Saab 9-5 first look

With the ink drying on the General Motors sale of the carmaker to Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg, images of a sleek new flagship 9-5 have surfaced ahead of its official unveiling at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show.

The sedan shows off design cues that will pave the way for a new-look Saab that is expected to spread to other models. Apart from the 9-5 sedan and wagon, a reinvigorated Saab has bold expansion plans in the pipeline.

These include a crossover off-roader called the 9-4X as well as the next-generation 9-3 sedan and wagon and possibly a smaller entry 9-1 hatch to go up against the Volkswagen Golf and BMW 1 Series.

As the images show, the 9-5 gains a progressive new look, sharp styling and some styling cues from past Saabs like the blacked-out A-pillar and sweeping rear end that flows into the boot like the old pre-General Motors 900s.

The front is dominated by a new streamlined Audi-style family grille. The deep-set chrome framed grille is integrated into the bumper with high-intensity eyebrow headlights sweeping around the sides of the car. At the back there are LED tail-lights and a reflector strip across the boot.

Despite Koenigsegg's ownership, Saab will continue to use GM engines and out-of-sight mechanicals for its cars. To achieve economies, the newcomer will be built in Sweden on a bigger shared platform with the Opel Insignia. A range of twin-turbo diesels, 2.0-litre petrol and 3.6-litre V6 petrol engines are expected.

The big sedan cannot come soon enough for the battle-scarred Swedish brand. It will be the first all-new 9-5 since the current shape was introduced more than 10 years ago.

Like most brands, Saab Australia has taken a big hit this year with just 25 examples of the current 9-5 sold nationally. In total 404 Saabs have been sold this year, a massive 54 per cent slump against the same period last year. The Swedish parent has not been profitable for the past five years and global sales have taken a battering because of the GM crisis.

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