Vehicle: 2011 Saab 9-5 Turbo 4 Premium
Price as tested: CDN$51300
Performance: In just a year ago, many would have thought this car will never seen the lights. Subject to this test drive is Saab’s all-new 9-5.
The new 9-5 is the first Saab that is completely a “Saab” more than “GM Saab” as it uses 70% of their own components while only 30% GM components.
As with a proper Saab, it has to be powered by a forced induction turbocharged engines. The base version is a 2.0 liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with 220hp and 258 lb/ft of torque. The uplevel Turbo 6 and Aero version comes in a form of 2.8 liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with 300hp and 295 lb/ft of torque. Both with variable valve timing. Given Saab’s expertise on turbocharged 4-cylinder, as it is the 1st car company that innovated this concept a few decades ago. The 220hp 2.0 liter turbocharged is a real deal except for those who are seeking V6 refinement and flexability. As one expects from a Saab turbo, the engine is smooth and willing. Its also completely lack of anything called turbo lag. Mesh the throttle, the 9-5 takes off like a rocket even if it has to carry 4156 lb of Swedish sensibilites. Both the mid and upper range are impressive as in typical Saab turbo fashion. The most astounishing fact is, given 9-5′s porky weight, it still has that low-end acceleration aura whenever you push the throttle. This is the 4-cylinder that has the power with a 6 but return with the fuel economy of a 4-cylinder. In this day and age, when every carmakers are going for small 4-cylinder turbocharged engines from as inexpensive as Chevrolet Cruze to VW Golf GTI hot hatch. Saab was the first company who think this powertrain makes the most senses when it comes to combining performance, fuel economy and efficiency. The 6-speed automatic mates perfectly with this 4-cylinder powertrain, as it combines smooth and coordinated shifting. Given 9-5′s status-in-life, its better to leave the gearbox in “Drive” which provides the best of highway cruising with all those proper ratio gears.
Handling: Although the relationship between GM and Saab are basically dead as we are speaking, the 9-5 was developed during GM era. That explains why it rides on the world-class Global Epsilon platform. The result is a luxury sedan that drive as good as many of the sports sedan out there. The steering provides decent feel and feedback, while returning the same kind of responsiveness and precision one associates with Saab’s sporty character. The Hi-Per stuct front suspension has done a marvelous job on controlling the wheel motions, on the other hand, it allows the rear to slip out a bit for oversteer when going off a corner to make it a bit of a rear-drive feel. The most surprisingly of all is the ride comfort. While the ride is European firm, as one expects from a Saab, its far from being harsh. The ride quality is comfortably compliant while absorbing all the roughness with ease. The understeer is well-controlled, so does 9-5′s ride motion. What is most impressive of all is 9-5′s highway cruising character. Its superb highway stability, mated with those Swedish seats and a well-sorted out suspension provide awesome highway ride all in one package. From a driver’s perspective, 4-cylinder makes more senses than V6 as the front isn’t as heavy. It makes the whole car more balanced to the drive. Even without the DriveSense, 9-5 drives more like a proper sports sedan than a luxury sedan. That has shown how good the suspension calibrations Saab engineers have done.
Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, 9-5′s braking performance is certainly live up to Saab’s promise. The result is there are no brake fades after a couple of harsh stops. The stopping distance is short while pedal always feels crisp and alive. ABS only steps in necessary is an added bonus.
Interior: In terms of luggage space, 9-5 has aplentry. I like the box hinges which won’t crash into anything else beneath. Then add the low liftover, nicely cut-off side sills and proper fold-down rear seats. 9-5 has the ability to haul all of 5 passengers’ weekend gateway with ease.
As for the rest of the interior, it lives up to what we expect from a Saab. And that is for the most parts.
The ones that live up to Saab’s expectations are those awesome seats, which are simply the best in the world when it comes to zooming comfort and support altogether. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog, while the automatic climate control and stereo are typical Swedish sensibilites without those stupid German knobs.
Unfortunately, the amount of rotten plastic is something we don’t expect from Saab. Especially in their flgaship 9-5 costing over 50 large grand. Back in the good ole’ days, Saab interiors are known for high-quality plastic materials with tasty leather aroma and velour door inserts to add warmth to the cabin. Their cost-cutting measure really have taken away that very aspect on why owing a Saab is so special. While the leather materials are generally of high-quality texture with suppleness, it no longer holds a candle to its rivals. The whole black dashboard looks duff in our tester. Because of all the cost saving, Saab decided to use green pointers which looked outdated a decade ago. They should stick with either red or white pointers with white background. When you consider the fact that a 20 grand Mazda3 has nicer interior quality than a 50 grand 9-5, this is not something acceptable. Its completely unforgivable given Saab’s usual high standards. Shame on you, Saab. 
However, there is a silver lining behind all those cheap and nasty plastic. Saab’s new owner, Spyker, has promised to bring 9-5′s interior back to the drawing back. They have promised to bring us a far improved interior which is able to justify its price tag. Whether they have enough resources to bring it back, time will tell.
Conclusion: There are two things that come out loud and clear about the new 9-5.
The first thing is new 9-5 is the best Saab ever. As it offers a nice combination of Swedish flair, hallmark turbocharged 4-cylinder performance and driving dynamics worthy of the Saab badge. Another thing is even if 9-5 already 2 generations behind its main rivals for being replaced, its overall merits are good enough to give them a run-for-its-money.
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2011 Saab 9-5 Turbo 4
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5
Overall rating: 4/5
