Saab targets German luxury foes with a new 9-5

The redesigned 2010 Saab 9-5 Aero sedan is big, filled with technology, and designed and engineered to compete with the Audi A6 and the Mercedes-Benz E-class sedans.

“The new Saab demonstrates that we are alive and kicking,” said Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars NV, the Dutch sports-car maker that purchased Saab from General Motors Co. in February.

Basics: The new 9-5 shares GM's global midsize architecture with such vehicles as the Opel Insignia, the Chevrolet Malibu, the Buick LaCrosse and the Cadillac XTS, due in 2011.

While GM invested heavily in Saab's facilities in Sweden during the 20 years it operated the company, product development suffered. The previous-generation 9-5 was in the marketplace for 13 years. Besides its age, the car was criticized for being too similar in size to the lower-priced 9-3.

“We agree, so we spread them apart,” said Magnus Hansson, product marketing manager, during a presentation in Trollhattan this month. The 2010 9-5 is 3.7 inches longer than the Audi A6 and 5.5 inches longer than the Mercedes-Benz E-class sedan. Saab is targeting Audi intenders.

The redesigned 9-5 fits “right into the territory of the premium large segment,” Hansson said. “We believe the brand can play there.”

Assembly begins in fall

Styling draws on cues first seen on the Aero X concept unveiled at the 2006 Geneva motor show. A wagon debuts next year.

The 9-5 bodies currently are assembled at GM's operations in Russelsheim, Germany, then shipped by truck to Trollhattan for final assembly. The tooling will be transferred from Germany to Sweden in August. Assembly of the 2011 9-5 in Sweden will begin in the fall.

The U.S. market will receive only 500 2010 9-5s; 2011 models for the United States will arrive this fall.

Notable features: The 9-5 is the first Saab to offer real-time damping control. Three suspension settings are offered: intelligent, sport and comfort. Depending on setting, the system varies the stiffness of the electronically controlled dampers, the electronic throttle and the amount of steering assistance. Other features include head-up display, lane-departure warning system, front and rear park assist and all-wheel drive.

A 300-hp, 2.8-liter turbo V-6 engine is available; a 220-hp, 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine will be available on the 2011 model.

Standard features: In Saab tradition, the car's ignition, now a start/stop button, remains between the front seats. Also standard are an electric parking brake, heated and power adjustable seats, and a steering wheel with radio and cruise controls.

What Saab says: “Our idea is to create a personality that is very sporty, very progressive that has a bit of an edge in a very conservative segment,” Hansson said. “We definitely don't want to be one of these guys, the Volvo S80, the Lexus ES. We want to be exciting, fresh, a premium alternative.”

Compromises and shortcomings: A diesel engine is not offered; hybrid technology is about three years away.

The skinny: After 13 long years, Saab finally has a big, stylish, credible sedan to take on the big boys, namely Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

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