The good thing about Saab 9-5s being distributed around dealerships in the US is that a lot of people are seeing the car for the first time. I’ve been saying for a long time that you really need to see the 9-5 for yourself – the pictures just don’t quite do it justice.

The first 9-5 in Chicago arrived today and Dan P went down to have a look, take some photos and send through his impressions.

My thanks to Dan for sending these through.

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I specifically went out of my way to see it after work today. I was very excited to finally see one and wanted to share my experience from today…

Observations:

1. Looks twice as good in person than in photos.

2. Although definitely larger, it still has that taught, athletic Saab presence. Not fat or boat-like.

3. The plastic interior we’re stuck with temporarily due to supplier issues isn’t the usual hard brittle GM affair. It’s definitely a soft, premium plastic.

4. The blue-green headlights and taillights are much bolder and more striking in person. Pictures aren’t capturing them well.

5. Dealer said I couldn’t drive, it wasn’t their property but a Saab-owned demo model making rounds. There were no window stickers or inventory tags.

6. Boo no twirly-magic cupholders 🙁

7. Gauge cluster is stunningly gorgeous.

8. Looks like it’s moving fast even when parked.

Attached are some pictures I took. It was a gloomy day in Chicagoland.