Engines
The first-generation 9-5 is powered by Saab's B205 and B235 straight-4 engines, and from 2002 in Europe by an Opel Ecotec X22DTH 2.2 diesel engine (Saab D223L), replaced in 2006 by Fiat's 1.9 JTD 16V diesel engine. A turbocharged version of the General Motors 54° V6 engine, designated by Saab as B308, has a unique asymmetrical low-pressure turbocharger and was available from 1999 to 2003. This engine is available only with an automatic transmission, and cars with this engine installed are distinguishable by their twin tailpipes. The V6 was only available on Arc, SE, and Griffin models. In 2004, the V6 engine was replaced by a high-pressure turbo straight-4 engine rated at 220 hp. By 2006 this engine was rated at 260 hp even in the non-Aero or non-sport models made for the US market.
The B2x5 engines can suffer from oil pickup issues caused by 'oil sludge' in the lubrication circuit. In 1999, Saab issued a Workshop Bulletin around this issue.[8] The 'sludge' issue primarily affected earlier models between 1999 and 2003, and from 2004 a revised engine positive crankcase ventilation system (PCV) and the use of fully synthetic oil were introduced.
Saab created retrofit kits for the earlier 1999–2003 cars as the PCV design differs from the 2004 and later system. In 2005, Saab extended the warranty on the B2x5 engine to eight years and unlimited miles from new[9] for original owners, provided the owner could produce proof that they had followed the manufacturer's oil change intervals. Saab recommended the use of fully synthetic or synthetic-blend oil as a preventative measure.
Transmissions
The 9-5 is available with an Aisin AW 4-speed (50-42LE) automatic transmission Saab reference FA47; from 1997 until 2001, when a new Aisin AW unit replaced the aging four-speed automatic with a five-speed automatic. A five-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard to the base models and the Aero.
Alternative propulsion
E85
In 2005, an updated version of the 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine was introduced in the European market together with the 2006 9-5. The engine was sold as 2.0t BioPower, optimized to run on E85 producing 180 PS at 5,500 rpm. There was also a 2.3T BioPower version sold from 2007. It was also introduced in Australia.
E100
In 2007, Saab presented a 9-5 E100 Concept, based on the turbo 2.0. Offering a claimed 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque, the Concept included the use of increased boost pressure and compression ratio.[11]
E85
In 2005, an updated version of the 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine was introduced in the European market together with the 2006 9-5. The engine was sold as 2.0t BioPower, optimized to run on E85 producing 180 PS at 5,500 rpm. There was also a 2.3T BioPower version sold from 2007. It was also introduced in Australia.
E100
In 2007, Saab presented a 9-5 E100 Concept, based on the turbo 2.0. Offering a claimed 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque, the Concept included the use of increased boost pressure and compression ratio.[11]
Safety
The 9-5 introduced Saab's Active Head Restraints (SAHR), which moved up and forward to prevent whiplash when the car was struck from the rear. This feature won technology and safety awards in Australia, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. The Saab 9-5 also was one of the first cars to have extensive side-crash protection.
The front seats featured torso airbags and head airbags even on the earliest models, which few contemporary vehicles did in the late 1990s. The basic structure included a robust passenger safety cage, front and rear deformation zones, reinforced door posts and pillars, as well as the "Pendulum B-Pillar", which combined high-strength low-alloy steel at chest and head height with tailored blank steel at the floorpan, designed to direct the crash forces down toward the floor. The design was proven by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to protect occupants in side crashes, even without the addition of curtain airbags or rear side airbags. From 2002, ESP (electronic stability control) was included as standard.
Another Saab feature, the "Night Panel", permitted dousing of the instrument panel lighting, except for essential information, for less distraction when driving at night. Once activated, only essential information such as current speed is displayed except, for example, if the car requires fuel or the engine overheats.
In the United States OnStar was available, and provided as standard equipment in selected 9-5's from 2001 onward.[12]
Comfort
The 9-5 had various comfort features both as standard and cost options over the years.
While early models frequently had dash mounted cassette decks, CD changers were standard features on many cars and in-dash satellite navigation was also available. Factory-fitted phone kits were similarly optional.
Many models featured leather or part-leather upholstery and both front and rear heated seats were also available. A few models were shipped with the optional ventilated seats.
Cruise control was available on various models and xenon headlamps were fitted as standard on high-end variants.
Aero
The high-performance variant is known as 9-5 Aero. [13]The earliest versions of which were sometimes referred to as the 'HOT' (High Output Turbo) Aero, was first released in 2000 with a 2.3T B235R engine. The B235R engine of the 9-5 Aero is capable of providing immense torque and, in terms of acceleration, which outperformed the contemporary Porsche 911 Turbo from 40 to 90 mph. Initially badged as a 230 PS engine, Saab later conceded that the 230 PS power figure was quite conservative, with the manual versions rated at 250 PS and having more torque than stated. This flagship model had a long list of standard features, a sport tuned suspension, and body side moldings. In 2002 a 250 PS 2.3-litre turbocharged engine was made standard, which allowed for more torque after 4,500 rpm. All Aero models from 2002 to 2005 have an identical engine layout and management system, with the 2002–2005 models just having a slightly remapped version of that ECU from factory. The top-of-the-line 9-5 in its final model years is rated at 260 PS and 350 Nm of torque (370 Nm with its 20-second overboost function accessible on the manual transmission equipped version).
From 2006 to 2010, the 260 PS B235R was the standard engine in both the 2.3T and Aero trims. 2006 had only one badge designation, 2.3T, and appointments normally found on the Aero could be added via a "Sport Package". Since 2007, SAAB added an Aero badge to the trunk lid to distinguish from regular 2.3T models. In addition, almost all standard features on the Aero were standard on the 2.3T, the exceptions being sport-tuned chassis, two-tone leather upholstery, "Anniversary" wheels and brushed aluminum interior trim, all of which were standard on Aero and not available on the 2.3T.
Police car
The 9-5 was used as a liveried patrol vehicle, as well as undercover, in several parts of its native Sweden, alongside the Volvo V70. Several police forces in the UK also used the 9-5 in their fleets, mostly in Aero specification. The city of Aspen, Colorado, used Saabs as patrol cars from early 1970s until 2005, when they discontinued the 9-5 in favor of the Volvo XC90.[14] The town of Vail, Colorado, likewise used Saabs from 1980 onwards, but in 2005, the black 9-5 patrol cars were replaced by Ford Explorers, due to budget reasons.[15]
In 2006, Lothian and Borders Police in Edinburgh, Scotland, began operating three Saab 9-5 Aero 2.3T patrol cars as part of a fleet of 580 vehicles. These 9-5s were customised to police specifications by the Saab, Vauxhall and Chevrolet Special Vehicles Operation (SVO) in Papworth, Cambridgeshire.[16] In undercover guise, these cars were outwardly identical to the Linear Sport models, but featured the 260 hp Aero drivetrain.
