In defense of GM's Saab?
Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 1:10AM I think a lot of people have hated on GM's management of the Saab brand. And with good reason. Some of the cars were lackluster, and their overpriced WRX-based 9-2X, and bloated Envoy-clone 9-7X were boneheaded line extensions par excellence. However, just as Pontiac bowed out with the surprisingly refined and competent G8 sedan, it seems like GM finally nailed it and produced something really gorgeous and compelling with the latest 9-5 sedan right before selling off the brand(Saab, you owe me big time for this plug!).
;)
The new 9-5 really carries off the Nordic cleanliness that Saab should be about (clear influence from the stunning Aero X concept car can be seen throughout), while exuding the gravitas and presence that its German competitors have down to a science. It's a pity that in both Saab and Pontiac's cases, the cumulative effects of years of mismanagement proved too great a burden to be saved by one great design.
You don't see that many brand new Saabs on the road these days, but this 9-5 on the street in midtown stopped me in my tracks and took my breath away. The stance, the detailing, the distinctive look. They really got this one right, at least from the outside. If Saab ever re-starts production, (they currently are so broke they can't pay their suppliers and are awaiting a government bailout in Sweden) it's a shame that Jason Castriota will probably ruin this understated, elegant new brand language before it even can spread across the whole product line. I'm glad GM survived the "carpocalypse" but it's a shame that Saab might be robbed of its potential as a result.
9-5, Design, GM, GM Styling, Saab, street sighting in Musings, Street Sightings
Reader Comments (7)
I completely agree. When I see a brand new 9-5 on the road, I have to applaud the owner for going against the grain by choosing this car and not the default MB, BMW Audi etc. As nice as the new version is, I also admired the original 9-5, especially in SportCombi form. No doubt, the new SportCombi is even more beautiful. I'd even go as far as to say that it's the most beautiful wagon on the road today. This company, with its rich heritage deserves to survive. However, based upon the recent news of Saab's situation, it remains to be seen. I had to chuckle at the following comment posted on a well known automotive blog:
'Saab is like a child in the classroom that has gotten in trouble for faking having to go to the bathroom but now really needs to go and the teacher won't give out a hall pass. Instead, Saab is sent to the school principal who tries to figure out how discipline the student who is sitting there squirming the whole time. Eventually, pee pants.'
I agree that the new 9-5 looks great, and I just wanted to add that the newness of the car makes it all the much more amazing. That it's a brand new design, with such clean and freeform shapes, it certainly looks great. Moreover, no one is used to seeing them on the streets at all. i wonder if seeing a new saab 900 back in 1978 with its wraparound windshield and strange rear window must have looked wild compared to the contemporary E12 BMWs
agreed. it is a beautiful car.....one of the best looking sedans on sale at the moment. I've always held a HUGE soft spot in my heart for Saab....and i still have hope that douchebag Castriota won't entirely ruin it......but that being said, i think he will...
i know this probably puts me in the minority, but i'm going to say i liked the old one better. the new one is too big. period. to my eyes, i see yet another victim of model bloat.
Yes it is big, I will concede. But it looks more like a substantial euro luxury sedan now than a very expensive hatchback. But your point is taken.
Saw a White one today. I prefer darker colors, but it is a remarkable looking car.