Saab 9-5 Estate full 9 point review
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Performance
Stick with the diesel or lower-powered petrol
There are three turbocharged petrol engines in the range. The 2.0 has 148bhp, while the 2.0 Biopower (which runs on either petrol and bio-ethanol) produces 178bhp. Both are reasonably strong. Steer clear of the 2.3T, which has too much power for the chassis to handle. The 148bhp 1.9 turbodiesel is our pick – it offers the best balance of performance and economy.
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Ride & Handling
Judged in isolation, the Saab isn't that bad to drive. However, it's way behind the times when compared with newer German rivals. It can't match them for grip or body control and it feels unsettled if you drive it briskly. There isn't enough feedback through the steering, either.
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Refinement
Whether you're trundling along in heavy traffic or cruising on the motorway, road noise isn't a big problem. There's some wind noise at high speed, though, and gearshifts aren't particularly slick. The petrol engines always stay quiet, and while the diesel sounds grumbly when you work it hard, it settles down on the motorway.
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Buying & Owning
A replacement for the 9-5 is long overdue, which means that useful discounts are available on the list price. It also means that the 9-5 takes a heavy depreciation hit - residual values are very poor compared with its German rivals. Long-term running costs are competitive for both private and business users, as long as you stick to diesel models.
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Quality & Reliability
The 9-5's cabin looks dated, but it feels built to last and most of the dash materials are pretty smart. Some of the other plastics look downbeat, though, and simple details, such as grab handles that aren't damped, give the car feel a low-rent feel. The 9-5 hasn't fared particularly well in our annual reliability or customer satisfaction surveys.
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Safety & Security
The 9-5 was awarded the maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP's crash tests. Standard safety kit includes stability control and twin front and side airbags. There are curtain airbags as well, but they only cover the front windows of the car. Security kit includes deadlocks, an immobiliser and an alarm.
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Behind The Wheel
The 9-5's cabin is distinctive and very Saab. Its centre console curves invitingly around the driver to put all the controls within easy reach, and the layout is mostly logical. Seat comfort and support are excellent, with well-shaped chairs that move to suit all shapes and sizes. However, the steering wheel could do with a wider range of reach adjustment.
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Space & Practicality
The boot suffers some intrusion from the wheelarches, so it's not as big as you get in some rivals. It's still pretty large, though, and there are some neat estate-car touches. There's plenty of room in the back of the 9-5, so two adults can travel comfortably and three will squeeze in at a push, but there's not enough storage space around the driver.
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Equipment
Most versions come pretty well equipped, providing luxuries such as climate and cruise controls, parking sensors, Bluetooth handsfree, four electric windows, heated leather seats and alloys. The 2.3T version comes with a few more luxuries, such as satellite navigation, metallic paint, electric seats and a lowered sports suspension. Either way, you won't want for much.
9-5 used car reviews
Saab 9-5 Estate 1.9 TiD Turbo Edition 5dr
It's not the cheapest model in the range, but the extra flexibility of the engine, the good fuel economy and low emissions make it our favourite model.
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