Saab 9-5 2.0T Vector (A) Review
30 Mar 2011|19,505 views
It's been a long 13 years since we last heard or saw the Saab 9-5. I could imagine the car to be a desirable piece of machine then, thanks to the Swedish automobile's forte for manufacturing jets. But as the years went by, Saab went through a series of unfortunate events, causing the manufacturer to fight a losing battle with its German rivals.
This left the first generation 9-5 to go against all odds for over a decade before its successor made its debut in 2009. However, it was only in 2010 when the new 9-5 went into production in Sweden after General Motors (GM) sold the Swedish brand to Dutch car manufacturer Spyker.
Thus, Saab was forced into one predicament - the 9-5 had to succeed in order to gain back the respect it truly deserves. But if all fails, the carmaker will have a hard time getting itself out of the ring of fire to create new models for its stable.
We're not too worried about that though. It appears that the current 9-5 has been severely tweaked to appease Saab's customer base and to meet the demanding requirements of the public. And based on what we saw before, the executive car seemed comfortable enough while loaded with some very cool visual gadgets - something that shows with the car's impressive style and presence.
We reckon that warrants a test drive.
Exterior
The car is huge on first glance, with an extensive length of over five metres. Dimensionally, it's even bigger than the Audi A6 and BMW 5-series. On the frontal view, it holds a very handsome face, with blue-tinted headlamps and a huge grille to complete the striking look.
Apparently, this will be the influential face of future exciting models to come which could be no bad thing for Saab given that this newcomer is the most striking Saab in years.
The rear is simply magical. Its uncomplicated styling does not give the 9-5 a helluva boring taste but instead, it appears magnificently chic and is sure to invite long stares. The rear light strip runs the length of the boot lid and joins both the tail lamps to form up as one. The idea is pure poetry and concept-like, coming from someone raging with designer flair.
We reckon the car's bold, new looks makes a cut in the motoring world. The low, sleek silhouette with sloping roofline gives it an undeniable sporty presence and it certainly contributes to a new-age look. More importantly, the carmaker known for its "Born from Jets" slogan has made effective tweaks to the car while retaining the sleek and aircraft-inspired looks.
This left the first generation 9-5 to go against all odds for over a decade before its successor made its debut in 2009. However, it was only in 2010 when the new 9-5 went into production in Sweden after General Motors (GM) sold the Swedish brand to Dutch car manufacturer Spyker.
Thus, Saab was forced into one predicament - the 9-5 had to succeed in order to gain back the respect it truly deserves. But if all fails, the carmaker will have a hard time getting itself out of the ring of fire to create new models for its stable.
We're not too worried about that though. It appears that the current 9-5 has been severely tweaked to appease Saab's customer base and to meet the demanding requirements of the public. And based on what we saw before, the executive car seemed comfortable enough while loaded with some very cool visual gadgets - something that shows with the car's impressive style and presence.
We reckon that warrants a test drive.
Exterior
The car is huge on first glance, with an extensive length of over five metres. Dimensionally, it's even bigger than the Audi A6 and BMW 5-series. On the frontal view, it holds a very handsome face, with blue-tinted headlamps and a huge grille to complete the striking look.
Apparently, this will be the influential face of future exciting models to come which could be no bad thing for Saab given that this newcomer is the most striking Saab in years.
The rear is simply magical. Its uncomplicated styling does not give the 9-5 a helluva boring taste but instead, it appears magnificently chic and is sure to invite long stares. The rear light strip runs the length of the boot lid and joins both the tail lamps to form up as one. The idea is pure poetry and concept-like, coming from someone raging with designer flair.
We reckon the car's bold, new looks makes a cut in the motoring world. The low, sleek silhouette with sloping roofline gives it an undeniable sporty presence and it certainly contributes to a new-age look. More importantly, the carmaker known for its "Born from Jets" slogan has made effective tweaks to the car while retaining the sleek and aircraft-inspired looks.
 |
Interior
On the inside, drivers are bound to be blown away. The interior is truly iconic, with the 9-5's cabin appearing more of a cockpit than a car. As shown in the photo gallery below, the digital speedometer is now in the form of an altimeter, just like what you would expect to see in a fighter jet. Materials used, however, can be improved for a car in this segment, especially if you compare it with its German rivals. We reckon the 9-5 could do without the black plastics.
However, the trademark green dials do their part in neutralising the sea of black boredom, and performs even better when driving at night with Saab's signature green needles reminding the driver that it's not just any car he's driving, it's a Saab. And should the green lights get a tad glaring for the driver, the 'Night Panel' function blacks out the instrument panel, except for the speedometer, to minimise distractions while on our busy roads.
One of the other features that symbolises Saab's aircraft heritage is the head-up information display (Pilot HUD). It projects essential information, such as the speed, on the windscreen so that there isn't a need for the driver to take his eyes off the road. It does work well because even during the day, the Pilot HUD is green and clear.
Apart from that, instrumentation and controls are clear and concise and Saab-typical, with the Start/Stop button situated behind the gear lever on the centre console where Saab's traditional ignition-switch used to be.
But the icing on the cake is the ample space that the Saab 9-5 offers, especially those who are confined to the rear seats. It makes the 5-Series look cramp. Saab may not be able to compete with the Germans in terms of the quality of the materials used for its interior, but for space and comfort, Saab will straighten even the shimmy and a shake.
 |
The Drive
On the go, the 2.0-litre powerplant takes the 1.7 tonne executive car from naught to hundred in a respectable 8.5 seconds. It does feel faster than what it seems in the real driving world.
Mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, the low end is sufficient to keep the 9-5 ahead around town with minimal effort from the driver, while the turbocharged higher range makes overtaking similarly effortless on the highways.
The test car also has three standard selectable modes: comfort, intelligent and sport. In the comfort setting, steering is lighter with a less aggressive attitude towards throttle and up shifts whereas in the intelligent mode, the car has a mind of its own. It stiffens up around bends and lightens up once again on open, straight roads. Sport mode, on the other hand, delivers a firm ride but still comfortable. And it does have better body control in the corners with positive feedback from the steering. It almost stays true to the size of the car.
However, drivers will experience wind noise regardless of the driving modes, which places the Saab 9-5 slightly below its peers. Nonetheless, it's a competent package that works well while keeping up with its impressive performance as a large car.
On the go, the 2.0-litre powerplant takes the 1.7 tonne executive car from naught to hundred in a respectable 8.5 seconds. It does feel faster than what it seems in the real driving world.
Mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, the low end is sufficient to keep the 9-5 ahead around town with minimal effort from the driver, while the turbocharged higher range makes overtaking similarly effortless on the highways.
The test car also has three standard selectable modes: comfort, intelligent and sport. In the comfort setting, steering is lighter with a less aggressive attitude towards throttle and up shifts whereas in the intelligent mode, the car has a mind of its own. It stiffens up around bends and lightens up once again on open, straight roads. Sport mode, on the other hand, delivers a firm ride but still comfortable. And it does have better body control in the corners with positive feedback from the steering. It almost stays true to the size of the car.
However, drivers will experience wind noise regardless of the driving modes, which places the Saab 9-5 slightly below its peers. Nonetheless, it's a competent package that works well while keeping up with its impressive performance as a large car.
Conclusion
Coming from the Latin word of rebirth, we reckon 'renovatio' best describes the Swede. After all, the major updates of the car don't require a mere paragraph but a full story. It has come a long way, indeed, to prove to the world that Saab has what it takes to keep its head above the shady waters.
Not only does it offer generous room for its occupants, the Saab 9-5 is a luxury sedan that will carry its good looks for many years to come. And in the context of the motoring world, we reckon the car is easy on the eyes on the outside and ergonomically practical on the inside.
But it does lack the quality interior Singaporean buyers of this car segment have come to expect these days a tad. You could have a choice of the 5-Series or even the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if you prioritise quality over space.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Coming from the Latin word of rebirth, we reckon 'renovatio' best describes the Swede. After all, the major updates of the car don't require a mere paragraph but a full story. It has come a long way, indeed, to prove to the world that Saab has what it takes to keep its head above the shady waters.
Not only does it offer generous room for its occupants, the Saab 9-5 is a luxury sedan that will carry its good looks for many years to come. And in the context of the motoring world, we reckon the car is easy on the eyes on the outside and ergonomically practical on the inside.
But it does lack the quality interior Singaporean buyers of this car segment have come to expect these days a tad. You could have a choice of the 5-Series or even the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if you prioritise quality over space.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
It's been a long 13 years since we last heard or saw the Saab 9-5. I could imagine the car to be a desirable piece of machine then, thanks to the Swedish automobile's forte for manufacturing jets. But as the years went by, Saab went through a series of unfortunate events, causing the manufacturer to fight a losing battle with its German rivals.
This left the first generation 9-5 to go against all odds for over a decade before its successor made its debut in 2009. However, it was only in 2010 when the new 9-5 went into production in Sweden after General Motors (GM) sold the Swedish brand to Dutch car manufacturer Spyker.
Thus, Saab was forced into one predicament - the 9-5 had to succeed in order to gain back the respect it truly deserves. But if all fails, the carmaker will have a hard time getting itself out of the ring of fire to create new models for its stable.
We're not too worried about that though. It appears that the current 9-5 has been severely tweaked to appease Saab's customer base and to meet the demanding requirements of the public. And based on what we saw before, the executive car seemed comfortable enough while loaded with some very cool visual gadgets - something that shows with the car's impressive style and presence.
We reckon that warrants a test drive.
Exterior
The car is huge on first glance, with an extensive length of over five metres. Dimensionally, it's even bigger than the Audi A6 and BMW 5-series. On the frontal view, it holds a very handsome face, with blue-tinted headlamps and a huge grille to complete the striking look.
Apparently, this will be the influential face of future exciting models to come which could be no bad thing for Saab given that this newcomer is the most striking Saab in years.
The rear is simply magical. Its uncomplicated styling does not give the 9-5 a helluva boring taste but instead, it appears magnificently chic and is sure to invite long stares. The rear light strip runs the length of the boot lid and joins both the tail lamps to form up as one. The idea is pure poetry and concept-like, coming from someone raging with designer flair.
We reckon the car's bold, new looks makes a cut in the motoring world. The low, sleek silhouette with sloping roofline gives it an undeniable sporty presence and it certainly contributes to a new-age look. More importantly, the carmaker known for its "Born from Jets" slogan has made effective tweaks to the car while retaining the sleek and aircraft-inspired looks.
This left the first generation 9-5 to go against all odds for over a decade before its successor made its debut in 2009. However, it was only in 2010 when the new 9-5 went into production in Sweden after General Motors (GM) sold the Swedish brand to Dutch car manufacturer Spyker.
Thus, Saab was forced into one predicament - the 9-5 had to succeed in order to gain back the respect it truly deserves. But if all fails, the carmaker will have a hard time getting itself out of the ring of fire to create new models for its stable.
We're not too worried about that though. It appears that the current 9-5 has been severely tweaked to appease Saab's customer base and to meet the demanding requirements of the public. And based on what we saw before, the executive car seemed comfortable enough while loaded with some very cool visual gadgets - something that shows with the car's impressive style and presence.
We reckon that warrants a test drive.
Exterior
The car is huge on first glance, with an extensive length of over five metres. Dimensionally, it's even bigger than the Audi A6 and BMW 5-series. On the frontal view, it holds a very handsome face, with blue-tinted headlamps and a huge grille to complete the striking look.
Apparently, this will be the influential face of future exciting models to come which could be no bad thing for Saab given that this newcomer is the most striking Saab in years.
The rear is simply magical. Its uncomplicated styling does not give the 9-5 a helluva boring taste but instead, it appears magnificently chic and is sure to invite long stares. The rear light strip runs the length of the boot lid and joins both the tail lamps to form up as one. The idea is pure poetry and concept-like, coming from someone raging with designer flair.
We reckon the car's bold, new looks makes a cut in the motoring world. The low, sleek silhouette with sloping roofline gives it an undeniable sporty presence and it certainly contributes to a new-age look. More importantly, the carmaker known for its "Born from Jets" slogan has made effective tweaks to the car while retaining the sleek and aircraft-inspired looks.
|
Interior
On the inside, drivers are bound to be blown away. The interior is truly iconic, with the 9-5's cabin appearing more of a cockpit than a car. As shown in the photo gallery below, the digital speedometer is now in the form of an altimeter, just like what you would expect to see in a fighter jet. Materials used, however, can be improved for a car in this segment, especially if you compare it with its German rivals. We reckon the 9-5 could do without the black plastics.
However, the trademark green dials do their part in neutralising the sea of black boredom, and performs even better when driving at night with Saab's signature green needles reminding the driver that it's not just any car he's driving, it's a Saab. And should the green lights get a tad glaring for the driver, the 'Night Panel' function blacks out the instrument panel, except for the speedometer, to minimise distractions while on our busy roads.
One of the other features that symbolises Saab's aircraft heritage is the head-up information display (Pilot HUD). It projects essential information, such as the speed, on the windscreen so that there isn't a need for the driver to take his eyes off the road. It does work well because even during the day, the Pilot HUD is green and clear.
Apart from that, instrumentation and controls are clear and concise and Saab-typical, with the Start/Stop button situated behind the gear lever on the centre console where Saab's traditional ignition-switch used to be.
But the icing on the cake is the ample space that the Saab 9-5 offers, especially those who are confined to the rear seats. It makes the 5-Series look cramp. Saab may not be able to compete with the Germans in terms of the quality of the materials used for its interior, but for space and comfort, Saab will straighten even the shimmy and a shake.
|
The Drive
On the go, the 2.0-litre powerplant takes the 1.7 tonne executive car from naught to hundred in a respectable 8.5 seconds. It does feel faster than what it seems in the real driving world.
Mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, the low end is sufficient to keep the 9-5 ahead around town with minimal effort from the driver, while the turbocharged higher range makes overtaking similarly effortless on the highways.
The test car also has three standard selectable modes: comfort, intelligent and sport. In the comfort setting, steering is lighter with a less aggressive attitude towards throttle and up shifts whereas in the intelligent mode, the car has a mind of its own. It stiffens up around bends and lightens up once again on open, straight roads. Sport mode, on the other hand, delivers a firm ride but still comfortable. And it does have better body control in the corners with positive feedback from the steering. It almost stays true to the size of the car.
However, drivers will experience wind noise regardless of the driving modes, which places the Saab 9-5 slightly below its peers. Nonetheless, it's a competent package that works well while keeping up with its impressive performance as a large car.
On the go, the 2.0-litre powerplant takes the 1.7 tonne executive car from naught to hundred in a respectable 8.5 seconds. It does feel faster than what it seems in the real driving world.
Mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, the low end is sufficient to keep the 9-5 ahead around town with minimal effort from the driver, while the turbocharged higher range makes overtaking similarly effortless on the highways.
The test car also has three standard selectable modes: comfort, intelligent and sport. In the comfort setting, steering is lighter with a less aggressive attitude towards throttle and up shifts whereas in the intelligent mode, the car has a mind of its own. It stiffens up around bends and lightens up once again on open, straight roads. Sport mode, on the other hand, delivers a firm ride but still comfortable. And it does have better body control in the corners with positive feedback from the steering. It almost stays true to the size of the car.
However, drivers will experience wind noise regardless of the driving modes, which places the Saab 9-5 slightly below its peers. Nonetheless, it's a competent package that works well while keeping up with its impressive performance as a large car.
Conclusion
Coming from the Latin word of rebirth, we reckon 'renovatio' best describes the Swede. After all, the major updates of the car don't require a mere paragraph but a full story. It has come a long way, indeed, to prove to the world that Saab has what it takes to keep its head above the shady waters.
Not only does it offer generous room for its occupants, the Saab 9-5 is a luxury sedan that will carry its good looks for many years to come. And in the context of the motoring world, we reckon the car is easy on the eyes on the outside and ergonomically practical on the inside.
But it does lack the quality interior Singaporean buyers of this car segment have come to expect these days a tad. You could have a choice of the 5-Series or even the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if you prioritise quality over space.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Coming from the Latin word of rebirth, we reckon 'renovatio' best describes the Swede. After all, the major updates of the car don't require a mere paragraph but a full story. It has come a long way, indeed, to prove to the world that Saab has what it takes to keep its head above the shady waters.
Not only does it offer generous room for its occupants, the Saab 9-5 is a luxury sedan that will carry its good looks for many years to come. And in the context of the motoring world, we reckon the car is easy on the eyes on the outside and ergonomically practical on the inside.
But it does lack the quality interior Singaporean buyers of this car segment have come to expect these days a tad. You could have a choice of the 5-Series or even the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if you prioritise quality over space.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho
Car Information
Saab 9-5 2.0T Vector (A)
CAT B|Petrol|10.6km/L
Horsepower
164kW (220 bhp)
Torque
350 Nm
Acceleration
8.5sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Saab 9-5
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