autoevolution
 

Segment: Medium
Production years: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

SAAB 9-5 1997-2001 62 Photos
SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)SAAB 9-5 (1997-2001)

The Saab 9-5 represented Saab's replacement for the 9000 model discontinued in 1997. The new model was produced in the same year, in two body versions: wagon and sedan. The car was considered a strong rival for the time’s Audi A6, BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz E Class. The SAAB 9-5 had a long 12 years life before being replaced by a newer model.

While both body versions were very spacious inside, the wagon was mostly bought by people who wanted space and an easy loading feature, the car being equipped with a slide out boot floor.

The car was available with 4 engine choices: 2.0-liter and 2.3-liter gasoline, a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline and a 2.2-liter diesel unit. Except for the V6 engine, the others were fitted with a manual transmission. From 2001, the 4-speed automatic was replaced by a 5-speed automatic gearbox.

The V6 engine was later replaced with a 4-cylinder producing 220 hp. Saab upgraded it and by 2006, its power was increased with 40 hp, reaching 260 hp.

The car was well known for its safety features, being equipped with SAHR (Saab’s active head restraints) and the front seats had torso and head airbags, a rare feature for the 90’s.

The 9-5 was also used as a police car in Sweden and the UK, the Aero version being the preferred one due to its powerful engine developing a high torque. The Aero version was able to outperform a contemporary Porsche 911 Turbo between 40 to 90 mph.

SAAB 9-5 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
  9 gasoline engines
  • 2.0t 4AT FWD (150 HP)
  • 2.0t 5MT FWD (150 HP)
  • 2.3t 4AT FWD (170 HP)
  • 2.3t 4AT FWD (185 HP)
  • 2.3t 5MT FWD (170 HP)
  • 2.3t 5MT FWD (185 HP)
  • 2.3t Aero 4AT FWD (230 HP)
  • 2.3t Aero 5MT FWD (230 HP)
  • 3.0L V6 4AT FWD (200 HP)

SAAB 9-5
2.0t 4AT FWD (150 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.0t 4AT FWD (150 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1985 cm3
Power:110.3 KW @ 5500 RPM
150 HP @ 5500 RPM
148 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque:177 lb-ft @ 1800 RPM
240 Nm @ 1800 RPM
Fuel System:Turbocharged Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:130 mph (209 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):11.6 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/65VR15
DIMENSIONS
Length:189.2 in (4806 mm)
Width:70.6 in (1793 mm)
Height:57 in (1448 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.9/59.9 in (1,521/1,521 mm)
Wheelbase:106.4 in (2703 mm)
Ground Clearance:6.3 in (160 mm)
Cargo Volume:17.7 cuFT (501 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3351 lbs (1520 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4608 lbs (2090 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:15.6 mpg US (15.1 L/100Km)
Highway:30.9 mpg US (7.6 L/100Km)
Combined:22.6 mpg US (10.4 L/100Km)

SAAB 9-5
2.0t 5MT FWD (150 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.0t 5MT FWD (150 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1985 cm3
Power:110.3 KW @ 5500 RPM
150 HP @ 5500 RPM
148 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque:177 lb-ft @ 1800 RPM
240 Nm @ 1800 RPM
Fuel System:Turbocharged Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:134 mph (216 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):9.8 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/65VR15
DIMENSIONS
Length:189.2 in (4806 mm)
Width:70.6 in (1793 mm)
Height:57 in (1448 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.9/59.9 in (1,521/1,521 mm)
Wheelbase:106.4 in (2703 mm)
Ground Clearance:6.3 in (160 mm)
Cargo Volume:17.7 cuFT (501 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3296 lbs (1495 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4542 lbs (2060 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:17.8 mpg US (13.2 L/100Km)
Highway:34.6 mpg US (6.8 L/100Km)
Combined:25.6 mpg US (9.2 L/100Km)

SAAB 9-5
2.3t 4AT FWD (170 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.3t 4AT FWD (170 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:2290 cm3
Power:125.1 KW @ 5500 RPM
170 HP @ 5500 RPM
168 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque:207 lb-ft @ 1800 RPM
280 Nm @ 1800 RPM
Fuel System:Turbocharged Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:137 mph (220 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):9.5 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/65VR15
DIMENSIONS
Length:189.2 in (4806 mm)
Width:70.6 in (1793 mm)
Height:57 in (1448 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.9/59.9 in (1,521/1,521 mm)
Wheelbase:106.4 in (2703 mm)
Ground Clearance:6.3 in (160 mm)
Cargo Volume:17.7 cuFT (501 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3274 lbs (1485 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4453 lbs (2020 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:15.9 mpg US (14.8 L/100Km)
Highway:30.5 mpg US (7.7 L/100Km)
Combined:22.8 mpg US (10.3 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:247 g/km

SAAB 9-5
2.3t 4AT FWD (185 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.3t 4AT FWD (185 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:2290 cm3
Power:136.1 KW @ 5500 RPM
185 HP @ 5500 RPM
183 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque:207 lb-ft @ 1800 RPM
280 Nm @ 1800 RPM
Fuel System:Turbocharged Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:137 mph (220 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):9.9 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/65VR15
DIMENSIONS
Length:189.2 in (4806 mm)
Width:70.6 in (1793 mm)
Height:57 in (1448 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.9/59.9 in (1,521/1,521 mm)
Wheelbase:106.4 in (2703 mm)
Ground Clearance:6.3 in (160 mm)
Cargo Volume:17.7 cuFT (501 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3351 lbs (1520 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4608 lbs (2090 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:15.5 mpg US (15.2 L/100Km)
Highway:31.4 mpg US (7.5 L/100Km)
Combined:22.6 mpg US (10.4 L/100Km)

SAAB 9-5
2.3t 5MT FWD (170 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.3t 5MT FWD (170 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:2290 cm3
Power:125.1 KW @ 5500 RPM
170 HP @ 5500 RPM
168 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque:207 lb-ft @ 1800 RPM
280 Nm @ 1800 RPM
Fuel System:Turbocharged Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:140 mph (225 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):8.5 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/65VR15
DIMENSIONS
Length:189.2 in (4806 mm)
Width:70.6 in (1793 mm)
Height:57 in (1448 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.9/59.9 in (1,521/1,521 mm)
Wheelbase:106.4 in (2703 mm)
Ground Clearance:6.3 in (160 mm)
Cargo Volume:17.7 cuFT (501 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3362 lbs (1525 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4542 lbs (2060 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:17.3 mpg US (13.6 L/100Km)
Highway:32.7 mpg US (7.2 L/100Km)
Combined:24.5 mpg US (9.6 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:230 g/km

SAAB 9-5
2.3t 5MT FWD (185 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.3t 5MT FWD (185 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:2290 cm3
Power:136.1 KW @ 5500 RPM
185 HP @ 5500 RPM
183 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque:207 lb-ft @ 1800 RPM
280 Nm @ 1800 RPM
Fuel System:Turbocharged Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:140 mph (225 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):8.7 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/65VR15
DIMENSIONS
Length:189.2 in (4806 mm)
Width:70.6 in (1793 mm)
Height:57 in (1448 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.9/59.9 in (1,521/1,521 mm)
Wheelbase:106.4 in (2703 mm)
Ground Clearance:6.3 in (160 mm)
Cargo Volume:17.7 cuFT (501 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3296 lbs (1495 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4542 lbs (2060 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:17.4 mpg US (13.5 L/100Km)
Highway:34.1 mpg US (6.9 L/100Km)
Combined:25.3 mpg US (9.3 L/100Km)

SAAB 9-5
2.3t Aero 4AT FWD (230 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.3t Aero 4AT FWD (230 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:2290 cm3
Power:169.2 KW @ 5500 RPM
230 HP @ 5500 RPM
227 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque:258 lb-ft @ 1900 RPM
350 Nm @ 1900 RPM
Fuel System:Turbocharged Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:149 mph (240 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):8.2 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:225/45WR17
DIMENSIONS
Length:189.2 in (4806 mm)
Width:70.6 in (1793 mm)
Height:57 in (1448 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.9/59.9 in (1,521/1,521 mm)
Wheelbase:106.4 in (2703 mm)
Ground Clearance:6.3 in (160 mm)
Cargo Volume:17.7 cuFT (501 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3274 lbs (1485 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4453 lbs (2020 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:15.4 mpg US (15.3 L/100Km)
Highway:28.7 mpg US (8.2 L/100Km)
Combined:21.8 mpg US (10.8 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:259 g/km

SAAB 9-5
2.3t Aero 5MT FWD (230 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.3t Aero 5MT FWD (230 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:2290 cm3
Power:169.2 KW @ 5500 RPM
230 HP @ 5500 RPM
227 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque:258 lb-ft @ 1900 RPM
350 Nm @ 1900 RPM
Fuel System:Turbocharged Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:149 mph (240 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):6.9 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:225/45WR17
DIMENSIONS
Length:189.2 in (4806 mm)
Width:70.6 in (1793 mm)
Height:57 in (1448 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.9/59.9 in (1,521/1,521 mm)
Wheelbase:106.4 in (2703 mm)
Ground Clearance:6.3 in (160 mm)
Cargo Volume:17.7 cuFT (501 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3362 lbs (1525 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4542 lbs (2060 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:17.4 mpg US (13.5 L/100Km)
Highway:32.7 mpg US (7.2 L/100Km)
Combined:24.8 mpg US (9.5 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:228 g/km

SAAB 9-5
3.0L V6 4AT FWD (200 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 3.0L V6 4AT FWD (200 HP)
Cylinders:V6
Displacement:3962 cm3
Power:147.1 KW @ 5000 RPM
200 HP @ 5000 RPM
197 BHP @ 5000 RPM
Torque:229 lb-ft @ 2100 RPM
310 Nm @ 2100 RPM
Fuel System:Turbocharged Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:18.5 gallons (70.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:146 mph (235 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):8 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:225/45WR17
DIMENSIONS
Length:189.2 in (4806 mm)
Width:70.6 in (1793 mm)
Height:57 in (1448 mm)
Front/rear Track:59.9/59.9 in (1,521/1,521 mm)
Wheelbase:106.4 in (2703 mm)
Ground Clearance:6.3 in (160 mm)
Cargo Volume:17.7 cuFT (501 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.29
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3594 lbs (1630 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4542 lbs (2060 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:14.4 mpg US (16.3 L/100Km)
Highway:29.4 mpg US (8 L/100Km)
Combined:21.2 mpg US (11.1 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:264 g/km
  report a mistake on this page