The 2010 Saab 9-5 will hit showrooms this summer with a $50,000 price tag. 07/19/2010
Three months away from hitting showrooms, Saab Automobile has suggested a retail price of $49,990 for its all-new 2010 Saab 9-5 sedan, almost $10,000 more expensive than the outgoing 2009 model.
But Saab said the latest model is a different class of its own. The 2010 version comes with a 300 horsepower 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6 that was a joint effort of Saab and General Motors. It also sports an XWD all-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic transmission.
The first-generation 9-5 models, priced a little over $40,000, were powered by 2.3-liter turbocharged inline four cylinder engine. Saab said a 2-liter model will follow for 2011 with prices starting at under $40,000.
The New York Times' blog "Wheels" reported that the 9-5 sedan will likely compete in the same league as traditional heavyweights Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the BMW 5 Series and the Audi A6.
"Success rides on how much Spyker is willing to invest in the long-term game to regain consumer trust and dedication to the discerning high-end Swedish aesthetic," the blog noted.
The 9-5 sedan was mostly developed in Saab's headquarters in Trollhättan, Sweden. The company had earlier announced its plans to build 65,000 cars for 2010 and 100,000 cars for 2011.