9-5 flies high

If the new 9-5 is anything to go by, Saab's post-GM future is going to be a positive one.

The all-new 2010 9-5 sedan is the first Saab vehicle to be released since parting ways with General Motors, and it certainly looks dramatically different from anything recently released by the automaker.

With inspiration taken from the Aero X concept, the new 9-5 features a wraparound window graphic that echoes Saab's aviation heritage. The company's Scandinavian heritage plays a large role in the styling as well, from the curving, ice-block headlamp units to fenders that are subtly pulled out to 'melt' into the wheels.

Though the new 9-5 is undoubtedly modern in its design, it still harkens back to past Saabs, from the proportions of the windshield and roof being reminiscent of the classic 900 model, to the use of turbocharged engines. In fact, all engines available in Europe will be turbocharged, from a 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre inline-4, to a 2.8-litre V6. Depending on what engine you choose, the 9-5 will be able to run on either gasoline, diesel or E85 bioethanol fuel. All engines will be mated to a 6-speed transmission.

Two suspensions will be fitted on the 9-5 depending on what engine you opt for, and both will be available with a sport chassis setting with real-time damping control. Saab's XWD (Cross-Wheel Drive) system will also be available with the 2.0-litre and 2.8-litre equipped models.

As can be expected in a Saab, the cockpit is very much driver-oriented, with an upward-angled centre stack that sweeps toward the driver. Displays are shown in Saab green, and a head-up display - another aviation-themed feature - is available, showing information such as speed and engine RPM. Though the new 9-5 uses a start/stop button, it's still placed in between the driver and front passenger seat, where the ignition key has always resided.

Other high-tech features to be offered on the 9-5 include adaptive lighting (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam), adaptive cruise control; keyless entry and starting; tri-zone air conditioning; dynamic parking assistance, harman/kardon sound system and an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system with hard disk storage for map data and 10 GB of jukebox-style music files .

The Saab 9-5 sedan will be available in Europe in Linear, Vector and Aero trim levels, and the vehicle will be built in Trollhättan, Sweden, where the vehicle was also engineered and chiefly developed.