New Saab 9-5 lands

Despite several unfortunate photo leaks in the past couple of months, the new Saab 9-5 has 'officially' broken cover in Trollhattan.

Sporting a new look that heralds an overdue shift in the design direction for the Swedish car maker, the 9-5's visual cues are inspired by the Aero X concept, delivering an original, distinctive look.

"We are giving a fresh, very modern expression to some of our classic brand design cues," explains Simon Padian, Saab's chief of design.

The Scandinavian automaker says the new 9-5 signals a new era for the marque and though there is a lot riding on the new model -- particularly as Saab's former owner GM is out of the picture -- the new model has the potential to be a contender in the luxury car market.

"This car is the start of a new era for our brand," says Jan-Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile's Managing Director. "We have created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty driving and responsible performance.

"The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects, as will every future product from Saab," stated Mr Jonsson.

On top of the obvious changes to the exterior design, cleaner and more powerful engines have been developed, plus a host of new technologies will ensure the Saab's premium flagship model attracts attention.

The starter button is located in the traditional position between the front seats near the gear shifter and features like keyless entry and ignition, multi-zone climate control and a dynamic parking assistant will improve usability, while premium interior finishes will deliver luxurious levels of comfort.

Rear seat passengers are offered a twin screen DVD system, while the driver can access the car's features and functions via an 8-inch touch screen system.

Though precise details won't be available until the car's public launch at the Frankfurt motor show, Saab has revealed that "legroom and shoulder width are increased both front and rear" compared to its predecessor, and that rear legroom will be class leading.

The main instrument cluster features a rolling altimeter speed read-out which pays homage to Saab's origins in aviation, while a top-of-the-line Harman Kardon 5.1 channel surround sound stereo system is available with a 10Gb hard drive for map data MP3 music files. A number of ports (USB, 3.5mm AUX, 12V power) allow multiple devices to sync with the cars infotainment systems.

Radar-based adaptive cruise control, aircraft-inspired head-up information display (or HUD), an electronic park brake and adaptive bi-xenon 'Smart Beam' headlights are joined by the Saab DriveSense system, an adaptive suspension system with real-time damping control that have several settings to match driver intentions.

Saab will also offer its four-wheel drive system (XWD) with some engine types, accompanied by an eLSD to ensure power reaches the ground effectively and safely.

Every engine offered with the new Saab 9-5 will be turbochaged, ranging from the frugal 118kW four-cylinder diesel that emits just 139 grams of CO2 per kilometre to the strapping 2.8-litre V6 that develops 220kW/400Nm.

All engines will be offered with six-speed gearboxes and a new 1.6-litre turbo petrol mill with 132kW and a 2.0-litre BioPower E85 turbo mill will be added to the 9-5 line-up after its launch.

The new 9-5 has the potential to give Saab's Australian operation a significant boost, as sales have languished in 2009. Together with the upcoming 9-3X model (video below) and a positive outlook, Saab is confident of growing the brand in 2010.

Engineered and built in Trollhättan, Sweden, the new 9-5 will begin sales in 2010.

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