Saab 9-5 Aero 2011 Review
Brand loyalty is being tested around the world as Saab, under financial siege and with its factory closed, rolls out its flagship model.
Private owners will have to scrutinize Saab's future to make sure parts and service are available. Fleet owners and select users will want Saab's corporate solidity to support resale value and keep balloon payments reasonable.
And then there is the car. The new Saab 9-5 is a good car, in many ways not inferior to its peers. But the cold facts overshadow the trappings of the car itself and ask the question: Will Saab fans spend up to $100,000 to have a badge in their driveway, given the dire corporate condition and no guarantee of sunrise in the morning?
VALUE
Forgetting for a moment the fog surrounding its future, the 9-5 offers a big car that is perfect for the upscale segment. It's very well equipped and I'm happy to say that it retains the indelible Saab character that classifies it and its owner as something special. The all-wheel-drive 2.8 Turbo is priced at $94,900, nearly $20,000 more than the 2-liter front-wheel-drive version. Throw in $5500 for a sunroof and rear entertainment system and $9-5 moves into the over $100,000K zone. Harman Kardon surround sound is standard and sensational. 9-5 want nothing but a good home.
Design
It looks very good. This short and almost horizontal hood with a rounded nose and swept-back headlights, vertical A-pillars and a heavily curved windshield, a thin side window that rises slightly towards the trunk, and a long and gentle slope of the roof and trunk put it in another class. .
Designers keep Saab's connection to aircraft despite the company foolishly spinning off the now-successful aviation business in 1969. The interior is very spacious, the trunk is huge, and the dashboard has a distinctive and very purposeful design.
TECHNOLOGY
Historically, Saab has always mastered new technologies. The latter, however, doesn't introduce much that's new, but rather picks up clever bits and pieces. For example, an electronically adjustable suspension; head-up instrument display on the windshield; automatic parking assistance; and a night panel switch that turns off all instrument lighting except the speedometer and, in standby mode, all emergency panel warning lights. The Holden-made 6-liter V2.8 engine is turbocharged, driven by a six-speed sequential automatic transmission and then a Haldex clutch that distributes power between the front and rear wheels as needed. There's also an electronic limited-slip rear differential that distributes power to the rear wheels.
SECURITY
It's a block block with safety features starting with a five-star crash test rating, six airbags, automated park assist, a full-size spare tire, and all electronic aids, including all-wheel drive, stability control, cornering control, and brake assist.
DRIVING
From a design point of view, the cabin is well done, although it is recommended to take the time to familiarize yourself with the switchgear placement. The keyless start button is at the bottom next to the shift lever, the parking brake is electric, and the seat is electrically adjustable so it's easy to fit into the car. The engine is a little noisy at idle, but there are no complaints about the work. It hits its belts at around 2500rpm and delivers great response. The six-speed transmission can shift awkwardly at low speeds, although it runs much smoother with more power and the steering is light and a bit vague. While I'm here, cabin noise and ride comfort are excellent above 60 km/h, but at lower speeds it's drumming (probably due to the tires), the ride gets wobbly (suspension), and the handling is less than precise. 9-5 looks more like an American than a European. All-wheel drive has advantages in handling, safety and snow handling, but may be overkill for most Australian buyers.
VERDICT
Tough call, this one. I'm impressed with its engine performance and love the distinctive styling. It surpasses the BMW 5 Series in terms of performance and roominess, is in many ways equal to it, but is noticeably inferior to this race in terms of handling and smoothness. Then, like a father discussing the future with his future son-in-law, there is a little question about what will happen tomorrow.
SAAB 9-5 AERO
Cost: $94,900
Guarantee: 3 years, 100,000 km, roadside assistance
Resale: 44%
Service Interval: 15,000 km or 12 months
Economy: 11.3 l / 100 km; 262 g / km CO2
Safety: six airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC. Accident rating 5 stars
Engine: 221 kW/400 Nm 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 petrol engine
Transmission: Six-speed sequential automatic, four-wheel drive, 4-door, 5 seats
Dimensions: 5008 (l); 1868 mm (W); 1467 mm (B); 2837 mm (WB)
The weight: 2065kg
Tire size: 245/40R19 Spare wheel Full size
