Test report - we drive the Saab 9-5 2.3t Arc

The Saab 9-5 2.3t Arc Sedan slowly rolls off the premises of Saab Service Frankfurt. Before that he gave a small, unscheduled workshop stay. A servomotor of the automatic air conditioning had said goodbye. Nothing major...fixed quickly and competently. And no drama with a car that already has 15 years on the body.

However, our test vehicle is not a normal Saab from previous ownership, because he got a new heart, meaning engine. But the story from the beginning. The 9-5 sedan has little mileage with just over 100.000 kilometers and is a typical retiree car. Well-kept, with minor traces of wear, a nice car with a comprehensible story. In the Arc equipment, which is quite rare.

Saab 9-5 2.3t Arc at Saab Service Frankfurt
Saab 9-5 2.3t Arc at Saab Service Frankfurt

The Saab 9-5 2.3t Arc is a solid appearance

The Arc version differs from the Vector sedans in that it features light precious wood inlays, genuine leather in the door panels and special 16″ rims. The dignified variant was bought by older gentlemen who could have chosen a Jaguar if it hadn't been so conspicuous. Young dynamic riders, on the other hand, preferred the Vector or Aero level.

I personally like the Arc package. The light wood makes the interior sympathetically Scandinavian.

At 104.000 kilometers the 9-5 had an engine failure, but that should not be the end of its story. Orio, supplier of genuine Saab parts, is offering an engine promotion to keep our vehicles on the road.

Saab engines with discounts of up to over 50% and a 3-year guarantee make it worth considering reinvigorating well-bodied vehicles with a heart transplant. You will be similar in Kiel thought where the Saab 9-5 2.3t got a new engine, an overhauled chassis and extended rust protection.

An old Saab and a new engine

A good friend fell in love with the limousine, and the 3-year guarantee on the new engine was an unbeatable argument. The price was just as right, and so the Saab came from the north to Hesse.

The interesting question: how does a 15-year-old 9-5 drive with a new machine?

The answer: Totally relaxed.

The 2.3t engine with its 185 hp and 280 Nm is a pleasant source of power. When starting, he growls, just like the thick 4-cylinder like to do. That makes him likeable. Already at 1.800 revs, the sedan has real power. The 5-speed automatic is well coordinated, shifts smoothly and harmonises with the comfort motorization.

On the highway, 180 kilometers per hour are faster on the speedometer than you think - the Saab is really fast on the road.

The Arc is not an athlete

The chassis fits that. It is designed to be gently dampening; the Arc is not an athlete, the sedan becomes a classy and comfortable glider. 600 kilometers in one go - pure pleasure. We have already tried it, long-distance is a domain of the Saab 9-5 2.3t Arc.

The classic fittings with the turbo display are wonderful, the impression in the interior is dignified, the workmanship without defects. Nothing rattles, the audio system has a good sound, the slot for playing cassettes alone is a reminder that 2001 was a damn long time ago.

Consumption is okay too. The Swedes gave an average of 10,00 liters. That is true with a tested 10,2 liters and not yet broken in machine. Of course it is more economical, if you like. Motorway driving at the recommended speed, relaxed gliding over the country road rewards the big Saab with values ​​that are significantly lower. The manufacturer noted 7,2 liters as a consumption value for cross-country trips, which should be close to reality.

Unfortunately, the 9-5 is not a hatchback, but it was a great hit by the Swedes. The facelift version from 2001 in particular still looks modern today, while the previous vehicles with the traditional grille are already drifting in the direction of classics. Nevertheless, 15 years are 15 years and the Saab is an old car.

Dignified, with a sense of understatement

You notice it positively in the good all-round view and the large window areas. You can feel it in the built-in materials, which are honest and dignified, but not premium. He drives calmly, relaxed, very analogue, if necessary you can be on the road quickly.

Then the turbo kicks in, there are over 200 on the speedometer, while the Trollhättan sedan remains acoustically reserved.

And? Does it make sense to transplant a new engine into an old car? As a Saab fan, I am of course for it with my heart. And it's one of those rare occasions where the heart and mind go hand in hand. Yes, it makes sense to keep old vehicles alive. You conserve resources, do something for the environment, act responsibly.

That mind and the pursuit of individuality are compatible makes the operation even more appealing. More solid, economical, with more sense of understatement and style than in an 2001 Saab 9 5 2.3t Arc sedan, you can barely be on the move.

19 Comments
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Alexandra
Alexandra
7 years earlier

Nice report about the Saab
I drive 2 months myself 2004 9 5 2,3t Arc with 196tkm and am totally satisfied.
Before that, I had the 3.0L V6 Griffin from 2001. It was nice too, only the 2,3t is just more sparkling and more economical
I hope that it stays with me for a long time… .Forever Love 🙂

Higgens-69
Higgens-69
7 years earlier

Yes, even from my side, thanks.
Reports about the Saab 9-5 always interest me. However, I prefer the station wagon. The equipment of the “Arc” is really very dignified. I can use the description of the limousine you have prepared for my model exactly. The (first) engine runs silky smooth despite its past 275tkm, the music system has a great sound and although my 9-5 has actually done a lot, I can confirm that nothing rattles in the interior. The interior still looks high quality. Just great!
Your light walnut wood is acceptable, better at least than the later introduced burl. I prefer the carbon fairing. The engine with 185PS is also installed in my plane and sufficient in terms of performance. The exterior paint shown in the pictures looks like steel gray, I would have wished you the smoke gray version. The latter is indeed timelessly beautiful.
Finally: The 9-5 is an exceptional talent! Family car, workhorse and comfortable travel companion in one. Too bad that his line has come to an end.
If possible: What have the wishbones, including bushings plus installation cost?

Dirk
Dirk
7 years earlier

It's these nice reports that make this blog special - and the Paul project is just sensational! Thanks Tom!

saab_owl
saab_owl
7 years earlier

Were "only" worn suspension parts replaced with the Arc or was the aero sports suspension installed?

Saabist
Saabist
7 years earlier

My 95 SC Aero also has a new engine and now 250 ′ on the clock. Nevertheless, the car still drives perfectly. The transmission shifts smoothly and the car really starts in sport mode. The seats and interior still look very good. The car is more than reliable and completely trouble-free.

Colleagues who have newer Audi, BMW and Mercedes are surprised how quiet and great the car is and how to sit on the ventilated seats.

Too bad that often one does not see the potential and the good cars become less and less.
So, in my opinion, it's always worthwhile

mc55
mc55
7 years earlier

My 9-5 Brabus also had a heart transplant. I do not regret it. Throwing is just not possible, would be too much.

tom7364
tom7364
7 years earlier

What I do not understand about the engine program: why is the regular selling price of the B235R lower than with B235 and B205?

Franc troll
Franc troll
7 years earlier
Reply to  tom7364

Presumably there are more B235R in stock? Just a clue

Herbert Hürsch
Herbert Hürsch
7 years earlier

Monday, lunch break, SAAB.

The blog is really reliable! And this time the article is also nice analog.

He also discusses sustainability in the outgoing Carbonicum * and the beginning of Prätron ** (the age of the extensive use of fossil fuels or the timid start of e-mobility).

I can well imagine that receipt will become a broad trend. The desire for brand-new combustion engines is now gone. Two years ago I was really hot for it ...
Until there is something new and really different, I prefer to spend my money on spare parts and service.

Lars II
Lars II
7 years earlier

Beautiful Arc, good decision to transplant a new heart!

mac9-5
mac9-5
7 years earlier

Ooooh…. an arc…..very nice. 🙂

I also enjoyed my former 9-5 2.3t Arc!
( http://saabblog.net/2012/03/20/saab-fotoshooting-saab-9-5-2-3t-arc-sportkombi-2002/ ) 🙂

I could have done without the root wood, but it was included in the package and was at least nice and “matt”!
But the leather seats (with us with ventilation) were really awesome.
And the rest of the interior also looked coherent and correspondingly “valuable”.

The 185 PS were of course (compared to other “livelier” Saabs) not that “hit”.
But of course you still reached your destination quickly and relaxed and there was always enough for the “little country road sprint in between”.
Well, and with a little deer cure, the “living room” also looked a bit livelier (and on country roads and autobahns I was able to move it under 9l with it)!

thylmuc
7 years earlier

what is contained in the “engine”?

thylmuc
7 years earlier
Reply to  Tom

So injection system is included?