2009 Saab 9-5 spied and illustrated
April 29, 2009 by Alborz Fallah
These will most likely be the last spy photos we see of the Saab 9-5 in prototype form as it prepares for its first public appearance later this year.
The prototype captured here on the Nurburgring wears a substantial amount of camouflage although the production version is unlikely to waiver from typical Saab styling.
These images also reveal the much shallower rear roofline, giving the new 9-5 a more coupe-like silhouette – with the car taking many of its styling cues from the 9-4X BioPower concept.
The new 9-5 is likely to gain some extra weight, with a greater length and height than the current model as well as a longer wheelbase, making it a closer competitor to models such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac STS and Volvo S80.
The prototype in these images uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine making 160kW, while a 2.8-litre V6 will be available in the European market with the US getting an even bigger 3.6-litre V6.
A diesel model is also a given along with a hybrid model, with its first public unveiling scheduled for the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Print it: 
hurry up would you then
This car will hopefully start a recovery at Saab. The owners of the old 9-5 loved them, such a shame GM stuffed Saab around and make them hold onto the current 9-5 for 12 years! No wonder GM is where it is.
That illustrated example appears to be pretty inaccurate, it looks like a stretched Kia Cerato. I’m sure the production version will look a lot better when it is finally released in… 2019? It wouldn’t surprise me if GM took another 10 years to get the new 9-5 ready.
the bottom CGI pic looks like they have grafted a SAAB nose onto a Camry. Shame, they need something original and interesting not just a more expensive cardigan.
I do really sincerely hope for Saab’s sake they also take the opportunity to update the interior of the 9-5.
Good luck to them.
Echo’s of BMW rear lights and Hyundai front with a hint of Skoda and Konniseggggagagegaehegagh.
Can’t wait to see it.Bout time Saab did something with GM’s dosh.
That car is pure crap thrown back in the face to all genuine friends of the brand’s cause and vision.
It looks like it was penned by a Chinese knock off design studio executive with such ‘low brow’ ability and vision that it’s just not a laughing matter.
Whoever you are, I’m hopelessly disappointed and I think you need to lift up your game! Be it the result of working the figure of such bare medium, as a car clad in checkered and bulbous kitchen vinyl, or not…