SAAB 9-5 Sedan | Saab 9-5 Sedan: Full Model Change

SAAB 9-5 Sedan | The New SAAB 9-5 Sedan

The Latest Flagship, Touted as SAAB's Most Advanced Ever

PCI has begun sales of the SAAB 9-5 sedan, which underwent a full model change last autumn.

By Masao Matsuo

SAAB's Signature All-Turbo Engine Lineup

SAAB Automobile, then owned by GM, filed for bankruptcy in the autumn of 2009 and was sold to Dutch company Spyker Cars the following year. The 9-5, SAAB's top-tier model and the first to debut in Europe under the new SAAB Spyker Automobiles banner, has now launched in Japan.

The new 9-5 Sedan, with its design, much of its development, and production carried out at SAAB's headquarters in Trollhättan, Sweden, will be offered with SAAB's signature "all-turbo" engine lineup.

Previously, imports to the Japanese market were handled by General Motors Asia Pacific Japan. Following the change in parent company, PCI has taken over this role. PCI is a subsidiary of VT Holdings, which also handles brands like Caterham and Land Rover Defender. Sales will be managed by Yanase.

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Available grades include the Vector (FF, XWD - SAAB's all-wheel-drive system) and Aero (XWD). The Vector is equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo producing a maximum output of 162kW, while the higher-spec Aero features a 2.8-liter V6 delivering 221kW. All models are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

A Wider, More Dynamic Design

The exterior design draws inspiration from the concept model AeroX, unveiled at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, featuring clean, sculptural lines. Inside, the generous body size, exceeding 5 meters in length, translates to ample legroom for both front and rear occupants. The main instrument panel flows from a deep center console, wrapping around the driver, with ventilation grilles positioned above. The ignition, now a start/stop button system, remains in its traditional location next to the shift lever between the driver and front passenger seats. A head-up display (Pilot HUD) projects information onto the windshield.

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Equipment includes adaptive lighting (bi-xenon smart beam), adaptive chassis control, dual-zone climate control, dynamic parking assistance, and the "SAAB XWD" system with an electronically controlled LSD in the rear. The infotainment system features a Harman Kardon surround sound audio system. Rear passengers can access dedicated audio controls and enjoy DVDs. The rear entertainment unit, located behind the center console, houses audio controls, and a retractable display is integrated into the back of the front seats.