What Changed for 2009:

• New 17-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels on Aero models
• Revised power window switches in center console
• High-gloss metallic black interior finish on Aero model
• Three new exterior colors

Overview
Saab’s front-wheel-drive (FWD) 9-5 sedan and 9-5 SportCombi, whose last major redesign was in 2006, return in 2009 as mostly carryover in the highly-competitive midsize sport sedan segment. Saab 9-5 models continue their distinctive interior and exterior aircraft-inspired design, characterized by high-quality materials and luxury features. 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. For 2009, the lineup adds revised power window switches, new 17-inch wheels and high-gloss metallic black interior finish on Aero models, and three new exterior colors: Carbon Grey Metallic, Glass Grey Metallic, and Nocturne Blue Metallic.

Model Lineup
The 2009 Saab 9-5 family includes the well-equipped 2.3T Sport Sedan and SportCombi models, along with the more up-level and sportier Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi models. Sedan and SportCombi have unique appointments and equipment, but all feature these standard items: leather-appointed sport seats; leather-trimmed steering wheel; heated front and rear seats; 8-way power-adjustable front seats with 3-position driver’s-side memory; dual-zone automatic climate control with cabin filter; Saab information display with trip computer; cooled, illuminated and lockable glove compartment; power moonroof; power windows with express-down (front); power-operated, heated exterior mirrors; 6-disc in-dash CD changer; XM satellite radio (not available with the optional DVD navigation system); 8- or 9-speaker harman/kardon-tuned audio; central locking with remote; anti-theft alarm with immobilizer; and the OnStar safety and security system. The sedan features a rear-seat center armrest with pass-through. Aero models (9-5 Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi) add a lowered, sport-tuned chassis, 17-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels, and leather-appointed sport seats with 2-tone upholstery. New for 2009, the Aero models have a high-gloss metallic black interior finish.

Options on the 2009 Saab 9-5 lineup include a 5-speed manual transmission; aerodynamic headlamps with Xenon projector beams; premium natural leather or perforated leather-appointed sport seats (ventilated front); DVD-based navigation system with trunk-mounted 6-disc CD changer; and a visibility package that includes aerodynamic Xenon projector beam headlights, Saab parking assist, and power-folding and auto-dimming outside mirrors.

Powertrain
Power for the 2009 Saab 9-5 Sedan and SportCombi (all models) comes from a 2.3-liter, multi-port injection, dual-overhead cam (DOHC), inline 4-cylinder engine that generates 260 hp at 5300 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of torque at 1900-4000 rpm. A 5-speed automatic Sentronic transmission is standard, while a 5-speed manual transmission is optional. All models come with 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction and electronic 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 2009 9-5 is Saab’s 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, along with no-charge scheduled maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles.

Safety
As you might expect from a top-of-the-line Saab, the 2009 9-5 Sedan, SportCombi and Aero Sedan and Aero SportCombi models feature a full gamut of safety features. These include: dual adaptive frontal air bags; head/torso side air bags and active head restraints for the front seats; 3-point safety belts with front-seat pre-tensioners; pendulum B-pillar side-impact protection structure; “Triple Load Path” safety cage construction, front and rear; Lower Anchors and Top Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) for child safety seats; “follow-me-home” headlamp delay function; and daytime running lamps. Other safety features include standard ABS, traction and electronic stability control, tire-pressure-monitoring system, and a vehicle theft-deterrent system with engine immobilizer, as well as OnStar post-crash safety and security services.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2009 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 the agency’s rollover testing, the 9-5 receives a 4-star rating.

Technology
Standard on the 2009 Saab 9-5 is a 200-watt harman/kardon-tuned audio system with 8 or 9 speakers (including two subwoofers), and an MP3 player that plugs into an auxiliary input jack. Also, integrated steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, along with a 6-disc, in-dash CD changer and XM satellite radio (both not available with the optional DVD navigation system) are present in the 9-5’s cabin. A DVD-based navigation system with trunk-mounted 6-disc CD changer is optional, as is Saab rear Parking Assist program, aerodynamic headlamps with Xenon projector beams, and auto-dimming/power-folding outside mirrors (available as part of the Visibility package).