Flying Cabin-Class in the New 2000 Saab 9-5 Wagon
By Vince Bodiford
Automotive Editor
When Saab introduced the all-new
9-5 sedan for 1999, they promised, and delivered an all new European
luxury sedan that embodies the Saab heritage with advanced automotive
and aviation inspired technology.
Now, that promise is carried over into the well-executed 9-5 wagon.
Recently, I've begun flying, and since I've been flying I've become
more aware of the importance, and frivilance, of some instrumentation
in automobiles.
Instruments in aircrafts are essential to fly the airplane but
in cars they are sometimes gimmicky.
The 9-5, however, is built by Saab, which also builds airplanes,
and that experience shows through in the cockpit. Though not complicated
as aircraft, 9-5's instrumentation and controls are necessary
and logical.
Inside it's big, roomy, comfortable and very sporty in a segment
that has long produced boring station wagons. The 9-5 wagon breaks
away all previous wagon stereotypes.
Our driving experience was much like flying a jet too close to
the ground.
The 9-5 wagon is retail priced at $37,250 for the SE Turbo 3.0L
V-6 with automatic transmission, which included optional in-dash
compact disk player and front and rear headed and ventilated seats.
Also standard on the 9-5 is full leather seating, wood accents,
power grouping and a sunroof.
Saab's 3.0 litre V-6 Ecopower engine is the world's first single-bank
asymmetric turbo. The electronic fuel injected four-valve, dual
overhead cam engine develops 200 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and makes
229 lb. ft. of torque at only 2,500 rpm.
The Saab turbocharger is an automotive first. The low pressure
turbo is integrated into the exhaust manifold on the front cylinder
bank, and it provides for quick acceleration and strong off-the-line
response.
The suspension is fully independent, and anti-lock braking is
standard.
New is electronic brake distribution. This system is enabled under
hard braking and maximizes grip for better panic braking control.
Auto stylists did not praise earlier Saabs but they were respected
for safety advances. The same is true for the new 9-5. Equipped
with advanced safety cages, crush zones, side impact air bags,
dual front air bags and more, Saab has always pioneered safety
features.
The 9-5 introduces the world's first active head restraint, which
moves the front-seat headrest forward to cradle the head in serious
impacts. This helps reduce the possibility of whiplash injury.
Regarding styling of the new 9-5, we spoke to Saab chief designer
Einar J. Hareide, based in the Saab headquarters at Trollhattan,
Sweden. "The car is new and modern, yet it remembers the
classic Saab lines," Hareide said.
A former designer for Mercedes-Benz, Hareide said he admires the
styling of the Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe among all American
cars.
The Saab interior treats each passenger to a class well above
coach. Uncluttered and smartly laid out, the instruments and control
surfaces wrap around the driver. Free of gimmicks and gadgets,
there is a place and purpose for everything. Thoughtful engineering
and quality construction is the basis of the interior.
The Saab-exclusive "night panel" dumps all but the most
essential instruments at night for enhanced night driving - a
feature criticized by Consumer Reports but highly praised by us.
We like it.
We also like the optional ventilated seats, which improve driver
comfort in winter and summer. The leather seating surfaces are
perforated with small holes that allow an in-seat mounted fan
to draw air through them. This helps reduce driver fatigue, another
safety feature.
Saab project manager Olle Granlund in Sweden is the father of
the new 9-5, and he speaks of it like a proud parent. "I
look at the 9-5, and I see our history, and our future,"
he told us, referring to the first Saab automobile, the 9-2 model
introduced to post-war Europe in 1949.
That brings to mind an interesting final thought - the 1940s Saab
model 9-2 was an airplane.
For more information about the Saab 9-5, call 800-SAABUSA, or
visit the Saab web site at www.saabcars.com
