Saab has set the pricing for its new 9-5, which goes on sale today. Although the order bank opens on 24 March, the first deliveries of the new 9-5 aren’t due until ‘summer 2010’. A new 9-5 estate, the SportWagon, has been confirmed for launch in 2011.
The new 9-5 is pitched firmly into Audi A6 territory, with prices from £26,495 for a 2.0 TiD Vector SE model with 158bhp. For reference, the ageing A6 range starts at £26,275, the new BMW 5-series from £28,165 and a Mercedes E-class £27,570.
Saab justifies punchy pricing strategy – up from the starting price of £21,200 for a 2.0t of the current 12-year-old 9-5 on run-out – by pointing out the tech onboard the new 9-5: a head-up display, adaptive headlamps, Harman Kardon audio, DAB, radar cruise control, adaptive dampers and XWD 4wd are all available, depending on spec.
Talk me through the new Saab 9-5 range
The 9-5 range starts with a 1.6 and every engine is turbocharged. Emissions kick off at 139g/km. The full range is as follows:
• 2.0TiD 160PS Vector SE, £26,495
• 2.0TTiD 190PS Vector SE, £28,495
• 1.6T 180PS Vector SE, £26,695
• 2.0T 220PS Vector SE, £28,195
• 2.0TTiD 190PS Aero, £31,495
• 2.0T 220PS Aero, £31,195
• 2.8T 300PS Aero, £37,995
What you get for your money
There are two trims levels at launch: Vector SE and Aero. Base models are equipped with part leather seats, auto dimming mirrors, sockets for MP3 integration, Bluetooth phone, heated seats (very Swedish), keyless ignition, front and rear parking sensors, auto wipers, 17in alloys, electronic climate control and cruise.
Stepping up to Aero trim adds 19in alloys, Aero styling kit, twin tailpipes, bi-xenon headlamps and washers, electric front seats trimmed in leather and a sport chassis.
The new 9-5 started full production in Trollhattan this week, and was overseen by new Saab owner Victor Muller and CEO Jan Åke Jonsson (see picture).
Is the new Saab 9-5 any good?
We’ll know for sure whether or not Saab has a hit on its hands when we finally drive the new 9-5 this spring. Stay tuned to CAR Online for the first drive review.