The 2010 Saab 9-5NG was supposed to be a rebirth. Instead, it became a requiem—a car that represented both Saab’s engineering ethos and the brutal realities of a niche automaker struggling against industry titans.
Two days ago, JayEmm on Cars—the popular YouTube channel hosted by British journalist James Martin (nearly 500,000 subscribers)—released a comprehensive review of this rare sedan, which already has over 60,000 views. The video is more than a test drive; it’s a post-mortem on how Saab, despite GM backing and a promising flagship, failed to survive.
Watch the full video here:
Below, we break down James’s insights, contextualize the 9-5NG within Saab’s history, and explain why this video resonates with Saab fans worldwide.
The final flagship: a sedan caught between eras
The 2010 Saab 9-5NG was Saab’s last new model before production ceased in 2011, with roughly 11,000 units built—most in sedan form, and just 33 SportCombi wagons, of which 27 are known to survive. The car was developed under General Motors, riding on the Global Epsilon platform, shared with the Opel Insignia. Engine choices ranged from a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder to the 2.8L turbo V6, with manual or automatic gearboxes and optional all-wheel drive.
James notes that, at first glance, the 9-5NG remains a handsome, distinctly Saab-styled car. Its wraparound roofline, LED light bar, and expansive rear legroom and cargo space (515 liters) were standout features. Yet, the car’s weight—1.8 tons for the 2.0T and nearly 2 tons for the V6—blunted performance, even with the more potent engines.
For Saab loyalists, this model feels like a bridge between the quirky, independent Saab DNA and a corporate GM product—a tension that defined the brand’s twilight years.
Where Saab’s identity met GM’s pragmatism
Saab’s collaboration with GM was a double-edged sword. GM provided platforms, engines, and financial support, but Saab’s tendency to reengineer components—such as rejecting GM’s navigation system in favor of its own—drove up costs and irritated Detroit. As James recalls, Saab’s cars often couldn’t be built on the same lines as their Opel/Vauxhall cousins because of these deviations.
This stubbornness preserved Saab’s individuality but contributed to GM’s decision to sell the brand during the 2008–2009 financial crisis. Potential buyers included Koenigsegg and ultimately Spyker Cars, the latter an unlikely steward that lacked the scale or resources to stabilize Saab.
Internally, Saab faced the reality that, despite innovations like Night Panel and safety engineering, its sales volumes (135,000 cars in its best year) were a fraction of Volvo’s, making survival as a standalone automaker nearly impossible.
For readers interested in Saab’s engineering quirks like Night Panel, check out our deep dive: Saab Night Panel – Aircraft-Inspired Focus.
Strengths in design, weaknesses in execution
While James praises the 9-5NG’s styling and cabin space, he highlights two persistent criticisms: interior quality and dynamic performance. Even the top Aero trim suffers from plasticky GM-grade materials that don’t match the price point, especially when compared to Mercedes-Benz C-Class or BMW 5 Series rivals.
On the road, the 2.0T manual tested in the video struggles with acceleration, particularly given the car’s mass. The ride is fidgety on 19-inch wheels, though steering feedback and gearbox action earn praise. As James remarks, the 9-5NG feels agile “for its size,” but lacks the dynamic sparkle of its German competition.
The verdict? It’s a comfortable, stylish cruiser rather than a sports sedan, appealing primarily to dedicated Saab enthusiasts rather than conquest buyers.
The challenge of keeping one alive today
Owning a 9-5NG is not for the faint of heart. James warns that while mechanical parts (engines, transmissions) are shared with GM models, body panels, LED lighting, and Saab-specific electronics are rare. Even a minor accident can render one a write-off due to the scarcity of replacement panels.
He cites the example of Sha, the car’s owner in the review, who had to resolder failed LED taillights because replacements simply don’t exist. These realities make the 9-5NG a car for enthusiasts willing to hunt or fabricate parts, rather than those seeking a practical daily driver.
For a look at how owners tackle such challenges, see our coverage of Saab parts initiatives like SSK Reservdelar AB: Svenska Saabklubben Launches New Parts Store.
Saab’s swan song and the NEVS aftermath
The 9-5NG’s story doesn’t end with Saab’s 2011 bankruptcy. National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) attempted to relaunch Saab as an EV maker, using the Trollhättan factory and some of Saab’s intellectual property. But financial instability and shifting market conditions led to the collapse of those ambitions. Today, Saab’s automotive legacy lives on only through museums, clubs, and dedicated owners, while the Saab name survives in aerospace and commercial sectors.
James concludes his review with a note of respect: despite its flaws, the 9-5NG shows that even in its final moments, Saab still offered something distinctive—an alternative to the mainstream, built for those who wanted something different.
Why this video matters to Saab enthusiasts
With its blend of historical context, candid driving impressions, and an honest look at ownership challenges, James Martin’s review serves as both a tribute and a reality check. For those who admire Saab’s spirit, the 9-5NG represents a poignant reminder of what the brand stood for—and why it ultimately couldn’t survive.
For more on Saab’s late-era models and their enduring cult following, explore our analysis of the 9-5NG SportCombi rarity: Three Ultra-Rare Saab 9-5NG SportCombis Hit the Market.
Another take on the 9-5NG: Marcus’s deep dive
For those who want a different perspective on Saab’s final flagship, check out Marcus’s review of the 9-5NG. His video takes a closer look at the sedan’s road manners and ownership realities, complementing JayEmm’s broader historical context.
Watch and read here:
Rediscover the Saab 9-5NG: A Modern Classic by Marcus
Another perspective on the last Saab 9-5 NG
While JayEmm gave us an in-depth UK look at Saab’s final flagship, across the globe in New Zealand the YouTuber KiwiCarLife recently shared his own impressions behind the wheel of a 2010 Saab 9-5 NG. As the only example registered in the country, it offers a rare outsider’s view on how this model blends GM underpinnings with Scandinavian character.
Read the full review here: 2010 Saab 9-5 NG Review by KiwiCarLife
