2010 Saab 9-5 Sedan Review
Price
from: RM271,794
to: RM337,675
Installment
from: RM2,592/mth
to: RM3,220/mth
2010 Saab 9-5 Sedan at a glance
Comfortable, roomy and strong on the roads, the 2010 Saab 9-5 Sedan is given the unenviable task of taking on the German heavyweights. But the 2010 Saab 9-5 Sedan simply lacks the style, driving dynamics and cabin quality to compete.
2010 Saab 9-5 Sedan quick specs
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Class | Mid-size Luxury |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Saab 9-5 Sedan ratings (overall rating : 3/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Although the 2010 Saab 9-5 still looks unique and pleasing enough, the exterior styling is certainly looking its age when put beside modern German rivals like the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Not helping the 2010 Saab 9-5's case is the distinctive Saab interior styling, which looks dull and dated by modern rivals' standards.
Handling
The 2010 Saab 9-5's chassis remains competent, but the supposed improvements with the latest changes are barely noticeable on the roads. The 2010 Saab 9-5 is fine to drive, however German rivals are significantly superior in terms of driving dynamics, making the Saab 9-5's decent body control, grip levels, and steering seem extremely unexceptional by comparison.
Comfort
The 2010 Saab 9-5 soaks up road imperfections well, and the cabin remains largely refined during cruising, with minimal engine and road noise intrusion. Wind noise only intrudes at higher speeds. The 2010 Saab 9-5's cabin is one of the best place for a driver taking up a long-distance journey, providing plenty of seat support and no lack of seating and steering column adjustments. The dashboard is tilted towards the driver, bringing all controls within a better reach.
Quality + Reliability
As expected of a car trying to compete in this luxury segment, the build quality is of a high standard and materials are mostly soft-feeling. But some switchgear and plastics are disappointingly still in use after the facelift. Saab has apparently paid less attention to details compared to BMW, Mercedes-Benz and especially Audi. Another worrying news for buyers, both the Saab brand and the 9-5 did not perform well in a 2006 reliability survey.
Performance
There are two turbocharged engines on offer: a 182 bhp 2.0-litre and a 256 bhp 2.3-litre. The 2.0-litre engine has more than enough urge for dealing with the challenges of everyday driving. The 2.3-litre engine will surprise you with the available power on tap, which however can quickly overwhelm the front tyres' grip. Both engines are matched with a smooth five-speed automatic gearbox.
Roominess
The 2010 Saab 9-5 can accommodate five in comfort, providing front and rear occupants with generous head- and leg-room. The boot is large and the loading space can be increased using the 60:40 split-fold rear seats. On the down side, we find the driver's footwell to be somewhat cramped, and there should be more cabin storage compartments.
Running Costs
The 2.0-litre and 2.3-litre engines have fuel consumption figures of 10.0 km/litre and 10.2 km/litre respectively. Servicing and repairs are expensive, and parts are relatively hard to find. Be prepared to lose a large chunk of the 2010 Saab 9-5's original value, as the Saab brand commands much less desirability compared to German brands like BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
Value for Money
Predictably, the 2010 Saab 9-5 is priced lower than the comparable BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. But price savings aside, the Saab 9-5 is far from a convincing competitor in this premium segment. While we would consider the 2010 Saab 9-5 to be a capable car in isolation, German rivals comfortably outperform it in all areas except pricing and equipment count.
Equipment
In accordance with its luxury aspirations and price-point, the 2010 Saab 9-5 is well-equipped. Both variants come with standard items such as alloy wheels, cruise control, electric mirrors and windows, climate control, powered front seats, leather seats, and a high-end audio system. Safety kit includes dual front and side airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, plus braking, traction and stability controls.
Environment
Carbon dioxide emissions of 232 grams/km and 244 grams/km fall short of the standards set by German rivals. The mediocre fuel economy does little to help, too. Being fully imported further makes the 2010 Saab 9-5 more polluting than the locally-assembled BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Excellent driving position
Strong turbocharged engines
Plenty of cabin room and boot space
Dated exterior and interior styling
Unexceptional driving dynamics
Some disappointing switchgear and plastics
See Another Model
Top Competitors
Price : from RM320,000
Price : from RM349,800
Price : from RM285,000
