on January 20, 2011
Beautiful! This car will definitely drive sales.
But, why integrate the tailgate in the rear bumper? Looks nice but not so practical when you hit someting, or something hits you from behind…
J Fan said on January 20, 2011
Good point – I just thought it might have been to do with a lower floor inside – but your point is very, very good – that tailgate is open to damage that would normally be taken only by the bumper
Patrik B said on January 20, 2011
Silly construction that will increase the annual insurance fee. First they (all car makers) remove the rubber strips on the side of the car increasing the number of dents on the door. And then they use the actual tailgate as a sacrificial anode during during minor parking mistakes.
The sub contractor making the tailgate will get rich…
But I still like the car and I hope to buy one in a year or two.
Carl-Henrik said on January 20, 2011
OR you just have parking assistance and then there is no problem for you (unless someone drives into you that is).
Patrik B said on January 20, 2011
Carl-Henrik sounds Swedish so I guess that you are aware that parking assistance works poorly when the car is covered in snow and ice? And in Sweden the PDC can be “out of order” for 4-5 months in a row unless you find a warm garage.
Carl-Henrik said on January 20, 2011
Åh ja, visst är det svenskt, fast nästan danskt också..
That’s why whenever I drive a car that has snow on it I take away as much snow as possible before driving away from the parking place. Nowadays I often see cars totally coverd in snow on the roads. The drivers doesn’t even take away snow from the head- and rearlights, or from the rear windscreen (10 cm snow doesn’t melt so fast with the built in window heater).
But yes, I do understand your worries. And I’m also curious about why all manufacturers removed the rubber protection.
x said on January 20, 2011
You haven’t seen the construction, maybe it’s really easy to detach the bumper part of the tailgate for repair?
One obvious benefit is that you avoid all scratches you almost always get on the painted bumpers when you load and unload.
kanundrum said on January 20, 2011
I like how all other blog/auto forum posts say this will be a awesome car used in 2 or 3 years meaning no one is going to buy new. People also say (Vortex,autoblog etc) that you would be stupid to pay new money for a Saab.
How ever I think the majority of the people who will be buying the “Saab Brand” are your forums goers. They are the ones with a 1989 Saab or a old 9-5 that is still working and figure its time for a trade up.
Heres hoping they know its out.
Paul Halliday said on January 20, 2011
That works well … I have been negative about the saloon model in the past (and yes, I have seen it in the flesh), but this works well. The weight is right and it is so SAAB. Bravo!
Golfhunter said on January 20, 2011
Glad you like it Paul
hughw said on January 20, 2011
Am I missing anything here? The only picture I can seem to find is the 3/4 view from the back which looks like a CGI. Are there any other photos out there? I’ve seen comments about the griffon badge on the hood but that doesn’t appear in this view.
Talladegan said on January 20, 2011
Yes it would be nice to see a real photograph for sure. I’m liking it though but it is a weird angle considering it’s the only pic apparently released
StefanH STHLM said on January 20, 2011
I believe the comments about the badge were the one (text “9-5″) on the tail gates lower part. Due to inadequate knowledge in the english language, by me
for instance, the incorrect word “badge” were used.
What do you call that sort of sticker/badge?
Talladegan said on January 20, 2011
Well we call it a badge too
turbin said on January 20, 2011
My next car, no question!
svx92 said on January 20, 2011
And how long must we endure to hear news of 9-5x trim?
till72 said on January 20, 2011
Wow. Beautiful.
Finally. Now that’s what sales need.
Cokeisit said on January 20, 2011
Finally!
I want to order one today
andyb said on January 20, 2011
We need to see different angles but it looks good.
(db) said on January 20, 2011
When you compare it now with the spy- and leaked shots, you notice Trolhättan did some tweaking on the tail lights.
Doctor Donk said on January 20, 2011
Sedan made not good enough comparing to wagon.
Peter said on January 20, 2011
Hello,
Very nice car!!
But it seems that the different pictures that was publiched on the internet up to a year a go is nearly the same car. Look at my blog http://peternordin.blogg.se
Red J said on January 20, 2011
Hi Peter,
this here is an official CGI of the final product. That old photo shows a the prototype from the secret room. That prototype was showed to the potential SAAB buyers. And it seems like somebody managed to get a picture of that prototype outside the “secret room”.
Nevertheless, nobody did know how accurate that photo was at the time it was published.
Kjell Erik said on January 20, 2011
Yes its almost the same car, but the final result is much better looking.
Markac said on January 20, 2011
Peter, those 9-5/Lacrosse pictures at the top of your blog just illustrate why that generic GM steering wheel just has to go!
Peter said on January 20, 2011
Hello,
Anyone that knows about the rear back doors? Is they the same that on the sedan?
My thought was reagarding the low roof/ angle that people has talked about. The difficulty of coming in the back seat.
Have talket with my friends about this and they are working at Saab in Trollhättan but they haven´t hypothetical (think) about that.
Muppen said on January 20, 2011
2010 Broom car of the year (norwegian car-magasine)
http://www.tv2underholdning.no/broom/saab-95-ble-broombilen-2010-3390500.html
I wonder why
Markac said on January 20, 2011
Nice looking estate/wagon if that’s your kind of thing? I hope it’s a big seller for Saab, but it’s not for me however. I’ll keep waiting for the 9-3′s replacement in a 3 door hatch!
signs said on January 20, 2011
So, i woke up and had to look at the car again. On this wagon, that C-pilar is SO much like the 900 sedan, it’s really easy to see if you first look at the windows in front of the pilar. It seems we’ve got another sculpture-like Saab gem, a different pleasure from each angle.
aeroplane said on January 20, 2011
It is Amazing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But i was hoping SAAB would copy one thing from new VW Passat.
The rear hatch opens without using your hands,as long as you have your key in your pocket and all you need to do is move your leg underneath the back of the car and the hatch opens automatically .Great for when carrying stuff. But hey……..SAAB doesn’t have as nearly as much of a budget VW has ,right?!
But the car looks FANTASTIC regardless………..
Quickening said on January 20, 2011
Its a pretty cool feature. I know the new Ford C-Max is also coming with it.
GerritN said on January 20, 2011
People will think you are humping your car!
T.M. said on January 22, 2011
Well it`s a good looking car……
)
Paddan said on January 20, 2011
Fantastic. This will replace my 9-3 SC.
aeroplane said on January 20, 2011
Just check out the test of vw passat on the tube from auto bild.
It doesn’t look like humping hahah…
Joe Best said on January 20, 2011
According to this:
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/swede-switzerland-new-saab-9-5-sportcombi-debut-geneva-motor-show-14069.html
Saab will only offer the top of the line Sportcombi in North-America. Major mistake IMO.
It will be priced much closer to the A6 avant and E-Class wagon than the Subaru Outback (whose buyers would be the most likely to shop a Saab wagon as an upscale alternative).
With the Passat wagon and V70 gone, the 2.0 base model could do well (provided it was supported by SOME marketing). It would be the only Euro wagon available with a stick and would be a simple and elegant alternative to ze Germans expensive and overabundant gadgetry.
I won’t buy one if they don’t offer a stick. I’ll scour the earth for a low mileage 2007-09 manual OG Sportcombi instead when my ’02 Aero needs replacing.
svizzera said on January 20, 2011
Great!!
can’t wait to see it equipped with Hirsch goodies!
Robin M said on January 20, 2011
Fantastic, well done Saab.
Börjesson said on January 20, 2011
“Too expensive to be a normal company car”, is the spin Göteborgs-Posten have chosen to give to their 9-5 Combi story. Annoying and predictable as that spin is, they still have a point. Assuming the rumours are correct, that the 9-5 SC will cost about SEK 12 000 more than the corresponding Sedan, then a basic diesel model of the 9-5 SC will cost SEK 40 000 – 50 000 more than a Volvo V70. In the Swedish company car market, the V70 is always the baseline for comparisons.
Saab’s current “prestige level” in Sweden is approximately the same as Volvo, so few people will pay extra for the brand name. If any company is to choose a 9-5 SC over a V70, they will therefore have to perceive 40 000 kronor’s worth of actual extra value in the 9-5 compared to the Volvo. I’m afraid I don’t see that extra value. The only obvious advantage of the Saab is the design, and company customers aren’t all that interested in design. Substantially bigger cargo space, or less fuel consumption, would certainly have been useful if the 9-5 SC is to be a success in the company market.
Joe said on January 20, 2011
I think that GP is boring when it comes to car reviews. I get the feeling they don’t like cars and all drive 5 year old Opels (Agilas). Silver metallic because they heard thats good for residual values. E85 because the don’t drive much but want the free parking perks and because it’s cheaper when they buy their own cars with their hard-taxed income kronas.
It would be great if they could push the envelope and relate to people driving much (diesels) and don’t want 115hp Volvo DRIVes, because it offers to little juice and is plain boring. You don’t have to be a die hard petrol head to agree with that. In that case V70′s D3 is the cheapest comparable long hauling Ovlov. A quick search for newly-baked D3′s at bytbil.se shows that you easily are looking at least 330 000 SEK for a decent mainstream set-up. Compare that with the 9-5 TiD quotation from your local Saab dealer.
Peter said on January 21, 2011
Hello,
Anyone that knows about the rear back doors? Is they the same that on the sedan?
My thought was reagarding the low roof/ angle that people has talked about. The difficulty of coming in the back seat.
Have talket with my friends about this and they are working at Saab in Trollhättan but they did´nt know.
Red J said on January 21, 2011
Peter,
I also don’t know, but looking at the picture I would say that yes the rear doors are the same as in the sedan. otoh, the roof is more horizontal, thus once you are inside, you will have more headroom.
Peter said on January 22, 2011
Hello,
Did not find the right forum for this “news” as I type this:
Automotorsport.se writes thus:
Today Friday Debuts Ferrari replacement for the 612 Scaglietti, named “FF”, Ferrari Four. How about the 6.3-liter V12, 660 hp, dual clutch transmission and an idea that is thrown from Saab?
With an extended roofline and hatchback door may rear passengers more headroom and luggage space is readily accessible. It looks like Saab’s old parade branch with hatchback becomes really popular, turn to the next generation of 9-3 also may hatchback door. But it also has new chief designer Jason Castriota worked in more years of Pininfarina.
A bit like the Saab Sonett too
Or maybe more BMW z3/z4.
See pictures and so, on my blog: http://peternordin.blogg.se