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Second generation YS3G
Overview
Production	2009–2011
Model years	2010-2012
Designer	Simon Padian Anders Gustafsson
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	GM Epsilon II platform
Related	Chevrolet Impala Buick LaCrosse Cadillac XTS Chevrolet Malibu Opel Insignia/Buick Regal
Powertrain
Engine	1.6L turbocharged I4 2.0L turbocharged I4 2.8L turbocharged V6 2.0L turbodiesel I4
Transmission	6-speed automatic 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,837 mm (111.7 in)
Length	5,008 mm (197.2 in)
Width	1,868 mm (73.5 in)
Height	1,466 mm (57.7 in)

Sedan

SportCombi

A next generation 9-5 built on the Global Epsilon platform was presented at the Frankfurt International Auto Show in September 2009.

The vehicle had its North American debut in October 2009 at the South Florida Auto Show in Miami. On November 24, 2009, the first pre-series Saab 9-5 of the new generation rolled off the Trollhättan production line.

With the announcement of the sale of Saab to Spyker on January 26, 2010, it was confirmed that the new generation Saab 9-5 was already taken into production at the Saab plant in Trollhättan. Full production began in April 2010, with the cars appearing in dealerships on June 19. Saab introduced a wagon variant of the new 9-5, dubbed "SportCombi," at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The Saab 9-5 Sedan 2.8V6 Turbo was named Car of the Year in Singapore by "Wheels Asia".

As Saab's business issues came to a head, production of 2011 9-5 models essentially ended in March 2011, when the production line in Trollhättan was stopped due to supply chain issues that were related to the company's lack of liquidity. Total production numbers of the Gen II Saab 9-5 ended at 11,280 units.

Although some prototype pilots and a number of production SportCombis were produced, the official variant did not enter serial production prior to Saab's bankruptcy in December 2011, and the vehicles never reached dealerships.

Trim levels

Trim/equipment levels vary from country to country.

In the US Saab 9-5 trim levels were: Turbo4, Turbo4 Premium, Turbo6 XWD, and Aero. Turbo4 models come with a turbocharged four-cylinder and features that included power adjustable driver and passenger’s seats, leather upholstery, five-spoke alloy wheels, fog lamps, and rain-sensing wipers. The Turbo4 Premium added a panoramic sunroof, headlamp washers, Saab parking assistance, keyless entry and start, memory seats, and 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Turbo6 XWD was powered by a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and features an all-wheel-drive system. The top trim Aero featured 15-spoke “Rotor” 18-inch alloy wheels, leather-trimmed sports seats, a multi-color central information display, Bi-Xenon SmartBeam headlamps, dark titanium-effect interior trim, aluminum sports pedals, a sports-tuned suspension system with real-time damping, and Aero exterior elements.

UK equipment levels for the 2012 model year included the Vector SE and Aero and both sedan and estate. The previous base models, Linear and Vector were replaced by the Vector SE model.

In Australia the base trim (Linear) was not part of the line up, only the Vector and Aero trims were available.

Engines

In North America, the engine choices were either a turbocharged V6 or an Ecotec I4. Other countries also had an optional turbodiesel I4 engine. Engine performance upgrades that were available from Hirsch Performance (Saab's only factory approved tuner) increased the power of the V6 engine to 330 bhp (246 kW; 335 PS) from 296 bhp (221 kW; 300 PS) and the I4 engine to 260 bhp (194 kW; 264 PS) from 220 bhp (164 kW; 223 PS).

Transmissions and layout

Petrol engine				Layout
Model	Years	Standard	Optional	front-wheel drive	four-wheel drive
1.6T	2011–2012	6-speed manual	-	Y	N
2.0T	2010–2012	6-speed manual	6-speed automatic	Y	Y
2.8T	2010–2012	6-speed automatic	-	N	Y
BioPower engine				Layout
Model	Years	Standard	Optional	front-wheel drive	four-wheel drive
2.0T	2010–2012	6-speed manual	6-speed automatic	Y	Y
Diesel engine				Layout
Model	Years	Standard	Optional	front-wheel drive	four-wheel drive
2.0TiD	2010–2012	6-speed manual	6-speed automatic	Y	N
2.0TTiD	2010–2012	6-speed manual	-	Y	Y

Safety

Euro NCAP test results
Saab 9-5 (2009)
Test	Points	%
Overall:
Adult occupant:	34	94%
Child occupant:	39	80%
Pedestrian:	16	44%
Safety assist:	6	86%

Reviews

• Auto Express
  For: Spacious cabin, distinctive styling, well equipped.
  Against: Poor residuals, driving dynamics, cheap cabin materials.
• Auto Trader
  Pros - Low CO2 and high mpg, Distinctive design, Plenty of room.
  Cons - Interior quality disappointing, Outclassed by rivals, Holds value poorly.
• Parker's
  Pros: Lots of kit as standard, high-tech features, driver comfort, practicality.
  Cons: Not particularly sporty, still lacks the brand appeal of its German rivals.
• The AA
  Likes: Styling typically Saab but updated for the modern era. Comfortable seats are a Saab trademark. Cabin space is first rate - especially rear legroom. Sensible pricing for the mainstream variants.
  Gripes: Simple styling could be viewed as bland by uncharitable critics. Can't match Jaguar's XF for sporting character. Clutter-free cabin is welcome but quality of materials chosen could have been better. Auto gearbox option could be more responsive.