IIHS performs full tests for front impact (offset) and side impact crashes. Seat/head restraints also undergo a simulated rear impact conducted on a sled to assess protection against whiplash injuries and the roof structure tested to assess vehicle rollover protection.

Vehicles are rated as “Good”, “Acceptable”, “Marginal” or “Poor” in the various categories. To receive the “Top Safety Pick” award, cars must achieve the highest rating in all four categories and should also be fitted with ESP®.

“We are very pleased with the 9-5’s performance. IIHS is an independent body and the results of their tests are easily accessible and objective information for car buyers. It is therefore important for us to achieve good results in this type of testing,” says Per Lenhoff, Head of Safety Development at Saab Automobile.

“Our main priority, however, will always be to protect real people in real accidents, not just to do well in crash tests. It’s the core of our Real-Life Safety philosophy,” continues Per Lenhoff.

Saab’s Real-Life Safety philosophy is based on the fact that no collision is ever the same. Saab safety engineers continuously study how Saab cars behave in real collisions on public roads. The results of these studies are the basis for continued development of both design and safety solutions in cars as well as of Saab’s in-house crash testing methods.

The Saab 9-5 Sedan has already received the highest rating, five stars, in the crash tests conducted by the European New Car Assessment Programme, EuroNCAP

• Versatile: New 9-5 SportWagon broadens customer appeal
• Efficient: All 9-5 engines offer reduced CO₂ and improved fuel consumption
• Fun-to-drive: Chassis improvements developed on UK roads
• Stylish: New-look cabin décor
• Enhanced Specification: Satellite navigation and digital radio fitted as standard.

The much awaited SportWagon adds five-door versatility to the acclaimed attributes of the 9-5 Saloon, providing a distinctive, alternative choice for premium wagon customers. It is expected to become a major player in a vehicle segment where Saab, with its tradition for designing sporty but practical vehicles, has previously enjoyed sales volumes even higher than saloon levels.

Both the 9-5 Saloon and the SportWagon benefit from more efficient diesel and petrol engines, all of which deliver reduced CO₂ emissions and improved fuel consumption. Refinements include a host of fine-tuning measures and the introduction of Start/Stop functionality. CO₂ emissions are reduced on average across the range by 4.7% percent.

Saab chassis engineers have also made the latest 9-5 range even more fun to drive. Extensive testing and development work on UK roads has achieved greater ride refinement, particularly on rough surfaces.

Inside, the spacious cabin is given a new look with the addition of metallic-like trim finishes for both Vector SE and Aero variants. Satellite navigation and digital radio (DAB) also become standard on all models.

“The latest 9-5 range offers customer benefits across the board, with lower emissions, improved fuel consumption, enhanced cabin features and even better driving dynamics,” says Saab Great Britain Managing Director Charles Toosey. “The New 9-5 SportWagon is also a stunning addition to the range which substantially broadens the appeal of our product offer. It builds on Saab’s strong brand tradition for versatility, and will provide a compelling choice for customers who value distinctive design, premium quality and great flexibility.”

The order book for the latest 9-5 range is now open with customer deliveries commencing in Autumn 2011. The all-turbo powertrain line-up, with a choice of two diesel and three petrol engines, provides a power bandwith from 160 hp to 300 hp.

On-the-road prices range from £26,995 to £39,195, the SportWagon adding five-door versatility at a price premium of just £1,200 over the Saloon.

Sporty new-comer goes on sale

After making its world premiere at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the New 9-5 SportWagon now takes Saab back into the mid-size, premium wagon segment, where the brand enjoyed great success with its popular predecessor.

Designed in parallel with its Saloon counterpart, the SportWagon shares the same bold frontal styling and adds a dramatic, ‘wraparound’ rear window graphic under a sweeping roof line which is extended by a deep rear spoiler. Imposing looks and a low slung stance give the car a dynamic visual appeal that concedes nothing to the requirements of load carrying practicality.

The deep cargo deck is optimised for space and ease-of-use. The 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold down almost completely flat without having to move the seat squab or remove the head restraints. Careful attention to soundproofing in the rear bodywork attenuates noise, vibration and resonance so that rear occupants enjoy a level of interior refinement similar to that of the saloon.

With the seatbacks lowered, the cargo deck is over six feet long and offers an adaptable load capacity of up to 1,600 litres, or 527 litres with the rear seats up. The side walls are completely flat and upright, creating a clean, open space without any hard-to-use corners or rear wheel arch intrusions. Compartments in the side walls and under the floor offer convenient stowage for small items.

Aluminium roof rails, an adaptable U-rail cargo management system, a retractable cargo cover and a 12-volt power outlet all come as standard. For additional convenience, the tailgate is also available with a remotely controlled, electric power operation.

Reduced CO₂ emissions, improved fuel consumption

A series of fine-tuning measures have improved the efficiency of all 9-5 engines, delivering an average CO₂ reduction and fuel consumption improvement of 4.7%.

To encourage economical driving, a gear shift indicator is now fitted as standard in the main instrument display for all manual transmission variants.

With projected CO₂ emissions of just 125g/km (Saloon) and 128g/km (SportWagon), the 160 hp, 2.0-litre TiD engine with manual transmission now delivers outstanding efficiency. They qualify for zero-rated excise duty and benefit-in-kind company car taxation of only 18 percent.

In combination with manual transmission, this engine features Start/Stop functionality as standard. It automatically stops running when neutral is selected and the clutch is released, and restarts when the clutch pedal is pressed to engage gear.

Dynamic drive

The standard chassis for Vector SE models now features improved ride and handling qualities following a development programme by Saab test drivers across challenging UK road conditions. The suspension adopts revised front spring rates, damper settings and bushings.

The Aero chassis has also been upgraded with the fully adaptive DriveSense function, featuring real-time damping control and variable effort hydraulic power steering, now fitted as standard.  Advanced HiPer strut, independent steering axis, front suspension and multi-link H-arm rear suspension also becomes standard for all Aero variants.

Saab XWD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system, now includes an electronic, limited-slip differential (eLSD) as standard on Aero XWD models.

Enhanced value

Improvements for Model Year 2012 also extend to the 9-5’s cabin with generous equipment levels and new cabin décor trims.

All variants are now fitted as standard with a DAB digital radio and satellite navigation, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and hard disc storage for map data. Vector SE models also gain a multi-colour main instrument display.

Cabin ambience is further improved with the introduction of new dashboard fascia decor. Vector SE interior features a ‘brushed metal’ look for the main instrument panel, which is complemented by a ‘black pearl’ finish for the centre console and door trims. Aero models are distinguished by a ‘mesh metal’ effect for the instrument panel and door trims, while featuring a ‘black pearl’ centre console finish.

To improve rearward vision when parking, a rear view camera is offered as an option. It is mounted above the rear number plate and an image is shown on the 8-inch colour screen in the main instrument panel.

A state-of-the-art Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) function is also available in combination with automatic transmission and a Head-Up Display (HUD). It offers more relaxing and less stressful driving, particularly in slow-moving, congested traffic conditions.

ACC uses a radar system mounted behind the front grille then automatically adjusts the selected speed to maintain a safe gap to the vehicle on the road ahead. Full distance control is provided from 112 mph (where legally permitted) down to a standstill.  Should the vehicle in front come to a complete stop, ACC is re-engaged by a short push on accelerator pedal.  A Following Distance Indicator (FDI) showsthe distance to the vehicle in front, and Forward Collision Alert (FCA) provides a warning in the main information display and the HUD if the vehicle ahead is too close.

MY12 Saab 9-5 Saloon Price List:

MY12 Saab 9-5 SportWagon Price List:

This is where we can begin to enjoy GM’s common parts sharing, as the 9-5′s rear setup is very much like the Opel/Vauxhall Vectras, so much so, the bushes are the same, and the special tool is available for very sensible money!
Having seen some of the eBay special cheap bushes, I would recommend going genuine, yes more expensive, but they will last a good time, rather than having to do this job every year!

So the tool, have a search for ‘vectra rose joint tool’ and you should yield plenty of results at around £40 ukp, heres the tool with a set of bushes.

The threaded bar and nuts should be considered disposable, they are available as a repair kit, I use a air impact gun to do the job, which seems to chew up the threads, usually get 2 whole cars done before requiring a repair kit.

So to do the job, you will need:

• 17mm Socket (wheel removal)
• 18mm Socket or spanner (link bolt/nut)
• 19mm deep socket/spanners (bush tool)
• Plenty of lube
• Plenty of elbow grease if your not using power tools

So, get the car jacked up and supportedsafely, remove the wheel, and remove the 18mm bolt holding the link are to the hub, don’t turn the nut, as they have a semi captive device holding them in place.
Now the offending bush will be revealed!

Heres the tool assembled either side of bush, apply liberal amounts of penetrating oil/lube, keep the threads well lubricated, you don’t want to strip threads halfway out!!

After a minute with a power gun, or a few minutes by hand, you should be at the stage the bush is pressed out all the way through.

So heres the new bush assembled in the tool ready to be pressed in, again more lube here, I tend to put a coat of coppaslip inside the hub where bush is going to ease things along!
It’s time to start winding again..

And heres the finished article!
Nice fresh bush installed, simply refit the link, 1 down 3 to go!
The bottom bush is a little more fiddly as shock mount is in the way, but with tool still very straight forward.

The SAAB aux kit, developed by those clever swedes with SAAB’s refusal to offer such a kit, have engineered something to work with the SAAB audio system, simple to fit, simply remove the stereo and security cage, clip the top plug away from the multiplug, fit the supplied adaptor plug, plug in and secure the small box of tricks, then fit the power plug supplied inline to the cigarette lighter/power socket in the centre console, run the lead to the suppllied 3.5mm jack mounted in a SAAB Blanking plug, reassemble and give it a try!
So how do you get your sounds out? Simple, hit CD twice, or flick through source til CD changer appears on SID (CD1) plug in your preffered MP3 playing device and hit play.
Your car will now be filled with crystal clear audio from your MP3 player!

I tried this out on a 10 hour trip to the West of Scotland, using a Sansa clip 16gb MP3 player, and I have to say the operation and audio quality was faultless, highly recommended kit, not the cheapest, but worth it!

You can purchase your SAAB aux-in kit here.

Also fits pre sport saloon variant 9-3 models.

Heres a picture of jack plug installed, this is with the optional larger switch blank, if like my car you have both heated and vented seats.

You can purchase your mount here: ELKParts

This is a problem for both car owners and SAAB themselves. It has also become a point to consider when buying a used 9-5 vehicle. If you’re browsing used car sites while at work or playing online games at sites like party poker, then you will want to need to know as much as possible about a vehicle’s history in order to avoid similar problems yourself. You will also need to make sure your car is regularly serviced, and carry out any maintenance work which can help to avoid the sludge problem.

SAAB finally admitted the problem and offered a 8 year engine warranty for cars serviced on time and mileage in the dealer network, they have also tried numerous PCV redesigns to eliminate the sludge issue.

If you have a 9-5 and are unsure of it’s history, you MUST have the sump dropped and check for sludge, and replace the PCV system, all straight forward stuff, and not silly price to do, considerably cheaper than a new engine!

ELKParts list a PCV kit to cover your needs, I highly recommend ordering the optional enhanced kit, that comes with the extra few PCV hoses that are bound to need replacing whilst you elbows deep in the engine bay.

The SAAB bulletin covering PCV replacement can be found here: PCV Fitting instructions

Order your PCV kit here: PCV Kit

If you have any doubts to the service history of your car, a sump drop and strainer clean is highly recommended, pdf download here.

I did my sump a few days ago, found that even though it’s a B235R they seem to have deleted the added strengthening part that needs drilling as mentioned in those instructions, just makes the job a little easier.
The results of the drop… mild issues, well worth piece of mind, looked like pipes were contaminating the oil, with soft deposits and pickup about 20% blocked, so every pcv part was replaced with ‘fix 6′ pcv parts, so hopefully good for a few years yet, this was on a 133k miles 2003 Aero.

• Progressive Scandinavian design inspired by Aero X concept and Saab heritage
• Engineered with driver in focus for segment leading sporty driving experience
• Excels in responsible performance for safety and environmental concern
• Most technically advanced Saab with an array of ‘high-tech’ features

The all new Saab 9-5 sedan signals the start of a new era for the Saab brand. Sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab, it combines stand-out looks with advanced technologies and brings a fresh alternative choice to the premium sedan segment.
The clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Scandinavian design and its dramatic wraparound window graphic echoes Saab’s aviation heritage. With frontal styling inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the new 9-5 heralds the introduction of a bold, more expressive design language.

The array of high-tech features on offer includes: an aircraft-like head-up information display (Pilot HUD); adaptive lighting (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; tri-zone air conditioning; dynamic parking assistance and Saab XWD with a rear eLSD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.

The all-turbo powertrain line-up starts at 1.6 liters and carries forward Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy, which focuses on responsible performance through the development of highly efficient and relatively small four cylinder turbo engines. There is a choice of three fuels – gasoline, diesel and E85 bioethanol – and with diesel power, the new 9-5 offers CO2 emissions as low as 139 g/km.

“This car is the start of a new era for our brand,” says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s CEO. “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. The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects, as will every future product from Saab.”

Scandinavian Design

Forward-looking design that doesn’t ignore where it’s coming from – that sums up the visual appeal of the all-new Saab 9-5 sedan. “We are giving a fresh, very modern expression to some of our classic brand design cues,” says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. “We have taken visual themes in our recent concept cars, such as the Aero X, which are inspired by Scandinavian design and our brand’s aircraft heritage.”

The face of the new 9-5 is defined by a deep grille flanked with curving, ice-block headlamp units. The entire glasshouse is presented as a ‘wraparound’ mono graphic, the disguised windshield and side pillars giving the cabin Saab’s signature cockpit look. Squint slightly, and the proportions of the windshield and roof become reminiscent of the classic 900 model.

Viewed from any angle, the all new 9-5 cuts a strong and powerful stance. The ‘organic sculpture’ of the low-slung body blends clean, uncluttered lines with natural, curvaceous shapes. Brand design cues are evident in the ‘hockey stick’ belt-line, the strong rear C-pillars and the fuselage-smooth surfacing of the bodywork. The large Saab logo embossed in the center of the grille characterizes the more assertive, self-confident design language.
The car’s dynamic character is emphasized by a falling roof-line that culminates in sweeping rear pillars which buttress a slightly recessed rear screen. Latent energy is conveyed by fenders that are subtly pulled out to melt into the wheels. Below that smooth, flat rear deck, a full-width, ice-block rear light bar wraps into signature lighting.

The new 9-5’s overall proportions stretch the traditional three-box sedan silhouette, while avoiding the fastback cliché of a four-door coupé look.

Driver-focused cabin

Inside the spacious cabin, simple forms define its architecture and echo the design purity of the exterior. Compared to its predecessor, legroom is increased both front and rear. The choice of materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the controls all reflect the new 9-5’s premium appeal.

The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, while its execution is all new. The deep center console sweeps up at a shallow angle around the driver into the main instrument display, which is topped by a neat ventilation zone. Deeply recessed main dials include a rolling ‘altimeter’ speed read-out, a reference to Saab’s aviation heritage from the Aero X concept. Driver displays, including the optional head-up display (Pilot HUD) in the windshield, are predominantly illuminated in signature Saab green and have a crisp, floating appearance. The car’s ignition, now a start/stop button, remains between the front seats, next to the gear shift.

Infotainment choices include a top-of-the-line harman/kardon surround sound audio system and an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system with hard disk storage for map data and 10 GB of jukebox-style music files. A large center console provides stowage and connections for several portable devices through USB and Aux ports alongside a 12V power outlet.

Rear passengers can access their own audio or watch a DVD. The rear seat entertainment unit in the back of the center console accommodates audio controls and fold-out viewing screens are installed in the front seat-backs. Wired and wireless headphones are provided for listening and viewing. The rear seat entertainment unit also includes twin air vents and an independent temperature/fan speed control for the rear cabin, in addition to the dual zone air conditioning up front.

On the road

An array of chassis technologies is focused on delivering a sporty, rewarding driving experience that belies the 9-5’s size.

Saab XWD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system, already available on the Saab 9-3, is offered with all engines except the 1.6-liter gasoline and 160 hp turbo diesel.

Available throughout the range is adaptive chassis control with driver settings selection through Saab DriveSense, Bi-Xenon Smart Beam adaptive lighting and intelligent cruise control. Three different suspension combinations are factory-fitted according to engine power and are also available with a sport chassis setting.

Saab has some 30 years experience in turbocharging engines and the all-turbo powertrain line-up in the new 9-5 further develops Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy. At launch, the four cylinder choice comprises a 160 hp, 2.0-liter turbo diesel with CO2 emissions of just 139 gm/km and a 2.0-liter gasoline turbo developing 220 hp. A top-of-the-line 2.8V6 turbo, generating 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque, is offered exclusively with Saab XWD.

Shortly after launch, a small, 1.6-liter gasoline turbo with 180 hp will be introduced, together with a 2.0-liter BioPower E85-capable engine. A powerful 190 hp, 2.0-liter two-stage turbo diesel, generating 400 Nm of torque, will complete the powertrain line-up.

All transmissions are six-speed.

New era

Defined and equipped by Saab as its top-of-the-line contender in the premium sedan segment, the new 9-5 is the most technically advanced car ever produced by the company. It is being built at Saab’s home plant in Trollhättan, where it has been engineered and chiefly developed.

Available in Linear, Vector or Aero specification, the all new 9-5 heralds the start of a new era for Saab. Scandinavian simplicity was never this advanced!