New 9-5 Makes U.S. Debut At New England Auto Show

[Guest Josh]

Boston, MA – The new 9-5, Saab’s flagship car, will be unveiled for the first time to the North American press and public on Friday, November 4 at the New England International Auto Show in the Boston Bayside Expo Center. “This is a very fitting venue for the debut of the new 9-5 in North America,” said Jay Spenchian, Saab USA general manager. “Saab launched its American automotive activities almost 50 years ago in New England, and it is still a core area for our business. Over 400,000 Saab 9-5s have been sold so far worldwide, many in the Boston area. The debut of the new 9-5 here is a tribute to its loyal following in this area.” Simultaneously, Saab USA released prices for the 2006 9-5 Sedan and SportCombi 5-door, which have received a comprehensive refresh for the new model year. The well-equipped 9-5 2.3T Sedan with 260 hp engine will go on sale in December with a base MSRP of $34,820, while the 2.3T SportCombi 5-door will be priced as of $35,820. Both prices include delivery charges. The 2006 Saab 9-5 Sedan and SportCombi build on the brand's core values of progressive design and sporty driver involvement by incorporating new styling and improved handling characteristics. It features all-new front bodywork, with a bold new 'face' inspired by the Saab 9X concept car, and a fresh look inside that includes an updated dashboard and interior trim. Excellent chassis dynamics have been further refined to give the driver even closer control with faster, more direct responses for sportier handling characteristics. This has been achieved without compromising ride quality and refinement. Under the hood, the new range offers increased power, with 260 hp now available in all 2006 Saab 9-5 models. “The 9-5 continues to be the flagship of the Saab car portfolio,” Spenchian said. “The simplified line-up, which offers significantly more equipment for even more attractive prices, is yet another clear example of Saab’s excellent value promise in the highly competitive premium car segment. Together with the bolder styling and increased refinement throughout the vehicle, this will allow the 9-5 to keep playing a very important role in Saab USA ’s strategy to grow sales and profitability.” The standard equipment of the 2006 Saab 9-5 reflects a ‘blending’ of the former Arc and Aero models into one single version: the 9-5 2.3T. The $34,820 starting MSRP of the 2006 9-5 Sedan reflects a decrease of $2,150 versus the 9-5 Arc in 2005. On a comparably equipped basis there is even an even larger decrease of $3,545. The starting MSRP of the 2006 9-5 SportCombi is $35,820, a decrease of $1,950 versus the 2005 Arc, and on a comparably equipped basis there is a decrease of $3,345. The 2006 Saab 9-5 sedan and SportCombi feature all the standard equipment found on the 2005 Arc model (moonroof, leather, front heated seats, etc.) plus the following: The 2.3T engine now has 260 hp, increased from 250 hp in the 2005 9-5 Aero New 17" x 7.5" twin 5-spoke alloy wheels on 235/45X17 Pirelli all-season tires Memory for driver's seat and outside mirrors Heated rear seat Harman-Kardon tuned audio system 6-CD in-dash changer XM Satellite radio Auxiliary audio input jack Body color-matched door handles and moldings Sport leather steering wheel with metallic button surrounds Auto-dimming mirror with garage door opener and compass Option packages: Visibility Package for $1,295. This package includes; xenon headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, rear park assist and auto-dimming outer mirrors. Sport Package for $1,095. This package includes sport seats, lowered sport chassis and new tinted chrome interior trim on the instrument panel and doors. Regular options: 5-speed Sentronic automatic transmission for $1350 Metallic paint for $550 Navigation for $2795 Ventilated sport seats for $995 OnStar for $699 Roof rails on SportCombi for $250 Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab USA is the importer and distributor of Saab 9-2X, 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. For more information, please visit www.saabusa.com.

[pow]

Wow, a 9-5 is now just $2000 more than a 9-3 2.8T. The 9-5 may be mechanically dated, but it sure has a lot more character than the Germanic 9-3. $2800 is a ridiculous price for sat nav, though.

[budman3]

I'll be there!

[bostonspider]

I saw the 9-5 last night, and thought it looked ok, not any better than it does in pictures. Now the 9-3 SportCombi on the other hand looked great. The Saab display was a little hohum, not too many cars, just the new 9-5 in sedan form, a 9-3 cornvetible, SportCombi, two 9-3 sedans, and a 9-7X, no 9-2X in sight.