2010 Saab 9-5 - Review

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After what has got to be one of the most tumultuous gestations in recent automotive history, the 2010 Saab 9-5 is now just months away from hitting showrooms. Having endured the lengthy sale process between GM and Spyker, Saab is finally readying its new 9-5 for sale and has revealed that the range-topping Aero will start at $49,990 when it goes on sale this July.

That may be a significant leap over the 2009 model’s $42,000 asking price but remember that the new model in Aero trim will come with a 300 horsepower 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6, XWD all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. However, the new car's also a significant leap -- it's completely new, and shares some of its structural pieces with GM cars such as the 2010 Buick LaCrosse.

Saab expects less expensive versions will arrive this fall as 2011 models. They will include a 220-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder model with front-wheel drive that will start under $40,000.

Upmarket cars will feature the aforementioned XWD system, a sports suspension, an electronic limited slip differential, and Saab’s new DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control.

We haven't yet driven the new 2010 9-5, but we're assigning a tentative rating here based on firsthand experience with the 9-5 at auto shows. Stay tuned for a full drive in July, when we'll assign our final score to the new Saab.