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General Motors’ Saab division has finally given up the goods on its most-anticipated new car reveal in a long time, the 2011 9-5 sedan. The 2011 Saab 9-5 sedan will make its first public appearance at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
Although the face of the 2011 Saab 9-5 is familiar, the overall body shape is new for the big sedan. The 2011 model’s roof flows much smoother into the rear, making it look almost coupe-like. Styling cues from 9-4X BioPower concept are clearly present.
The dark interior has some cues from the 9-3 but appears to be a mostly all-original design. As far as we can tell, the 9-5 does share the GM corporate steering wheel also seen in the Buick LaCrosse and Opel Insignia, as well as the Buick’s rear-seat monitors. The radio controls are GM-derivative, but the gauges and overall design theme are clearly Saab unique. We’d expect to see wood trim in addition to the sport-style trim shown.
The 9-5 will gain some extra weight, height and length over the current model. The wheelbase is also being increased by 14 cm to make the car a large one indeed. It should fit in nicely within its competition cluster which consists of cars like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac CTS and Volvo S80.
It will be sold with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions and — true to Saab tradition — only turbocharged powerplants. At launch, the 9-5 will be available with a 2.0L turbo diesel — producing 160 horsepower — a 220 horsepower 2.0L turbo gas motor and a range-topping 300 horsepower 2.8L turbocharged V6. Models fitted with the 2.8L will also come equpped with Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system.
Later on, a 180 horsepower 1.6L gas engine and a 2.0L E85 capable unit will be added to the 9-5 mix.
The public unveiling of the next Saab 9-5 will happen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.