Saab 9-5 Aero Turbo6 XWD
The second-generation Saab 9-5, launched at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and entering production in 2010, was simultaneously the finest car Saab ever created and the harbinger of the brand's death. This was the car that was supposed to save Saab — a ground-up redesign on GM's Epsilon II platform that delivered the space, technology, and sophistication to compete directly with the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi A6. The Aero Turbo6 XWD variant, with its 300-horsepower turbocharged V6 and all-wheel drive, represented the absolute pinnacle of Saab's engineering achievement.
The design, led by Simon Padian under the direction of Jason Castriota (who had designed the Maserati GranTurismo and Ferrari P4/5), was a masterful evolution of Saab's design language. The wraparound windshield, the hockey-stick C-pillar, the ice-block tail lights, and the aeronautical cockpit all referenced Saab's heritage while pushing the design firmly into the modern era. The result was one of the most striking executive sedans of its generation — a car that looked as good in person as it did in photographs.
The Turbo6 XWD's powertrain paired the familiar 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 with Saab's Haldex-based XWD all-wheel-drive system, producing 300 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. The engine was smooth, responsive, and delivered its power with an authority that the earlier four-cylinder 9-5 could never match. The six-speed Aisin-Warner automatic transmission was competent, though many enthusiasts wished Saab had offered a manual option. The XWD system provided confident all-weather traction and a slightly rear-biased torque distribution that gave the car a balanced, progressive handling character.
The interior represented a quantum leap over the first-generation 9-5. A wraparound cockpit design with a massive central display, premium materials, and Saab's signature aviation-inspired details created a cabin that genuinely rivaled its German competitors. The aircraft-inspired features included a head-up display, a night panel function (dimming all non-essential displays), and the characteristic ignition key mounted between the front seats. The front seats were among the finest in any car at any price — Saab's seat engineering expertise, honed over decades, resulted in chairs that provided exceptional support and comfort over any distance.
The chassis was well-balanced and composed, offering a blend of comfort and control that struck a distinctly Scandinavian balance between the BMW's sporting focus and the Mercedes' comfort emphasis. The Brembo front brakes provided strong, fade-free stopping power, and the adaptive DriveSense suspension (available on Aero models) allowed the driver to select between comfort and sport modes.
Tragically, the second-generation 9-5 arrived at the worst possible moment. Saab was divested from GM in 2010 to Spyker Cars, and the ensuing financial turmoil led to production stoppages, parts shortages, and ultimately Saab's bankruptcy in December 2011. The 9-5 sedan was produced for barely two years, and the promised 9-5 SportCombi wagon — which had been shown to enormous acclaim — was built in only a handful of pre-production examples. The second-generation 9-5 thus became an automotive 'what if' — a tantalizing glimpse of the future Saab could have had.
Low production numbers and Saab's bankruptcy create unique buying challenges. Parts availability is the primary concern — while some components are shared with GM vehicles (Buick LaCrosse, Opel Insignia), Saab-specific parts are becoming scarce. Specialist Saab parts suppliers (eSaabparts, eEuroparts) maintain inventory but prices are rising. The V6 turbo engine and XWD system require regular maintenance — neglect leads to expensive failures. Check the Haldex coupling for regular fluid changes. Brembo brakes require specific pads. The DriveSense suspension can develop actuator faults. The 9-5's complex electronics require diagnostic equipment that only Saab specialists typically possess. Interior quality is high but parts are irreplaceable. Buy the best example you can find — restoration is not economically viable.
Built on GM's Epsilon II platform at Trollhattan, Sweden. Launched in 2010 after development began under GM ownership. Production was repeatedly interrupted by financial difficulties following Saab's sale to Spyker Cars. The 9-5 SportCombi estate was announced but only a handful of pre-production units were built before bankruptcy. Total production of the second-generation 9-5 is estimated at approximately 11,000 units across all variants. The Aero Turbo6 XWD was the top specification.