Saab may be an independent car company now, but its ties to the pre-bankruptcy General Motors are apparent in the all-new 9-5 sedan.
The impressively styled Saab 9-5 can't escape its big price tag teamed with a dated interior.
It's like the car was frozen in time before the economic collapse and now has to contend with a market that's more competitive than ever. The other strike against the 9-5 is that, for 2010, it's available only in the top-of-the-line Aero trim level, which is so performance-oriented it sacrifices much-needed ride comfort.
For 2010, the Aero XWD trim starts at $49,165. Next year, the 2011 9-5 line will fill out with a base Turbo4 model ($38,525), featuring a 220-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and a Turbo4 Premium ($43,435), which comes with more standard features. There will also be a Turbo6 XWD ($48,030) with the engine and power of the Aero, minus the ride and handling upgrades.
Styling
Before you can judge the 9-5 on its merits as a mode of transportation, its design demands attention. Saab made a serious gamble going with such a distinct look, but it will likely pay off with the one group that may overlook the rest of the car's failings: Saab enthusiasts.
The large rear C-pillar, rounded rear window and high trunklid hark back to the beloved 900 hatchback, even though this is a sedan. The rear also features huge wraparound taillights that look light blue during the day, when unlit, and either red or amber when the lights are turned on.
A stylish black lacquer effect highlights the front A-pillar and the tops of the side mirrors. A jewel-like turn-signal indicator, which also looks blue when unlit, bisects each mirror.
It's a stunning design that might overshadow some of the car's drawbacks.
Performance
For the 2011 model year, the Saab 9-5 will be available with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and front-wheel drive, or a turbocharged 2.8-liter V-6 and all-wheel drive. For 2010, the Aero trim comes with the turbo V-6 and all-wheel drive. The Aero is also available with 19-inch wheels and more aggressive shocks and struts that lower the car 10 millimeters.
While I enjoyed the engine's spirited turbo-ness — whooshing to speed in bursts like a traditional turbo should while still delivering smooth around-town acceleration — the ride was ridiculously harsh. The steering and handling are good, perhaps very good, but that means little in exchange for the quality of the ride. On rough road surfaces, like the concrete highways on which I commute, the ride was nearly unbearable for long stretches.
I'm hoping the non-Aero, 2011 turbo V-6 with all-wheel drive will be more comfortable while still delivering the punch of that engine.
The car feels much lighter than the spec sheet portends. At 4,365 pounds as-tested, it's the portliest among competitors like the Audi A6, Volvo S80 and BMW 5 Series. Even with this weight — which isn't helped by Saab's all-wheel-drive system, designated XWD — it feels as light as the Audi and Volvo and definitely lighter than the 5 Series. The Saab 9-5 is also noticeably longer than those competitors, yet it feels nimble when cutting through flowing highway traffic.
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