2008 Saab 9-5 Wagon

What Changed for 2008:

• 9-5 2.3T and 9-5 SportCombi 2.3T both available as Aero models


• Anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control standard


• Standard XM satellite radio


• OnStar now standard


• New standard tire-pressure-monitoring system and rain-sensing wipers


• Standard leather sports seats and moonroof


• Optional 5-speed manual transmission


• Optional dynamic suspension system


• Optional DVD-based navigation system


• New 5-spoke alloy wheels standard on Aero models

Overview
Saab’s front-wheel-drive (FWD) 9-5 sedan and 9-5 SportCombi return in 2008 as carryover models from 2007. Powered by a 260-hp, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and choice of standard 5-speed automatic or optional 5-speed manual transmission, the sedan and SportCombi are also available in Aero models, with retuned suspension, tighter springs, higher damping rates and larger anti-roll bar. With no major design changes since 2006, the 2008 9-5 adds as new standard equipment OnStar, a tire-pressure-monitoring system, rain-sensing wipers, and 5-spoke alloy wheels on Aero models.

Model Lineup
The 2008 Saab 9-5 is available in 9-5 Sedan and 9-5 SportCombi (both in 2.3T or Aero models). Standard equipment on the 2.3T sedan and 9-5 SportCombi 2.3T includes leather sport seats; cooled glove box; power moonroof; 6-disc in-dash CD changer; dual-zone automatic climate control; 200-watt audio system; XM satellite radio (three months free); and OnStar (one year free). Aero sedan and SportCombi add 2-tone leather seats; lowered sport suspension; and 17-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels. The Aero sedan has metallic interior trim.

Options on the 2008 Saab 9-5 lineup include aerodynamic Xenon projector beam headlights; premium leather seats; perforated leather-appointed sport seats with ventilated front seats; DVD-based navigation system; and a visibility package that includes aerodynamic Xenon projector beam headlights, rear parking assist, and auto-dimming, power-folding outside mirrors.

Powertrain
The 2008 Saab 9-5 Sedan and SportCombi are powered by a 2.3-liter, multi-port fuel-injected (MFI), dual overhead cam (DOHC) 4-cylinder engine that generates 260 hp at 5300 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of torque at 1900-4000 rpm. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard, while a 5-speed manual is optional. All models come with 4-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, and tire-pressure-monitoring system. EPA fuel economy is estimated at 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway (manual transmission) and 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway (automatic transmission). Standard on every 2008 9-5 is Saab’s 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Safety
The 2008 Saab 9-5 features a full complement of safety features, including adaptive dual-front driver and passenger air bags; head/torso side air bags for front-seat occupants; front-seat active head restraints; 3-point safety belts for all seating positions with front-seat pre-tensioners and load limiters; Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) for child safety seats; rear door child safety locks; and load-shift protection in rear seatbacks. Other safety features include standard ABS, traction and stability control, tire-pressure-monitoring system, daytime running lights and theft-deterrent system with engine immobilizer.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Saab 9-5 sedan and SportCombi receive a 5-star rating for frontal crash protection, and 5-star front/4-star rear ratings in side-impact tests. In NHTSA rollover testing, the 9-5 receives a 4-star rating.

Technology
An AM/FM harman/kardon-tuned audio system with 200-watt power and 8 speakers is standard on the 2008 Saab 9-5, along with an MP3-compatible auxiliary input jack; XM satellite radio (three months free); 6-disc in-dash CD changer; and integrated steering-wheel audio controls. A DVD-based navigation system with trunk-mounted 6-disc CD changer is optional. The 9-5 also comes standard with one year of OnStar Safe & Sound plan, including all of the service’s features: emergency notification, accident assist, stolen-vehicle notification, air bag deployment, and roadside assistance.