Saab releases first picture of its 9-5 SportCombi

"The launch of the 9-5 SportCombi is a much-awaited next step in the roll-out of our new product offensive," said Saab Automobile CEO Jan Ake Jonsson. "It will take Saab back into the large wagon segment where we have established a strong presence in many key markets with our previous offering."

Saab says that the new estate will feature many practical elements, such as an adaptable multi-fold floor, flexible U-rail load space configuration and under-floor stowage with a sealed wet storage compartment, a programmable powered tailgate, and 60/40 split rear seatbacks that fold down almost completely flat without having to move the seat squab or remove the head restraints.

The boot capacity of the 9-5 SportCombi is 527 litres with the rear seats up, and 1586 litres with the seats down. There are also four tie-down loops and a 12-volt power outlet for added practicality. This is in addition to the usual Saab features such as adaptive cruise control, Bi-Xenon adaptive lighting, key-less entry and starting, tri-zone air conditioning and a Pilot Head-up Display, as well as Saab's XWD all-wheel-drive system.

Saab has not released details about the powerplants available for the 9-5 SportCombi, but they are expected to be similar to the 9-5 sedan. These include a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 217bhp, a 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 with 296bhp, and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel with 158bhp.