Saab 9-5 Sport Combi 2.3 T (170 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.2 / 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 Overview:

Saab 9-5 (Sport Combi). With 280 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1535 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.5 s). The top speed reaches 215 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.

2.3 T (170 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Adequate performance for most situations, but the automatic transmission makes it feel less lively than its manual counterpart, with slower acceleration.

Fuel Economy

Compromised fuel economy due to the automatic gearbox, making it less efficient than the manual 170hp variant.

Best Use Case: Comfortable Commuting / Relaxed Driving

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Excellent comfort and ergonomic interior design, especially the seats.
  • • Strong, torquey turbocharged engines (especially 2.3T variants).
  • • Spacious and practical wagon body style with good cargo capacity.
  • • Distinctive styling and unique brand appeal.
  • • High safety standards for its era, achieving 4 Euro NCAP stars.

Cons:

  • • Automatic transmissions can be slow and impact performance/economy.
  • • Potential for engine oil sludge issues if maintenance is neglected (especially B2x5 engines).
  • • Some interior plastics can feel dated compared to German rivals.
  • • Fuel economy can be poor on higher-powered variants, particularly in urban settings.
  • • Parts availability and specialist maintenance can be a challenge for some components.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(9-5: 1997 - 2001).

General:
Brand:Saab
Model:9-5
Generation:Sport Combi
Modification (Engine):2.3 T (170 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:1998
End of production:2001
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:170 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:74.2 Hp/l [3mm more]
Torque:280 Nm @ 1800 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
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
Compression ratio:9.3:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:15.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.5 sec
Maximum speed:215 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9 kg/Hp, 110.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.5 kg/Nm, 182.4 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1535
Max. weight:2150
Max load:615
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1490 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:415 l
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Size:
Length:4808 mm mm [3mm more]
Width:1792 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1497 mm mm [48mm more]
Wheelbase:2703 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1522 mm
Rear (Back) track:1522 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/65 R15
Wheel rims size6.5J x 15
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionSpring Strut

Is it love at first sight with the Saab 9-5? Tell us your story!