Saab 9-5 Sport Combi (facelift 2005) 2.3t (185 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.3 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Saab 9-5:

The Saab 9-5 is an executive car, manufactured and marketed by Saab from 1997 to 2012, across two generations.
The first generation 9-5 was introduced in 1997 for the 1998 model year, as the replacement of the Saab 9000. At the time, the car represented a significant development for the manufacturer. In the United States, the 9-5 was introduced in the spring of 1998, for the 1999 model year.
The second generation was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15, 2009 and production began in March 2010. It was the first Saab automobile launched under Spyker Cars' ownership, though developed almost entirely under GM's ownership. Production ceased in 2012 amid Saab's liquidation....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Sport Combi (facelift 2005) Overview:

Saab 9-5 (Sport Combi (facelift 2005)). With 280 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.8 s). The top speed reaches 225 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.3t (185 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A strong and flexible engine with good mid-range torque, offering a balanced driving experience with the manual gearbox.

Fuel Economy

Decent fuel economy for a turbo petrol, notably better than its automatic counterpart.

Best Use Case: Balanced daily driver for mixed city and highway use, offering good power and reasonable efficiency.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Distinctive and timeless styling
  • • Exceptional comfort, especially the seats
  • • Strong and characterful turbocharged engines (especially Aero models)
  • • Practical and spacious Sport Combi body style
  • • Good value on the used market

Cons:

  • • Fuel economy can be high on petrol automatic models
  • • Some known reliability issues (e.g., DI cassette, potential for 'sludge' if oil changes neglected)
  • • Interior plastics can feel dated compared to German rivals
  • • Front-wheel drive only, lacking AWD options of some competitors
  • • Automatic transmissions can feel slow and less refined than modern units

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Sport Combi (facelift 2001): 2002 - 2005).

General:
Brand:Saab
Model:9-5
Generation:Sport Combi (facelift 2005)
Modification (Engine):2.3t (185 Hp)
Start of production:2005
End of production:2010
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:185 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:80.8 Hp/l [33mm more]
Torque:280 Nm @ 1800-3500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:B235E More details about the engine B235E
Engine displacement:2290
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:4 l
Coolant:7.4 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:90 mm mm
Piston Stroke:90 mm mm
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:13 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):9.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):13 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):6.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9.1 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8.8 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8.8 sec
Maximum speed:225 km/h
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.4 sec
Space:
Max. roof load:100 kg
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1490 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:416 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1800 kg
Fuel tank capacity:75 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:750 kg
Size:
Length:4841 mm mm [33mm more]
Width:1792 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1459 mm mm [33mm less]
Wheelbase:2703 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Width including mirrors:2070 mm
Front track:1522 mm
Rear (Back) track:1528 mm
Front overhang:1031 mm
Rear overhang:1106 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.8 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs, 308 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc, 286 mm [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size215/55 R16; 225/45 R17
Wheel rims size6.5J x 16; 7J x 17
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer

Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Saab 9-5 rank in your book?