Surf Wiki
Save to docs
sports

From Surf Wiki (app.surf) — the open knowledge base

Saab 9-5

Swedish executive car (1997-2012)

Saab 9-5
Summary

Swedish executive car (1997-2012)

FieldValue
nameSaab 9-5
imageSaab 9-5 3.0T Griffin 2003 (13522331175).jpg
caption2003 Saab 9-5 Griffin
manufacturerSaab Automobile
production1997–2012
body_style{{ubl
layout{{ubl
predecessorSaab 9000
assemblySweden: Trollhättan (Trollhättan Assembly)
classExecutive car (E)

| 4-door sedan | 5-door station wagon | Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive (1997–2012) | Transverse front-engine, four-wheel drive (2010–2012)

The Saab 9-5 is an executive car, manufactured and marketed by Saab from 1997 to 2012, across two generations.

The first generation 9-5 was introduced in 1997 for the 1998 model year, as the replacement of the Saab 9000. At the time, the car represented a significant development for the manufacturer. In the United States, the 9-5 was introduced in the spring of 1998, for the 1999 model year.

The second generation was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15, 2009 and production began in March 2010. It was the first Saab automobile launched under Spyker Cars' ownership, though developed almost entirely under GM's ownership. Production ceased in 2012 amid Saab's liquidation.

Overview

Saab badged the model as the Saab 95, but consistently advertised it as the Saab 9-5, pronounced "nine five" rather than "ninety-five". This model should not be confused with the Saab 95, manufactured from 1959 to 1978.

The first generation 9-5 was available with sedan and station wagon body styles. Aerodynamically, the sedan's drag coefficient is 0.29, and the station wagon's is 0.31 (0.33 for the U.S. version). Introduced in 1999, the wagon features innovations such as floor tracks to secure cargo and a sliding load floor to make loading easier.

The 9-5 was the first production vehicle to offer ventilated seats, as well as asymmetrical turbocharging in the case of the 3.0L V6 engine.

The last 9-5 sedan of the first generation rolled off the Trollhättan production line at the beginning of July 2009, and the last wagon was assembled on February 1, 2010. Between the summer of 1997, when 9-5 production began, and 2010, 252,236 sedans, and 231,357 wagons were built. The total production 483,593 units, was narrowly beaten by its predecessor, the 9000, of which 503,000 were built.

Production equipment for the first-generation 9-5 was sold by General Motors to BAIC Group of China in 2009.

First generation (YS3E, 1997–2010)

| 1997–2009 (sedan) | 1998–2010 (wagon) | Petrol: | 2.0 L B205 turbo I4 | 2.3 L B235 turbo I4 | 3.0 L GM B308E turbo V6 | Diesel: | 1.9 L Fiat JTD Turbodiesel I4 | 2.2 L GM D223 Turbodiesel I4 | 3.0 L Isuzu 6DE1 Turbodiesel V6 | Senova D Series | Opel Vectra | Opel Calibra | Saab 900 (NG) | Saab 9-3 | Saturn L-Series | 4-speed Aisin 50-42LE automatic (1997–2001) | 5-speed Aisin AF33 automatic (2002–2009) | 5-speed FM55B03 manual | 1997–2000 Sedan: 4805 mm | 1998–2000 Wagon: 4808 mm | 2001–05 Sedan: 4825 mm | 2001–05 Wagon: 4830 mm | 2006–09 Sedan: 4836 mm | 2006–09 Wagon: 4841 mm | 1997–2000 Sedan: 1793 mm | Wagon & 2001–09 Sedan: 1790 mm | 1997–2005 Sedan, 2001–2005 Wagon: 1448 mm | 1998–2000 Wagon: 1496 mm | 2006–2009 Sedan: 1453 mm | 2006–2009 Wagon: 1465 mm

Engines

The first-generation 9-5 is powered by Saab's B205 and B235 straight-4 engines, and from 2002 in Europe by an Opel Ecotec X22DTH 2.2 diesel engine (Saab D223L), replaced in 2006 by Fiat's 1.9 JTD 16V diesel engine. A turbocharged version of the General Motors 54° V6 engine, designated by Saab as B308, has a unique asymmetrical low-pressure turbocharger and was available from 1999 to 2003. This engine is available only with an automatic transmission, and cars with this engine installed are distinguishable by their twin tailpipes. The V6 was only available on Arc, SE, and Griffin models. In 2004, the V6 engine was replaced by a high-pressure turbo straight-4 engine rated at 220 hp. By 2006 this engine was rated at 260 hp even in the non-Aero or non-sport models made for the US market.

The B2x5 engines can suffer from oil pickup issues caused by 'oil sludge' in the lubrication circuit. In 1999, Saab issued a Workshop Bulletin around this issue. The 'sludge' issue primarily affected earlier models between 1999 and 2003, and from 2004 a revised engine positive crankcase ventilation system (PCV) and the use of fully synthetic oil were introduced.

Saab created retrofit kits for the earlier 1999–2003 cars as the PCV design differs from the 2004 and later system. In 2005, Saab extended the warranty on the B2x5 engine to eight years and unlimited miles from new for original owners, provided the owner could produce proof that they had followed the manufacturer's oil change intervals. Saab recommended the use of fully synthetic or synthetic-blend oil as a preventative measure.

Engine choices

ModelYearsEngineEngine typeDispl.Max. powerMax. torque0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) (seconds)Times for Sport Sedan with manual gearbox, in brackets indicated times for Sport Combi. Automatic times are not represented, but does
1.9TiD2006–2009Fiat JTD Z19DTHI4, diesel1,910 cc150 PS at 4,000 rpm320 Nm at 2,000 rpm10.1 (10.7)
1.9TiD Hirsch2009Fiat JTD Z19DTHI4, diesel1,910 cc175 PS at 4,000 rpm350 Nm at 2,000 rpm(10.5)
2.2TiD2002–2005Opel Ecotec Y22DTHI4, diesel2,171 cc120 PS at 4,000 rpm280 Nm at 1,500 rpm11.0
3.0 V6TiD2002-2005Isuzu DMAX D308LV6, diesel2,958 cc177 PS at 4,000 rpm350 Nm at 1,800 rpm8.9
2.0t1998–2009B205EI4, petrol1,985 cc150 PS at 5,500 rpm240 Nm at 1,800 rpm9.8 (10.2)
2.0t (SAAB tuned)1998–2009B205LI4, petrol1,985 cc192 PS at 5,500 rpm310 Nm at 1,700 rpm8.1
2.0t BioPower2005–2009B205EI4, E85 or petrol1,985 cc180 PS at 5,500 rpm280 Nm at 1,800 rpm8.5 (9.0)
2.3t BioPower2006–2009B235EI4, E85 or petrol2,290 cc210 PS at 5,500 rpm310 Nm at 1,800 rpm7.9 (8.5)
2.3t1998–2001B235EI4, petrol2,290 cc170 PS at 5,500 rpm280 Nm at 1,800 rpm8.7 (9.3)
2.3t2002–2009B235EI4, petrol2,290 cc185 PS at 5,500 rpm280 Nm at 1,800 rpm7.9 (8.5)
2.3T2004–2005B235LI4, petrol2,290 cc220 PS at 5,500 rpm310 Nm at 2,500 rpm7.9 (8.5)
3.0 V61998–2003B308EV6, petrol2,962 cc200 PS at 5,000 rpm310 Nm at 2,500 rpm8.3 (auto)
Aero1999–2001B235RI4, petrol2,290 cc230 PS at 5,500 rpm370 Nm at 1,900 rpm6.9
Aero2002–2005B235RI4, petrol2,290 cc250 PS at 5,300 rpm370 Nm at 1,900 rpm6.9 (8.2)
2.3T/Aero2006–2009B235RI4, petrol2,290 cc260 PS at 5,300 rpm370 Nm at 1,900 rpm6.5
Aero Hirsch2002–2005B235RI4, petrol2,290 cc305 PS at 5,300 rpm400 Nm at 1,900 rpm6.3
Aero Hirsch2006–2009B235RI4, petrol2,290 cc310 PS at 5,300 rpm410 Nm at 1,900 rpm6.0

Transmissions

The 9-5 is available with an Aisin AW 4-speed (50-42LE) automatic transmission Saab reference FA47; from 1997 until 2001, when a new Aisin AW unit replaced the aging four-speed automatic with a five-speed automatic. A five-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard to the base models and the Aero.

Alternative propulsion

E85

In 2005, an updated version of the 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine was introduced in the European market together with the 2006 9–5. The engine was sold as 2.0t BioPower, optimized to run on E85 producing 180 PS at 5,500 rpm. There was also a 2.3T BioPower version sold from 2007. It was also introduced in Australia.

E100

In 2007, Saab presented a 9-5 E100 Concept, based on the turbo 2.0. Offering a claimed 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque, the Concept included the use of increased boost pressure and compression ratio.

Safety

The 9-5 introduced Saab's Active Head Restraints (SAHR), which moved up and forward to prevent whiplash when the car was struck from the rear. This feature won technology and safety awards in Australia, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. The Saab 9-5 also was one of the first cars to have extensive side-crash protection.

The front seats featured torso airbags and head airbags even on the earliest models, which few contemporary vehicles did in the late 1990s. The basic structure included a robust passenger safety cage, front and rear deformation zones, reinforced door posts and pillars, as well as the "Pendulum B-Pillar", which combined high-strength low-alloy steel at chest and head height with tailored blank steel at the floorpan, designed to direct the crash forces down toward the floor. The design was proven by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to protect occupants in side crashes, even without the addition of curtain airbags or rear side airbags. From 2002, ESP (electronic stability control) was included as standard.

Another Saab feature, the "Night Panel", permitted dousing of the instrument panel lighting, except for essential information, for less distraction when driving at night. Once activated, only essential information such as current speed is displayed except, for example, if the car requires fuel or the engine overheats.

In the United States OnStar was available, and provided as standard equipment in selected 9-5's from 2001 onward.

Comfort

The 9-5 had various comfort features both as standard and cost options over the years.

While early models frequently had dash mounted cassette decks, CD changers were standard features on many cars and in-dash satellite navigation was also available. Factory-fitted phone kits were similarly optional.

Many models featured leather or part-leather upholstery and both front and rear heated seats were also available. A few models were shipped with the optional ventilated seats.

Cruise control was available on various models and xenon headlamps were fitted as standard on high-end variants.

Aero

The high-performance variant is known as 9-5 Aero. The earliest versions of which were sometimes referred to as the 'HOT' (High Output Turbo) Aero, was first released in 2000 with a 2.3T B235R engine. The B235R engine of the 9-5 Aero is capable of providing immense torque and, in terms of acceleration, which outperformed the contemporary Porsche 911 Turbo from 40 to 90 mph. Initially badged as a 230 PS engine, Saab later conceded that the 230 PS power figure was quite conservative, with the manual versions rated at 250 PS and having more torque than stated. This flagship model had a long list of standard features, a sport tuned suspension, and body side moldings. In 2002 a 250 PS 2.3-litre turbocharged engine was made standard, which allowed for more torque after 4,500 rpm. All Aero models from 2002 to 2005 have an identical engine layout and management system, with the 2002-05 models just having a slightly remapped version of that ECU from factory. The top-of-the-line 9-5 in its final model years is rated at 260 PS and 350 Nm of torque (370 Nm with its 20-second overboost function accessible on the manual transmission equipped version).

From 2006 to 2010, the 260 PS B235R was the standard engine in both the 2.3T and Aero trims. 2006 had only one badge designation, 2.3T, and appointments normally found on the Aero could be added via a "Sport Package". Since 2007, SAAB added an Aero badge to the trunk lid to distinguish from regular 2.3T models. In addition, almost all standard features on the Aero were standard on the 2.3T, the exceptions being sport-tuned chassis, two-tone leather upholstery, "Anniversary" wheels and brushed aluminum interior trim, all of which were standard on Aero and not available on the 2.3T.

Police car

Saab 9–5 of the [[Swedish Police

The 9-5 was used as a liveried patrol vehicle, as well as undercover, in several parts of its native Sweden, alongside the Volvo V70. Several police forces in the UK also used the 9–5 in their fleets, mostly in Aero specification. The city of Aspen, Colorado, used Saabs as patrol cars from early 1970s until 2005, when they discontinued the 9–5 in favor of the Volvo XC90. The town of Vail, Colorado likewise used Saabs from 1980 onwards, but in 2005, the black 9-5 patrol cars were replaced by Ford Explorers, due to budget reasons.

In 2006, Lothian and Borders Police in Edinburgh, Scotland, began operating three Saab 9-5 Aero 2.3T patrol cars as part of a fleet of 580 vehicles. These 9-5s were customised to police specifications by the Saab, Vauxhall and Chevrolet Special Vehicles Operation (SVO) in Papworth, Cambridgeshire. In undercover guise, these cars were outwardly identical to the Linear Sport models, but featured the 260 hp Aero drivetrain.

In Poland, an unmarked 9-5 is used as a video-pursuit vehicle, in the Płock area.

File:1997-2001 Saab 9-5 SE sedan 02.jpg|Pre–facelift Saab 9-5 SE sedan (Australia) File:2001 Saab 9-5 Aero station wagon (2015-07-16) 02.jpg|Pre–facelift Saab 9-5 Aero SportCombi (Australia) File:Saab 9-5 -- 07-30-2009.jpg|First facelift Saab 9-5 Aero sedan (US) File:2002 Saab 9-5 (MY02) Linear 2.3t sedan (23188105892) (cropped).jpg|First facelift Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t sedan (Australia) File:2002-2005 Saab 9-5 2.3t wagon -- 03-16-2012.JPG|First facelift Saab 9-5 2.3t SportCombi (US) File:2007 Saab 9-5 front.jpg|Second facelift Saab 9-5 sedan (US) File:Saab 9-5 2005- rear.JPG|Second facelift Saab 9-5 Aero sedan (Europe) File:2006-2010 Saab 9-5 wagon -- 03-16-2012.JPG|Second facelift Saab 9-5 SportCombi (US) File:Interior Saab 9-5.JPG|Interior

Second generation (YS3G, 2010–2012)

| Petrol: | 1.6 L Z16LET turbo I4 | 2.0 L A20NHT turbo I4 | 2.8 L A28NER turbo V6 | Petrol/E85 Flex Fuel: | 2.0 L A20NFT turbo I4 | Diesel: | 2.0 L turbodiesel I4 | 6-speed manual | 6-speed Aisin AWTF-80 SC automatic | Chevrolet Impala | Buick LaCrosse | Cadillac XTS | Chevrolet Malibu | Opel Insignia | Buick Regal

The second generation 9-5, built on the Global Epsilon platform was presented at the Frankfurt International Auto Show in September 2009. The vehicle had its North American debut in October 2009 at the South Florida Auto Show in Miami. On November 24, 2009, the first pre-production second generation 9-5 rolled off the Trollhättan production line.

With the announcement of the sale of Saab to Spyker on January 26, 2010, the new generation Saab 9-5 was put into production at the Saab plant in Trollhättan. Full-scale production began in April 2010, with the cars appearing in dealerships on June 19, 2010. Saab introduced a wagon variant of the new 9-5, dubbed "SportCombi," at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The Saab 9-5 Sedan 2.8 V6 Turbo was named Car of the Year in Singapore by "Wheels Asia".

Production of the 9-5 ended in March 2011 with Trollhättan production stopping due to the company's failing liquidity. Total production numbers of the second-generation Saab 9-5 amounted to 11,280 units.

While several prototype vehicles and a number of pre-production SportCombis were manufactured, the official variant did not enter serial production prior to Saab's bankruptcy in December 2011. A 9-5 liftback and a new 9-5X were also planned, as well as an overall facelift around mid-2014.

Trim levels

Trim/equipment levels vary from country to country.

In the US, Saab 9-5 trim levels were Turbo4, Turbo4 Premium, Turbo6 XWD, and Aero. Turbo4 models come with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and features that included power adjustable driver and passenger seats, leather upholstery, five-spoke alloy wheels, fog lamps, and rain-sensing wipers. The Turbo4 Premium added a panoramic sunroof, headlamp washers, Saab parking assistance, keyless entry and start, memory seats, and 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Turbo6 XWD was powered by a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and features an all-wheel-drive system. The top trim Aero featured 15-spoke “Rotor” 18-inch alloy wheels, leather-trimmed sports seats, a multi-color central information display, Bi-Xenon SmartBeam headlamps, dark titanium-effect interior trim, aluminum sports pedals, a sports-tuned suspension system with real-time damping, and Aero exterior elements.

UK equipment levels for the 2012 model year included the Vector SE and Aero. The previous base models, Linear and Vector were replaced by the Vector SE model.

In Australia the base trim called Linear was not part of the line up, only the Vector and Aero trims were available.

Engines

In North America, the engine choices were either a turbocharged V6 or an Ecotec I4. Other countries also had an optional turbodiesel I4 engine. Engine performance upgrades that were available from Hirsch Performance (Saab's only factory approved tuner) increased the power of the V6 engine to 330 hp from 296 hp and the I4 engine to 260 hp from 220 hp.

ModelYearsEngineEngine typeDispl.Max. powerMax. torque0 - (seconds)Top speed
(FWD)Fuel cons.
(Manual)emission
(g/km)
1.6T2011–2012Z16LETI4, petrol1,598 cc180 hp at 5,500 rpm230 Nm at 2,200 rpm9.5220 kph7.8 L/100 km179
2.0T2010–2012A20NHTI4, petrol1,998 cc220 hp at 5,300 rpm350 Nm at 2,500 rpm7.9240 kph8.2 L/100 km189
2.8T2010–2012A28NERV6, petrol2,792 cc296 hp at 5,500 rpm400 Nm at 2,000 rpm6.9250 kph8.8 L/100 km244
2.0T BioPower2011–2012A20NFTI4, E85 or petrol1,998 cc220 hp at 5,300 rpm350 Nm at 2,500 rpm7.9240 kph11.1 L/100 km189
2.0TiD2010–2012GM Family BI4, diesel1,956 cc158 hp at 4,000 rpm350 Nm at 1,750 rpm10.1215 kph5.3 L/100 km139
2.0TTiD2011–2012GM Family BI4, diesel1,956 cc187 hp at 4,000 rpm400 Nm at 1,750 rpm8.8230 kph6.0 L/100 km159

Transmissions and layout

Petrol engineLayoutModelYearsStandardOptionalfront-wheel drivefour-wheel drive1.6T2.0T2.8TBioPower engineLayoutModelYearsStandardOptionalfront-wheel drivefour-wheel drive2.0TDiesel engineLayoutModelYearsStandardOptionalfront-wheel drivefour-wheel drive2.0TiD2.0TTiD
2011–20126-speed manual-
2010–20126-speed manual6-speed automatic
2010–20126-speed automatic-
2010–20126-speed manual6-speed automatic
2010–20126-speed manual6-speed automatic
2010–20126-speed manual-

Safety

Reviews

  • Auto Express For: spacious cabin, distinctive styling, well equipped. Against: poor residuals, driving dynamics, cheap cabin materials.
  • Auto Trader Pros: low and high mpg, distinctive design, plenty of room. Cons: interior quality disappointing, outclassed by rivals, holds value poorly.
  • Parker's Pros: Much kit as standard, high-tech features, driver comfort, practicality. Cons: Not particularly sporty, still lacks the brand appeal of its German rivals.
  • The AA Likes: styling typically Saab but updated for the modern era; comfortable seats are a Saab trademark; cabin space is first rate - especially rear legroom; sensible pricing for the mainstream variants. Gripes: simple styling could be viewed as bland by uncharitable critics; can't match Jaguar's XF for sporting character; clutter-free cabin is welcome but quality of materials chosen could have been better; auto gearbox option could be more responsive.

File:2012 Saab 9-5 Aero Turbo4 Automatic 2.0 Rear.jpg|Second Generation Saab 9-5 Sedan File:Intsaab2016 33 - Saab 9-5 SC.jpg|Second Generation Saab 9-5 SportCombi

References

Bibliography

References

  1. (2009-09-15). "2010 Saab 9-5 – You must see this vehicle". SaabsUnited.com.
  2. (1997). "Saab 9-5: a Personal Story". Norden Publishing House.
  3. "Saab builds last 9-5, begins retooling for new model". Leftlanenews.com.
  4. (2010-02-01). "Final Saab 9-5 SportCombi Model Rolls Off Assembly Line". SaabHistory.com.
  5. "Ny Teknik avslöjar: Saab-affär med kineserna klar". Talentum Media AB.
  6. [http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f14/goodbye-dame-edna-farewell-gm2900-platform-88620/ gminsidenews.com] Saab builds the last GM2902 9-5 SportCombi
  7. "Saab Automobile".
  8. "Bulletins - SI/MI - (210-1991 utg. 2) Carbon particles or loose deposits in the engine oil".
  9. (3 March 2005). "Saab Extends Engine Warranty After Finding Sludge Problems".
  10. "GM Saab to Introduce BioPower 100 Concept in Geneva; Optimized for E100, with 150 HP/Liter".
  11. "2008 Saab 9-5 Sedan: Safety Features and Specifications". Saabusa.com.
  12. "1999 Saab 9-5 1gen/I Aero 4-Door Sedan full range specs".
  13. [http://www.aspenpitkin.com/depts/53/divisions_patrol.cfm City of Aspen – Police Department – Patrol Division] {{webarchive. link. (October 5, 2006)
  14. (2003-09-23). "Vail police switch from Saab to Ford". USA Today.
  15. (2006-09-21). "Saab 9-5 2.3t Police Model (UK)". Worldcarfans.com.
  16. "Czym jeździ video-drogówka – Poboczem.pl – Nie tylko wiejski tuning i tragiczne wypadki drogowe". Poboczem.pl.
  17. "Saab". Saab.
  18. "Saab". Saab.
  19. Lönnroth, Valdemar. "Forna Saab-chefer på nya jobb". Ttela.se.
  20. (2009-10-16). "GM Media Online". Media.gm.com.
  21. (2010-01-26). "Spyker press release". Spyker N.V..
  22. "All-new Saab 9-5 SportCombi to Debut at Geneva Motor Show - Saab Newsroom". Newsroom.saab.com.
  23. (2011-10-07). "Saab 9-5 named Car of the Year in Singapore". Media.saab.com.
  24. (2011-03-30). "Saab output suspended again over supplier payments". Crain Communications, Inc..
  25. Tom. (2014-02-24). "Never built. SAAB 9-5 NG hatchback.".
  26. Tom. (2021-01-14). "The big X - Saab 9-5X XWD sports suit model year 2014 - saabblog".
  27. Tim. (2013-02-20). "The story of the 9-3 Phoenix".
  28. "Saab 9-5 Information". LeftLane News.
  29. (2011-06-16). "SAAB 9-5 2012 model year UK specs & prices". blog.Saab9-5.
  30. [http://www.bilsvar.se/sv/Sok-bil/?pageNumber=1&brand=SAAB&model=9-5&year<2011&body=Sedan bilsvar.se] Detaljerad sök - Bilsvar
  31. "Reviews - SAAB 9-5". Auto Express.
  32. "SAAB 9-5 Saloon". Auto Trader.
  33. "Reviews - SAAB 9-5". Parker's Car Guides.
  34. "Saab 9-5 9-5 Vector SE 2.0 TiD Saloon". The AA.
Wikipedia Source

This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.

saab-vehicles 2000s-cars 2010s-cars ancap-large-cars euro-ncap-executive-cars flexible-fuel-vehicles front-wheel-drive-vehicles sports-sedans station-wagons flagship-vehicles cars-introduced-in-1997 cars-discontinued-in-2012 spyker executive-cars
Want to explore this topic further?

Ask Mako anything about Saab 9-5 — get instant answers, deeper analysis, and related topics.

Research with Mako

Free with your Surf account

Content sourced from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This content may have been generated or modified by AI. CloudSurf Software LLC is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of AI-generated content. Always verify important information from primary sources.

Report