Spy shots: Saab’s next-gen 9-5 takes to the ‘Ring

Posted Mon Apr 27 2009 10:07 AM by James Martinez

The new Saab 9-5 is expected to make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September

The Saab 9-5 is long overdue for an overhaul, with the current model first hitting the streets as far back as 1997. A totally redesigned model was rumoured to make an appearance last year but its release was pushed back due to limited resources at Saab and the introduction of the facelifted 9-3. Saab’s parent company General Motors has since confirmed that the car will now make its debut later this year.

Underneath the heavy camouflage of this prototype for the new 9-5 is a heavily revised version of GM’s FWD Epsilon II platform, which is also shared by Opel for its new Insignia range. To differentiate Saab as a premium product engineers will provide a stiffer suspension set-up, a new steering rack and a different range of electronics. The car’s wheelbase will stretch 2.84m, which is up 14cm on the current model, and the overall length will stretch just over 5m.

Engine options will include a range of four-cylinder petrol and turbodiesel units including a biofuel model. There will also likely by an AWD flagship model with a turbocharged petrol V6 displacing 3.6L and developing upwards of 350hp (261kW). Other engines will include a 210hp (157kW) 2.0L unit and mid-level 2.8L V6. A petrol-electric hybrid model is also expected.

The new 9-5 will be sourced from Opel’s Ruesselsheim plant in Germany with production tipped to start in the middle of the year. It will then make its debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show as a 2010 model.

The included computer generated rendering shows that designers will be sticking with the avant-garde styling of the original Aero X concept car, and will likely keep the protruding nose, large vents and sculpted bodywork. Other details will include a sleek, coupe-like profile and hatchback rear end.

Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5 spy shots

See Full Gallery

Gallery: Next generation Saab 9-5 rendering

Reader Comments

Wed Feb 27 2008 7:22 AM
lackar says

Keep cooling.
Sun Mar 9 2008 1:41 PM
Dai Lik says

Come on Saab. Give us a nice looking / driving car. We have been waiting for so long.
Tue Jul 29 2008 4:54 PM
ROOLLY says

This is a completely new vehicle from the ground up, not a restyled version of the current car .
Tue Jul 29 2008 8:17 PM
NoNameDenton says

Thought Saab was going to go smaller for its future vehicles?
Wed Jul 30 2008 7:21 AM
kafkef says

Looks a lot better than the current 9-5. Hope everything else is better too.
Wed Jul 30 2008 11:58 AM
.mac says

Excellent design! Hope smth like this becomes reality!
Wed Jul 30 2008 7:22 PM
keleko says

wow that is the best looking Saab to-date. I hope that the interior is just as nice! Once my current lease is up next year I may just consider this car if it does look something like this and produce the power that has been speculated! A beautifully redesigned 9-5 is just what Saab needs.
Tue Aug 5 2008 12:17 PM
lexlife says

Love the styling. Please bring this out as depicted in the rendering Saab and give me a reason to jump ship to your brand.
Tue Aug 26 2008 9:22 AM
tolate says

Saab has lost its soul . It started already in the current 9-5 which is a hidden OPEL/CADILAC leaving much of the good things such as a readable/visible dashboard not a clutter and over designed speedometer, where is the heritage from the fighter airplanes. Keep the interia saabish with simple design and good quality fabrics. And keep away from a design language of an American muscle car it will never bee. Use small engines with high torque and many horsepowers that use less of the worlds fuels then it will become a saab once again.
Sat Aug 30 2008 8:47 PM
WooDz says

I like the way Motor authority has pt their stamp all over this pic, yet it actually came from Auto Motor und Sport.... This pic is from about May 2008...
Sun Aug 31 2008 2:05 AM
admin says

Woodz - we use the same computer artist as AMS so he also sells us the same pictures used in their magazine. We pay to use these pictures.
Mon Jan 26 2009 3:20 PM
axial66 says

Saab, needs to break away from GM entirely. Establish their own platform, or license the modular plat from VW/Audi and bring forth the beautiful concepts to life with Volt like technology. Be the avant garde car company you once were!
Mon Feb 16 2009 6:12 PM
NoNameDenton says

Not much to say since Saab will no longer be GM product
Fri Mar 20 2009 8:31 PM
NaBUru38 says

Over 5m long? That'd be nasty.

The profile is seriously fastback this time. But it looks too tight in the back seats for an E-segment sedan.

Saab, please hurry up! This car and the 9-4X can't wait more.
Thu Mar 26 2009 5:51 PM
saabguy says

Saab.....listen to us. You have a strong following and we want the 2010 Saab 9-5 to succeed. Am driving a 2007 Saab 9-5 Aero SportCombi and lease is up in November. I'm ready to buy another. Bring it to market.
Wed Apr 1 2009 12:45 PM
saabfan says

Going into my fifth year with the 9-3 aero, please be around when I want to get a new one. 9-5 xwd aero sport combi would be perfect. Upgrade the interior please. Despite all the problems I have with this car I still love the car.
Fri Jun 12 2009 5:54 PM
cislam71 says

If the production version takes after the rendering seen here, Saab will have a winner on their hands. If not... well... they'll just be farther down the road of dooming this once prestigious brand.

Saab! Look at this picture!

MotorAuthority