Midsize 5 Passenger 4 door Sedan and 5-Door SportCombi

Trim Levels

Base: 9-5 2.0T, 9.5H 2.3T BioPower
Mid-level: 9-5x 2.8T, 9-5xH 2.3T BioPower
Up-level: 9-5x Aero
Body Styles:
Sedan, SportCombi

Introduction


Without a doubt, the current 9-5 is overdue for a replacement. The update for 2006 was not enough to make the 9-5 a true contender again. Volvo's recently redesigned S80, while competent, fails to excite in the design department, or even provide a striking change on the exterior for the undiscerning eye. The technological advancement and interior refinement/design displayed by that car are admiral qualities however, and something that Saab should keep in mind. Technology and design. If Saab can get those two right, the 9-5 will be a hit. We've already got the refinement and quality down, but the two aforementioned areas need to be emphasized. The 9-3 and 9-5 are two of Saab's most important models, the profitable volume sellers, and they can't be taken lightly. The 9-5 should be embody everything Saab is, and what it stands for.

Most specifically, BMW is the company to beat in the midsize luxury segment. They've got perception on their side and they enjoy high profit per vehicle margins. This segment is probably the most important of all to the luxury manufacturers. It's combination of high volumes and high prices make for a powerful and profitable cocktail. BMW's commandeering of this segment is impressive. However, there is potential for success here. The 9-5 can bring exclusivity and difference to a seemingly "Me too" segment. Yes, BMW has the technological edge, but they have put off many consumers with their controversial styling and confusing iDrive controller. A combination of GM's best technologies will make for an advanced display of what GM can do in the midsize luxury segment, along with the upcoming Cadillac CTS. However, this has to be an all out attempt, and Saab needs to work on it until they get it. If they can do it, the profits and perception of success will be invaluable to GM in aiding the turnaround.

Based on an enlarged and enhanced Epsilon II platform, the 9-5 2.0T and 9-5H 2.3T BioPower are powered by 2 Ecotec engines. The uplevel 2.8T, by an 2.8L 300 HP HF Turbo V6. The Aero high performance model is powered by a 3.0L 350HP High Output Turbo (HOT) HF V6. All wheel drive is standard on the 2.8T and Aero models. AWD on the hybrid is also available, as the 9-5xH 2.3T BioPower. Starting out at $37,995*, the 9-5 brings a lot of innovative features to the table. Doing much in the way for innovation, not only for it's segment, but the 9-5 will mark the second introduction of a hybrid mated to a motor capable of running on any mixture of Ethanol fuel, as well as gas. It also marks the first introduction of GM's dual mode hybrid technology in a midsize luxury sedan. Truly a win win win situation, the 9-5H is a hybrid that makes sense. It gets excellent gas mileage due to the small Ecotec engine and Hybrid, therefore using less fuel. And the fuel that you would be using can be any mixture of Ethanol and Gas. How is that for solidifying Saab's technological prowess and in establishing a green image? These are the 2 key points in helping Saab become GM's leading conquest brand, with high profit margins and a sparkling image. The 9-5 brings style, coolness and environmental consciousness to the mid-luxury segment. Our proposed 9-5 arrives in late 2008, as a 2009 model. We've heard different reports on the arrival of the production 9-5, but we feel that the timing of our 9-5 is correct for the production model.
------------------------------------------------
Specifications Sheet

Vehicle Type: Midsize 5 Passenger 4 door Sedan and 5-Door SportCombi
Size Comparison: BMW 5 Series
Competitors: BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Acura RL, Audi A6, Volvo S80, Jaguar S-Type, Cadillac STS
Base Platform: Enhanced Epsilon II
Drive Wheels: FWD, AWD Option, AWD Aero
Engines:
9-5 2.0T: 2.0L 230HP Ecotec Turbo 4
9-5H (9-5xH) 2.0T BioPower: 2.0L 280HP (On E100) BioPower Ecotec Turbo 4 w/Dual Mode Hybrid System
9-5x 2.8T: 2.8L 300HP HF Turbo V6
9-5x Aero: 3.0L 350HP HOT V6 w/DI
For the European Market, a 2.0L 260HP Ecotec Turbo is in place of the 9-5 2.8T model
Transmissions: 6 Speed Manual, 6 Speed Sentronic, Aero: 7 Speed DSG