The Saab 9-3 Aero sport sedan receives an exterior design refresh for 2008, with a more prominent grille, iceblock-inspired taillights, and an overwrap (raised) hood. The Aero also comes equipped with a number of new standard features, including a tire-pressure monitoring system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, XM satellite radio, a year of OnStar, and 16-inch, 14-spoke alloy wheels.

A 252-horsepower, 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 engine powers the front-wheel-drive Aero. The engine links to a full synchromesh six-speed manual transmission with a hydraulically activated clutch, or an optional Sentronic six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shifting mode.

The 2008 9-3 Aero rides on a sport-tuned chassis and comes equipped with leather-appointed sport seats and a leather-trimmed Aero sport steering wheel with aluminum accents. Other standard features for the 2008 9-3 Aero include a cooled glove box, interior metallic trim, automatic climate control, antilock brakes, traction control, daytime running lights, and an electronic stability system.

Later in the model year, Saab will also add an optional electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system, called XWD, or cross-wheel drive.

Test drivers and reviewers have noted that while the Saab 9-3 Aero has a more aerodynamic exterior appearance and a comfortable, well-appointed cabin, it still lacks in areas such as the suspension, steering, and overall handling, especially when compared to some of its sport sedan competition. However, stability and handling greatly improve with the addition of the new XWD system, according to some reviewers.