Saab had a long and distinguished history but, under General Motors’ ownership, its products were sub-par for the premium segment. Even though GM sold it and the new management tried to revive it, it was so deep in the red that, eventually, it had to declare bankruptcy.
Ironically, the Swedish automaker had released its best car ever: the all-new 9-5 sedan and estate. The model had an extremely short lifespan, with production operational only between 2009 and 2011. Overall, though, it was received pretty well, as it was the first competitive car to emerge out of Trolhattan for a very long time.
National Electric Vehicle Sweden, which acquired the company, didn’t manage to secure neither the rights to the 9-5 tech, so it rolls out 9-3-based EVs. For all we know, Saab is dead, so, until we hear otherwise, renderings such as this one from Joe Zechnas are the closest thing to picturing what a brand new 9-5 might look like.
The designer dubbed it the NEVS 9-5, as the Chinese consortium failed to get the Saab name or logo. So where does that leave this one?
Styling-wise, it certainly is elegant, with the front end resembling that of the impressive 2011 Saab PhoeniX concept. Unlike the last generation, this one looks bigger than a BMW 5-Series/Audi A6/Mercedes E-Class rival, so that would make it a large luxury saloon. Does that make it more or less intriguing? Feel free to sound off below.
