New cars: 2010 Saab 9-5 Aero Sedan

Road & Track

When a bankrupt General Motors divested itself of Saab, the Swedish firm was rescued at the 11th hour by Dutch exotic carmaker Spyker. The 9-5 Aero Sedan is the first new model to roll off assembly lines since Saab was saved. Besides a 300-hp turbocharged V6 engine and an all-wheel-drive system that “can deliver tire-squealing grip,” the car comes equipped with the DriveSense system, which can electronically alter suspension and throttle settings.

Automobile

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Although developed under GM, this near-luxury model “looks very much like a Saab” and retains many of the automaker’s signature touches. “The ignition is, of course, located between the seats,” rear passengers are perched high in their seats, and, “yes, it features Saab’s night panel button,” which shuts down all interior lighting other than the speedometer. Even better, some annoying quirks of previous models, such as the “rubbery shift action,” have been eliminated.

Motor Trend

The 9-5 Aero Sedan “is possibly the best-looking interpretation of traditional Saab design ever.” Filled with dark vinyl, leather, and woody trim, the interior is “Swedish modern, if to a fault.” High-tech features include lane-departure warnings and “a parking-assist system that doesn’t steer for you” but instead uses radar to let you know when you’re headed off-course.