All-new Saab 9-5 saloon takes on BMW

Saab has announced its all-new 9-5 saloon will take on the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class and will be the most advanced car Saab has ever sold.

This is reflected in its design, which is heavily influenced by the Saab Aero X concept car and the world of aviation.

It has strong lines and features a striking wraparound-style front windscreen, “ice-block” Bi-Xenon headlamps and a “hockey stick” shaped belt-line.

Inside, the fighter-jet theme continues with a head-up information display (HUD) projecting important data onto the windscreen ahead of the driver.

Saab 9-5 gallery:

If the expected acquisition of Saab by the Swedish Supercar maker Koenigsegg goes ahead it will be the first model sold under the new ownership.

The new 9-5 features technology heavily influenced by current owner Opel, and it shares its basic platform, engine and chassis with the Vauxhall Insignia.

The widest range of engines fitted to any Saab will include a 2-litre 220bhp and 2.8-litre 300bhp turbo petrol at launch as well as a 2-litre 160bhp turbo diesel emitting 139g/km of CO2.

These will be followed by a 1.6-litre petrol turbo with 180bhp and 2-litre BioPower petrol and bioethanol motor.

All models will be fitted with a six-speed gearbox and the 220bhp and 300bhp petrol models will benefit from Saab’s XWD four-wheel drive system.

Other high-tech features available will include an adaptive chassis; keyless entry; dual-zone climate control; parking sensors and adaptive cruise control.

Saab’s managing director says: “This car is the start of a new era for our brand.

“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.”

The Saab 9-5 will be unveiled at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show