22-01-2017:
Report of satnav of 30k mile 2010 SAAB 9-5 reverting to Belgium and setting its clock to Belgian time. Can be corrected, but next time car is started reverts to Belgium again. Has the latest mapping update. Might be a problem shared with Vauxhalls/Opels.
08-06-2019:
Report of satnav failure on SAAB 9-5. Owner found independent SAABTEC in Glossop who ahve the software to fix it and did so, updating the unit at no charge. Website: https://saabtec.co.uk/ Tel: 01457 867878
September 2009
The all-new SAAB 9-5 was announced at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show and high-tech features include an aircraft-inspired head-up information display, adaptive headlights, adaptive cruise control, Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control, keyless entry and starting and Saab XWD with eLSD.
There's an all-turbo powertrain line-up with a choice of three fuels - petrol, diesel and E85 bioethanol. With diesel power, the new 9-5 offers CO2 emissions as low as 139g/km.
Inside, compared to its predecessor, legroom and shoulder width are increased both front and rear while the driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab. A deep centre console sweeps up at a shallow angle around the driver into the main instrument display, which is topped by a ventilation zone. There are deeply recessed main dials include a rolling altimeter speed read-out, a reference to Saabs aviation heritage from the Aero X concept.
The driver displays, including the optional head-up display (HUD) in the windscreen, are illuminated in signature Saab green and have a crisp, floating appearance. The cars 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 5.1 channel surround sound audio system and an 8-inch colour touch screen navigation system with hard disk storage for map data and 10GB for MP3 music files. A large centre console provides storage and connections for several portable devices through USB and 3.5mm AUX ports alongside a 12V power outlet.
Rear passengers can access their own audio or watch a DVD. An pptional rear seat entertainment unit in the back of the centre console accommodates audio controls and folding viewing screens are installed in the backs of the front seats. Wireless headphones are provided for listening and viewing.
At launch, the four-cylinder diesel comprises a 160bhp, 2.0-litre turbo engine with CO2 emissions of just 139g/km and the 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine develops 220bhp. A top-of-the-line 2.8 V6 turbo, generating 300bhp and 400Nm of torque, is offered exclusively with Saab XWD. Shortly after launch, a 1.6-litre petrol turbo with 180bhp will be introduced, together with a 2.0-litre BioPower E85 engine. All transmissions will be six-speed.
March 2010
The full new 9-5 model range pricing in the UK is as follows:
Trim |
Fuel |
Engine |
On-the-Road |
Vector SE |
Diesel |
2.0TiD 160PS |
£26,495 |
2.0TTiD 190PS MY11* |
£28,495 |
Petrol |
1.6T 180PS MY11 |
£26,695 |
2.0T 220PS |
£28,195 |
Aero |
Diesel |
2.0TTiD 190PS MY11 |
£31,495 |
Petrol |
2.0T 220PS |
£31,195 |
2.8T 300PS |
£37,995 |
September 2010
Just two months after its launch, Saab added new engines to the range. The new, more powerful, twin turbo diesel engine generates torque of 400Nm from just 1750rpm, in addition to maximum power of 190bhp. The result is 0-62mph in under nine seconds. Projected combined cycle fuel consumption of 47.1 mpg and CO2 emissions of 159 g/km are good too, keeping the 2.0TTiD below the 160g/km write down threshold for company car buyers.
The sequential, twin turbocharging system uses two turbochargers of different sizes with by-pass valves that direct the exhaust gas stream between the two turbines. At low engine speeds, the small turbocharger supplies boost pressure independent of engine load. At intermediate engine speeds under higher loads, both the small and large turbochargers provide boost pressure; while at high engine speeds and load, only the large turbocharger is engaged.
This arrangement provides the driver with the ‘best of both worlds': good, instant torque at low engine speeds - via the low-inertia small turbo - and strong, top-end power at higher engine speeds when the large turbo is engaged.
The 2.0TTiD engine is available in Vector SE and Aero specification and can be specified with cross wheel drive (XWD), combining diesel power for the first time with Saab's advanced all-wheel-drive system. All variants are equipped as standard with Saab's sophisticated linked H-arm rear suspension system. This system uses double isolated sub-frame mountings for greater ride comfort, and also reduces vibration entering the cabin and further improves roadholding.
The 1.6T engine with 180bhp has torque of 230Nm from 2200 rpm to 5500 rpm (including an ‘overboost' function), which enables 0-62mph acceleration in 9.5 seconds. Combined cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 36.2 mpg and 179 g/km respectively. The 1.6T is available in Vector SE specification with front wheel drive and manual transmission.
December 2010
Saab GB announced a number of specification upgrades for the new 9-5 Vector SE models with immediate effect. All MY11 Saab 9-5 Vector SE models are now fitted with leather trimmed seats as standard, replacing the previous leather and textile interior trim. In addition, the 17 inch Blade alloy wheels are replaced with 18 inch Carve alloy wheels, improving the aesthetic appeal of the car. Prices remain unchanged.
Saab GB has also made an important change to the chassis configuration for all 2.0-litre TiD 160PS models equipped with manual transmission. The previous sport chassis fitted as standard has now been replaced with a revised comfort chassis specification. This chassis change in combination with the change to 18" alloy wheels improves the overall dynamic behaviour of the vehicle.
Jonathan Nash, Saab GB Managing Director, said: "These improvements are the result of feedback from the UK automotive media. The improved driving characteristics address issues related to ride comfort on UK roads. The fact that the engineering team have managed to make the changes without affecting the impressive CO 2 emissions of just 139g/km for the manual 2.0-litre TiD 160PS car show that the small independent Saab engineering team can respond very quickly to market requirements. Coming so soon after the launch of the MY11 9-3 1.9-litre TTiD engine range (all manual saloons emit just 119g/km) shows that Saab are rapidly developing a leadership position in the field of high performance vehicles with low CO 2 emissions."
June 2011
Improvement for 2012
- Versatile: New 9-5 SportWagon broadens customer appeal
- Efficient: All 9-5 engines offer reduced CO 2 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 Saab 9-5 range is substantially extended and improved for Model Year 2012 by the introduction of the recently announced SportWagon and a series of enhancements, including further reducedemissions for all engines.
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 reducedemissions and improved fuel consumption. Refinements include a host of fine-tuning measures and the introduction of Start/Stop functionality. 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 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.
A series of fine-tuning measures have improved the efficiency of all 9-5 engines, delivering an average CO2reduction 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 projectedemissions 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.
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.
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.