Model Year 2005: Summary
Saab 2005 Model Year Highlights
Two all-new product lines – the 9-2X all-wheel-drive premium sport compact and 9-7X all-wheel-drive midsize SUV – join Saab’s product portfolio in 2005. The new vehicles complement the 9-3 Sport Sedan and Convertible and the 9-5 sedan and SportWagon to comprise the broadest, most diverse lineup in Saab’s history.
The last several years have seen an unprecedented level of product development, starting with the redesigned 9-5 in 2002, the all-new 9-3 Sport Sedan in 2003 and the 9-3 Convertible in 2004. Forging in to markets previously untapped by Saab, the 9-2X and 9-7X bring the brand’s heritage, premium appointments and Scandinavian flair to entirely new audiences.
The 9-2X, available with two four-cylinder engines – including a 227-horsepower turbocharged version – is designed for drivers who appreciate the performance and driving dynamics of sport compact vehicles, but demand a high level of luxury and convenience.
With the 9-7X, Saab enters the growing mid-luxury SUV market with a responsive, sophisticated package of capability and performance. Available with an inline-six-cylinder or V-8 engine, all models come with an automatic all-wheel-drive system.
"Both the 9-2X and 9-7X represent the continually expanding dimensions to our product offerings," said Peter Augustsson, Saab's President and CEO. "Each has a unique personality and capabilities, but like the 9-5 and 9-3, they are fundamentally enthusiast vehicles – they are for people who like to drive.”
Saab 9-2X
The 9-2X is available in two models: the 9-2X Linear, with a responsive, 165-hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine, and the high-performance 9-2X Aero, with a 227-horsepower turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L engine.
For many customers, the Saab 9-2X will be their first premium brand vehicle, as prices start below $23,000. Customer surveys show that up to 40 percent of Americans are looking for all-wheel drive in their next vehicle – it’s a standard feature with the 9-2X. As customers would expect from Saab, the 9-2X features excellent driving dynamics plus the versatility of its five-door hatchback body style.
Saab 9-3
All Saab 9-3 models for 2005 are equipped with a four-cylinder, turbocharged engine that – depending on the application – delivers 175 horsepower or 210 horsepower. Putting that power to the pavement is a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic with Saab Sentronic manual shift capability.
All-new in 2004, the popular 9-3 Convertible expands its lineup for ’05 with three models: a new, lower-priced, 175-hp Linear joining the 210-hp Arc and Aero. Saab engineers developed the architecture for the 9-3 Convertible and Sport Sedan concurrently, enabling them to incorporate their demanding requirements for an open-top car from the very start. The result is a premium convertible with a level of structural integrity, build quality and running refinement that positions it at the top of its class.
Linear models for both the Sport Sedan and Convertible receive 16-inch wheels as standard in 2005, along with metallic trim rings in the instrument cluster, similar to Arc and Aero models. A new hands-free phone preparation kit is available for all 9-3 models, along with several new exterior colors. The 9-3 Arc includes an optional “Driver’s Package,” that includes an impressive amount of equipment for a reasonable price, including genuine red walnut trim (Sport Sedan) or poplar wood (Convertible), in-dash 6-disc CD changer, Saab Rear Park Assist, rain-sensing wipers and more.
A new, integrated navigation system, utilizing GPS and DVD mapping with voice guidance and easy-to-read symbols in the Saab Information Display (SID), is available in Arc and Aero models. An auxiliary input jack has been added as standard equipment in the center console of Arc and Aero to allow playback of an MP3 player through the car’s speaker system. Aero’s 17-inch light-alloy wheels are now mounted with all-season tires.
Saab 9-5
Saab 9-5 model designations, or “forms," continue to give customers three distinct vehicle personalities from which to choose: Linear SportWagon, Arc sedan and SportWagon, and Aero sedan and SportWagon. Each form is matched with unique interior trim, upholstery, wheel package and powertrain. Arc and Aero models now offer an optional new DVD-based navigation system with a trunk-mounted six-CD changer, audio equalizer and MP3 compatibility. Other changes include a stylish new 16-inch, 18-spoke wheel design for Arc models and a freshened palette of exterior colors, including Parchment Silver, Smoke Beige and Chili Red, for all 9-5 models. For a sportier look, the 9-5 SportWagon now features a smooth roof without roof rails, which become optional.
The all-turbo powertain includes a choice of three 2.3L turbocharged and intercooled engines and a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission incorporating Saab Sentronic manual gear selection. Arc and Aero models with Sentronic include steering-wheel-mounted paddle shift capability.
Linear features a 185-hp light-pressure turbo, Arc is powered by a 220-hp full-pressure turbo, and the high-performance Aero receives the 2.3L High-Output Turbo (HOT) engine, rated at 250 horsepower. The standard 17-inch wheels on Aero and the 17-inch wheel package for Arc now include all-season tires. Saab Rear Park Assist is now standard on Aero models.
Optional OnStar telematics is now digital capable, and provides access to an added service for 2005. OnStar has partnered with Verizon wireless so that Saab owners who use Verizon service are now able to forward calls between their handheld phone and their OnStar integrated phone.
Saab 9-7X
The new 9-7X, with automatic all-wheel drive, brings unique Saab characteristics to the burgeoning mid-luxury SUV segment, including: sophisticated exterior and interior styling, premium design features and quality, a chassis tuned to deliver sporty and fun-to-drive performance and a Saab-designed cabin environment that includes an ignition cylinder in the center console area between the front seats. Developed from the award-winning General Motors GMT360 architecture, the 9-7X is scheduled to go on sale in spring, 2005.
The Saab 9-7X will be positioned in the $37,000- to $45,000-price bracket, with the I-6-powered 9-7X Linear leading the lineup. The 9-7X Arc, with its 5.3L V-8 delivering an estimated 300 horsepower, is aimed at premium SUV customers who demand uncompromising performance. Standard equipment for both models includes leather-trimmed heated seats, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, all-wheel drive and a state-of-the-art sound system.