Saab has revealed the prices for the all-new 9-5 saloon, ahead of the cars arriving in UK showrooms ‘this summer’.
Saab dealers are accepting orders for the car from today. Prices kick off at £26,495 for the entry-level 163bhp 2.0 TiD diesel model.
Production of the 9-5 began at Saab’s Trollhattan HQ on 23 March, the first cars to be produced by under independent ownership since GM bought a controlling share in Saab in 1989.
See pictures of the new Saab 9-5 rolling down the production line
The initial 9-5 launch programme will feature just two trim levels, Vector SE and Aero. Saab is taking immediate orders for the £26,495 163bhp 2.0TiD or the £28,195 216bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol model.
In Aero trim, just two petrol-engined models are immediately available, a £31,195 216bhp 2.0-litre turbo and a £37,995 294bhp 2.8-litre V6 turbo, which also gets Saab’s torque-vectoring all wheel drive set-up.
This summer buyers will be able to order three new ‘2011 model’ versions of the 9-5 for delivery in the autumn. In Vector SE trim there will be a 196bhp 2.0 TTiD twin-turbo diesel model and in both £28,495 Vector SE trim and a £31,495 Aero versions.
Perhaps the most intriguing 2011 model will be the £26,695 176bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol 9-5, described as ‘carrying forward Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy’.
The Vector SE trim level looks well equipped, offering leather/textile trim, front and rear park assist, rain-sensing wipers, 17in alloys, electronic climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth, auto-dimming rear view mirror, ipod integration, heated front seats and push-button starting.
The Aero specification adds sports chassis tuning, 19in wheels, specific ‘Aero’ front and rear bumpers, twin tailpipes, bi-xenon headlights, electric leather sports seats, alloy pedals.
Other options available include an automatic gearbox, head-Up display, adaptive bi-xenon lights, a Harman Kardon audio system, DAB radio, adaptive cruise control and keyless entry. Prices for the auto box have yet to be set.
The 9-5 arrives a fortuitous time for Saab, just as Audi’s current A6 reaches the end of its life. During the development of the new 9-5, Saab’s marketing experts emphasized that most ‘cross shopping’ by its target audience was between the Audi and Saab brands. Saab is hoping to steal a significant number of ex-Audi owners with this new car.
