Frankfurt motor show: new Saab 9-5

Saab has officially launched its new flagship 9-5 saloon, a model vital for the struggling firm’s future, at the Frankfurt motor show.

The new Saab 9-5 will go on sale next year and the Swedish firm claims it will be the most technologically advanced car it has ever produced, with a range of “high-tech” features. It will mark a “new era” for the company, according to its managing director.

See the new Saab 9-5 picture gallery

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The styling has been inspired by the Aero X concept car, and Saab claims it also draws inspiration from its aviation heritage. It has a low, muscular stance and a dramatically styled wraparound glasshouse. Saab also claims the windshield and roof have been inspired by its classic 900 model.

Simon Padian, Saab brand design chief, said: “We are giving a fresh, very modern expression to some of our classic brand design cues. We have visual themes found in our recent concept cars, such as the Aero X, which are inspired by Scandinavian design and our brand’s aircraft heritage.

Tech highlights on the new 9-5 include an aviation-inspired head up information display, Bi-Xenon high beam adaptive headlights, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control and keyless entry and starting.

Saab’s DriveSense adaptive chassis also features, with real-time damping control.

All engines in the range are turbocharged and three fuel types are offered; petrol, diesel and E85 bio ethanol.

The biggest seller is likely to be the 2.0 TiD, which produces 158bhp and 258lb ft of torque. It has combined fuel economy of 53.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 139g/km. Top speed is 134mph, while it can get from 0-62mph in 10.1 secs.

Other engines in the range include a 1.6T petrol unit, which produces 178bhp and 170lb ft of torque and has CO2 emissions of 179g/km and combined fuel economy of 37.1mpg.

The 2.0T unit is available in both petrol and bio ethanol form, but Saab has only released figures for when it runs on petrol. It produces 217bhp, 258lb ft of torque, has CO2 emissions of 198g/km and combined fuel economy of 33.6mpg.

Completing the line up is the top of the range 2.8T petrol unit, which produces 296bhp and 295lb ft of torque, with CO2 emissions of 269g/km and combined fuel economy of 24.8mpg.

“This car is the start of a new era for our brand,” said Jan-Ake Jonsson, Saab’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.