2011 Saab 9-5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$38,525 to $49,565

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(11 reviews)
2011 Saab 9-5 Preview summaryImage

Reworked and repowered, the 2011 Saab 9-5 is poised to put the Swedish automaker – and jet maker – back in the game. This sprightly, midsize five-passenger luxury sedan offers a choice of turbocharged engines, part-time all-wheel drive (AWD), standard leather upholstery across the lineup, and a respectable 18 cubic feet of trunk space. Upper-level 9-5 trims also offer Saab’s new Drivesense driver-adaptable suspension, which allows the choice of Comfort, Sport, or Intelligent mode. Standard creature comforts are plentiful, as are a boatload of safety features. All this is loaded onto GM’s Epsilon II platform, making this top-shelf sedan a considerably larger automobile than many Saab owners are used to, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The 2011 9-5 will debut in early 2010 with the flagship Aero XWD trim leading the way. Expected to follow shortly are the base Turbo4, lower midlevel Turbo4 Premium, and the higher midlevel Turbo6 XWD. Competition, meanwhile, is fierce and includes the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Acura RL, Audi A6, and Lexus GS 350, among others. The 9-5 obviously has its work cut out for it.

For 2011, the 9-5 offers the choice of either a turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine (I4) or V6 turbo powerplant. The 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 is delivered with the front-wheel-drive-only (FWD) Turbo4 and Turbo4 Premium trims, and puts out 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. These ponies are managed by a standard six-speed manual transmission in the Turbo4 and a six-speed auto-manual in the Turbo4 Premium. Of course, the auto-manual transmission can be selected as an option with the base Turbo4, as well. Mileage figures are unavailable for the I4 as yet, but don’t expect Prius-like fuel efficiency. Moving up to the 9-5 Turbo6 XWD and Aero XWD, expect the standard 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 to deliver 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, again with a six-speed auto-manual transmission in both trims. The 9-5’s XWD system is actually full-time AWD that throws 60% of torque to the rear wheels under normal conditions. When slippage is detected in the either of the rear wheels, XWD transfers added torque to the wheel with the most grip. The XWD configuration is designed to mitigate under-steer and help drivers regain control should the 9-5 go into a skid.

Appearance, comfort, and convenience features abound in the 2011 9-5, with the base Turbo4 offering standard 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-trimmed seats, dual-zone climate control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering with mounted audio and cruise controls, remote keyless entry, power windows, door locks, and heated mirrors, OnStar Directions and Connections, universal remote garage door opener, leather and alloy steering wheel and dashboard accents, cooled glovebox, single-CD player with nine speakers and XM satellite radio, Bluetooth technology, and a USB connection. The Turbo4 Premium, meanwhile, adds 18-inch alloy wheels, remote engine start, power-folding outside mirrors, and a power moonroof, all standard. Moving up to the Turbo6 XWD means standard headlight washers and added satellite radio service, while the Aero XWD throws in standard perforated leather upholstery, unique Aero appliqués and emblems, sport pedals and steering wheel, and upgraded cabin accents.

Options are mainly confined to the Turbo4 Premium and above trims, and include Harman Kardon surround sound audio, DVD navigation, 40GB music storage capacity, rear-seat DVD entertainment, and tri-zone climate control, with the Aero XWD additionally offering available 19-inch, 11-spoke aluminum wheels and a ventilated driver’s seat.

Safety features for the 2011 9-5 include four-wheel ABS, traction control, Saab’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP), dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, front and rear parking sensors, turn-signal-integrated mirrors, front fog/driving lights, and remote anti-theft alarm. Optional safety equipment for the Turbo4 Premium and above includes a head-up display, lane departure warning system, and self-leveling headlights.

With the next-generation 2011 9-5, Saab, once a subsidiary of the ailing GM Corporation and now owned by Stryker Motors, hopes to reinvent its ebbing image. Time will tell if this massively updated sedan will do the job.

Published May 31, 2022 by Eric Tallberg

User reviews for 2011 Saab 9-5

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User rating:
by David L
Jun 11, 2023
The speed and ride quality of the Saab 9-5 is compatible with most modern cars and in most cases better. Although the car is now 12 - 13 years old, the technology is could be an issue for some, but I enjoy everything about the Saab 9-5.Jun 11, 2023
by Rick E
May 20, 2023
Like the SAAB approach to autos with their high tech Swedish technology. What I question is due to ownership by General Motors at the time the car has a Buick chassis and a GM engine. That sets me back a bit. Own 2 SAAB 9-5s, both 100% Swedish, am experienced with the marque.May 20, 2023
by Anthony H
Apr 20, 2022
This is a type of car that you can’t find with decent conditions in the market. I have spent at least 8 months to search for these car S, but I have to give it up.Apr 20, 2022

2011 Saab 9-5 Pricing

Original MSRP
$38,525 to $49,565
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.1 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.75

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · IPod auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 40GB · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Harman/Kardon premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.1 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.33

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system w/voice activation · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 40GB · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Harman/Kardon premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.1 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.20

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system w/voice activation · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 40GB · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Harman/Kardon premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · XM satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.1 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.20 · Limited slip differential: rear

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed · Ventilated: front

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Damper Control: frequency selective · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system w/voice activation · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Diameter: 19 · Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: aluminum

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (4)