A Saab 9-5 Aero sedan, seen in Beijing’s Wangjing District. The speedy Swede was painted in black and stood on shiny multispoke wheels. It appeared to be in perfect shape.
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The first generation Saab 9-5 was manufactured from 1997 until 2009, with a facelift in 2005. Our Beijing car is a facelifted example.
The 9-5 Aero was powered by a turbocharged 2.3 liter four-cylinder petrol engine, good for 260 hp and 370 Nm. Zero to one hundred was gone in 6.5 seconds.
In 2009 General Motors sold the rights, and production equipment, for the first generation Saab 9-5 and second generation Saab 9-3 to Beijing Auto. The deal included the Saab 2.0 and 2.3 liter turbocharged engines. Beijing Auto continues to use the platforms and engines for various vehicles, all of which we will see later on on these pages.
The first generation Saab 9-5 was officially sold in China; in Arc, Vector, and Aero trim. In 2006 the price of the Aero started at a massive 549.000 yuan. A lot of money for the day, and a lot to compared to its competitors. No wonder the 9-5 is a rare car…
The interior looked very fresh, with the original radio set and original leather seats. Key hole is on the tunnel, as in almost every Saab, and the gear lever is a true giant.
Weapon-like wheels, very good looking.
The small Aero badge on the back. No 9-5 badges on this car.
I never really liked the shiny headlight frames, but it did make the 9-5 stand out.
Have you seen a similar Saab in China? Show us! You can upload images in the comments below.