The new 9-5 flagship is defined by Saab as the "most technically advanced Saab ever" that "signals the dawn of a new era for the brand."

The clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Scandinavian design, and its wraparound window graphic echoes Saab’s aviation heritage.

With styling inspired by the Aero X concept car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the new 9-5 heralds the introduction of a bold and expressive design language.

The array of high-tech features includes: an aircraft-inspired head-up information display (HUD); adaptive headlights (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; dual-zone climate control; dynamic parking assistance, and Saab XWD with eLSD: the all-wheel-drive system.

The all-turbo powertrain line-up carries on the rightsizing engine strategy focusing on responsible performance through the development of highly efficient four cylinder turbo engines.

There is a choice of three fuels – gasoline, diesel and E85 bioethanol – and with diesel power, the new 9-5 offers CO2 emissions as low as 139 g/km.

The all-new 9-5 makes its public debut at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show and will go on sale in 2010.

From the official Press Release:

Scandinavian Design

‘Forward-looking design that doesn’t ignore where it’s coming from’, sums up the visual appeal of the all-new Saab 9-5 saloon.

“We are giving a fresh, very modern expression to some of our classic brand design cues,” says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief.

“We have visual themes found in our recent concept cars, such as the Aero X, which are inspired by Scandinavian design and our brand’s aircraft heritage.”

The face of the new 9-5 is defined by a deep grille flanked with curving, ice-block headlamp units.

The entire glasshouse is presented as a ‘wraparound’ mono graphic: the disguised windshield and side pillars giving the cabin Saab’s signature cockpit look. In this interplay of proportions, the windshield and roof are reminiscent of the classic 900 model.

Viewed from any angle, the all-new 9-5 cuts a strong and powerful stance.

The ‘organic sculpture’ of the low-slung body blends clean, uncluttered lines with natural, curvaceous shapes. Brand design cues are evident in the ‘hockey stick’ belt-line, the strong rear C-pillars and the fuselage-smooth surfacing of the bodywork. The large Saab logo embossed in the centre of the grille characterises the assertive, self-confident design language.

The car’s dynamic character is emphasized by a falling roof-line that culminates in sweeping rear pillars that buttress a slightly recessed rear screen. Bumpers that are subtly flared to blend into the wheels convey latent energy. Below that smooth, flat rear deck, a full-width, ice-block rear light bar wraps into signature lighting.

The new 9-5’s overall proportions stretch the traditional three-box saloon silhouette, while avoiding the fastback cliché of a four-door coupé look.

Interior

Inside the spacious cabin, simple forms define the architecture and echo the design purity of the exterior.

Compared to its predecessor, legroom and shoulder width are increased both front and rear, with class-leading rear legroom.

The choice of materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the controls all reflect the new 9-5’s premium character.

The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, but its execution is pioneering.

The deep centre console sweeps up at a shallow angle around the driver into the main instrument display, which is topped by a neat ventilation zone. Deeply recessed main dials include a rolling ‘altimeter’ speed read-out, a reference to Saab’s aviation heritage from the Aero X concept.

Driver displays, including the optional head-up display (HUD) in the windscreen, are illuminated in signature Saab green and have a crisp, floating appearance. The car’s ignition, now a start/stop button, remains between the front seats, next to the gear shift.

Infotainment choices include a Harman Kardon 5.1 surround sound audio system and an 8-inch colour touch screen navigation system with hard disk storage for map data and 10GB for MP3 music files.

A large centre console provides storage and connections for several portable devices through USB and 3.5mm AUX ports alongside a 12V power outlet.

Rear passengers can even access their own audio or watch a DVD.

The rear seat entertainment unit in the back of the centre console accommodates audio controls and folding viewing screens are installed in the backs .

(Source: Saab)