Saturn Relay 3.5 i V6 AWD S2 (198 Hp)

The Saturn Relay 3.5i V6 AWD S2 represents Saturn’s entry into the minivan segment, produced from 2004 to 2007. Positioned as a competitor to established American minivans like the Dodge Caravan and Toyota Sienna, the Relay was notable for its unique styling – a departure from the more conservative designs prevalent in the class – and its focus on providing a comfortable and practical family vehicle. The Relay shared its platform with other GM minivans of the era, including the Chevrolet Uplander, Buick Terraza, and Pontiac Montana SV6, a result of General Motors’ strategy to consolidate production and reduce development costs. The “3.5i V6 AWD S2” designation indicates the trim level, engine, and drivetrain configuration, representing a well-equipped variant of the model.

Saturn Relay 3.5i V6 AWD S2: Overview

The Saturn Relay aimed to attract buyers seeking a minivan that offered a blend of functionality, style, and available features. While Saturn as a brand was known for its distinctive designs and customer-focused approach, the Relay’s success was limited, partly due to the brand’s eventual demise and the competitive nature of the minivan market. The S2 trim level offered a step up in features and refinement compared to the base models, making it a popular choice for families prioritizing comfort and convenience. The all-wheel-drive system provided enhanced traction and stability, particularly in inclement weather conditions.

Engine & Performance

Powering the Saturn Relay 3.5i V6 AWD S2 is the GM LX9 3.5-liter V6 engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 198 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 289 Nm (213.16 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3200 rpm. The engine features a 9.8:1 compression ratio and utilizes multi-port fuel injection. The engine’s power output translates to a power-to-weight ratio of 10.8 kg/Hp (92.3 Hp/tonne) and a torque-to-weight ratio of 7.4 kg/Nm (134.7 Nm/tonne). The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The Relay achieves a maximum speed of 177 km/h (109.98 mph). Fuel economy is rated at 13.9 l/100 km (16.9 US mpg) in urban driving and 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg) in extra-urban driving. The engine has a displacement of 3498 cm3 (213.46 cu. in.) and features 2 valves per cylinder.

Design & Features

The Saturn Relay is a five-door minivan with seating for seven passengers. Its exterior styling was characterized by a relatively rounded shape and a distinctive front fascia, reflecting Saturn’s design language of the early 2000s. The Relay offered a spacious interior with flexible seating configurations, allowing for a variety of cargo and passenger arrangements. The rear seats could be folded flat into the floor, creating a large cargo area. The S2 trim level included features such as alloy wheels, upgraded interior trim, and enhanced audio systems. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and front and rear disc brakes. The Relay’s dimensions are 5205 mm (204.92 in.) in length, 1830 mm (72.05 in.) in width, and 1830 mm (72.05 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 3077 mm (121.14 in.). Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 762 liters (26.91 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 3865 liters (136.49 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The fuel tank capacity is 95 liters (25.1 US gal).

Technical Specifications