BAIC Senova (Saab 9-5)

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Senova 2.0T Luxury first drive review

This revived Saab 9-5 is an attractive looking car with good equipment levels, sadly let down by a poor drivetrain and internal plastics

What is it?

Saab may for now have been consigned to the history books, but in China the old 9-5 is being resuscitated. Unlike SAIC, whose Roewe 750 had little difference to the old Rover 75, this project has been four years in the making and is no Saab doppelganger.

The Senova is built using Saab intellectual property that BAIC bought from GM back in 2009, but what has been created is a modern-looking saloon with a sporty flair. But while it is certainly haunted by the ghost of Saab, critics may claim that’s not the only influence.

Externally at least it is well put together. Engines are the old 2.0-litre turbo and 2.3-litre turbo Saab units, and there's also a new BAIC 1.8-litre turbo exclusively for Chinese government buyers.


Read more: Senova 2.0T Luxury first drive Review | Autocar

From China Auto Web: BAIC Releases Senova D Series, a Descendant of Saab 9-5 - ChinaAutoWeb

The Senova ("Shenbao") D series sedan, developed by BAIC (Beijing Auto) on basis of the first-gen Saab 9-5, goes on sale today, carrying list prices of 139,800 to 215,800 Yuan. BAIC, which has made its fortune by being a partner of Hyundai and Daimler, places great hopes on the midsize to drive forward its own passenger car division.

Previously called BAIC C70G, the Senova sedan has a 2755mm wheelbase, extended from the 2703mm on the old 9-5, and a stance 4861mm long, 1820mm wide and 1462mm tall. Three turbo power choices are provided, the B185R 1.8T, B205R 2.0T, and B235R 2.3T, all derived from Saab’s Fam.III engines and paired to a 5AT. The 1.8T models target specifically government officials (government cars in most cases are required to have a displacement not exceeding 1.8L).

On all but the entry-level 2.0T model, Senova D series comes standard with a long list of safety devices: TPMS, front-row active head restraints, night panel, blind spot detector, driver fatigue monitor, front and rear parking sensors, etc.

The nameplate "Senova" was launched earlier this year to designate BAIC models (to be) derived from the Saab assets it bought in 2009, which include three vehicle platforms (Epsilon, GM2900, GM2400) and technologies for several engines as well as F25/F35 transmissions. Based on the Saab acquisition, BAIC has developed its own "M-trix" platform and planned a full product line on it, which would feature, besides the D series, subcompact and compact sedans (the upcoming "C50", "C60", both having origins in the GM2400 platform), large family cars ("C80"), crossovers/SUVs, and MPVs.

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That is one ugly dashboard. The rest of ht car is OK. And it's good to know 9-5 engine replacement parts will continue being made because of this.

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Originally Posted by rpiereck

That is one ugly dashboard. The rest of ht car is OK. And it's good to know 9-5 engine replacement parts will continue being made because of this.

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Looked at that interior and said "Oh God." under my breath. Should be easier to clean though right?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rpiereck

That is one ugly dashboard. The rest of ht car is OK. And it's good to know 9-5 engine replacement parts will continue being made because of this.

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+1 on the replacement parts

I wonder if they make any of those parts in China. They can probably make them a lot cheaper. This Senova looks like a mainstream small sedan so not even in the same segment as the 9-5. But the price will reflect that. It starts at 140,000 yuan which is USD 23K. I have no idea how that compares to other cars in China.