The Saab 9-5 Sport Combi (facelift 2005) 2.3 Turbo Sentronic represents a refined iteration of Saab’s executive wagon, produced from 2005 to 2010. Positioned within the mid-size luxury segment, the Sport Combi offered a compelling blend of practicality, performance, and distinctive Scandinavian design. This facelifted version built upon the original 9-5 platform, introducing updated styling cues, enhanced safety features, and a focus on driver comfort. While Saab as a brand ultimately ceased production, the 9-5 Sport Combi remains a notable vehicle for its unique character and engineering.
The Saab 9-5 Sport Combi: A Detailed Overview
The 9-5 Sport Combi was Saab’s answer to the growing demand for versatile, premium wagons. It catered to buyers who desired the space and utility of a station wagon without sacrificing the sophistication and driving experience expected from a luxury vehicle. The “Combi” designation, used by Saab for its wagons, signified a commitment to practicality and load-carrying capacity. The 2005 facelift brought subtle but significant changes to the exterior, including revised front and rear fascias, updated lighting, and interior enhancements. The 2.3 Turbo Sentronic model, specifically, was a popular choice, offering a strong balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the 9-5 Sport Combi 2.3 Turbo Sentronic lies a 2.3-liter inline-four cylinder engine, turbocharged and intercooled. This powerplant delivers 260 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 350 Nm (258.15 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1900 and 4500 rpm. The engine’s robust torque curve provides strong acceleration across a wide range of engine speeds, making it well-suited for both highway cruising and spirited driving. Power per liter is an impressive 113.5 hp/l. The “Sentronic” designation refers to Saab’s five-speed automatic transmission, offering both fully automatic operation and manual shift control. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 8.5 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in a calculated 8.1 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 245 km/h (152.24 mph). Fuel consumption, as measured by the NEDC standard, is rated at 10.2 l/100 km combined (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg), with urban figures reaching 15.4 l/100 km (15.3 US mpg, 18.3 UK mpg) and extra-urban consumption at 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg). CO2 emissions are rated at 244 g/km, meeting Euro 4 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Saab 9-5 Sport Combi is instantly recognizable by its distinctive styling, characterized by clean lines, a wraparound cabin design, and a focus on aerodynamic efficiency. As a station wagon, it offers a generous 416 liters (14.69 cu. ft.) of trunk space with the rear seats up, expanding to a substantial 1490 liters (52.62 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The vehicle comfortably seats five passengers and features five doors for easy access. Safety was a key consideration in the design of the 9-5 Sport Combi, with standard features including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a robust chassis structure. The interior is designed with a driver-centric layout, emphasizing ergonomics and ease of use. The vehicle’s dimensions include a length of 4841 mm (190.59 in.), a width of 1792 mm (70.55 in.), and a height of 1459 mm (57.44 in.). The wheelbase measures 2703 mm (106.42 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Saab |
| Model | 9-5 |
| Generation | 9-5 Sport Combi (facelift 2005) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.3 Turbo (260 Hp) Sentronic |
| Start of production | 2005 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 15.4 l/100 km (15.3 US mpg, 18.3 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 244 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 245 km/h (152.24 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Power | 260 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1900-4500 rpm (258.15 lb.-ft. @ 1900-4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B235R |
| Engine displacement | 2290 cm3 (139.74 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.4 l (7.82 US qt | 6.51 UK qt) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 416 l (14.69 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1490 l (52.62 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4841 mm (190.59 in.) |
| Width | 1792 mm (70.55 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2070 mm (81.5 in.) |
| Height | 1459 mm (57.44 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2703 mm (106.42 in.) |
| Front track | 1522 mm (59.92 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1528 mm (60.16 in.) |
| Front overhang | 1031 mm (40.59 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1106 mm (43.54 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.8 m (35.43 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission Sentronic |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 308 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 286 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 17 |


