Saab 9-5NG SportCombi
The backstory of a
coveted collector’s item
The peak of Saab’s engineering prowess
The Saab 9-5NG SportCombi stands as a testament to the innovative spirit and resilience of the Saab brand. Emerging during a tumultuous period for the company, this model symbolizes both the peak of Saab’s engineering prowess and the unfortunate end of an era. Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011, the 9-5NG SportCombi followed the introduction of the 9-5NG Sedan in 2009, providing a versatile and arguably even more stylish alternative within the 9-5 Next Generation (‘NG’) lineup. The ‘NG’ designation highlights its status as a completely new generation of the iconic original Saab 9-5 series (1997-2009), reflecting significant advancements in design, technology, and performance.
Launch OF THE 9-5NG SPORTCOMBI at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011
(Photos by Drew Phillips)
Functional elegance
Designed by the adept hands of Simon Padian, Saab's chief designer at the time, the 9-5NG SportCombi exemplified the brand’s commitment to combining practicality with a distinctive, avant-garde aesthetic. Padian, who had been with Saab since the 1980s, infused the car with the sleek, aerodynamic lines from the AeroX concept car and the functional elegance that Saab was renowned for.
The SportCombi, with its elongated roofline and capacious rear, was a perfect blend of style and utility, appealing to those who desired a versatile family car without compromising on luxury or performance.
Simon Padian, Saab's chief designer
(Photo by Michel Annink)
Keeping the dream alive
Despite the promising design and strong market anticipation, the Saab 9-5NG SportCombi's production was tragically cut short, making it a particularly unique and rare vehicle in automotive history. Saab’s financial difficulties led to the cessation of its production after a very limited run. Only 37 units of the SportCombi were built, making it one of the rarest Saab models ever produced. As of June 2024, only 27 cars are believed to still exist and just 24 are currently in roadworthy condition. Each of these vehicles carries a unique piece of automotive history, representing the final efforts of a storied brand striving to maintain its identity amidst industry turmoil.
Legacy
The rarity and backstory of the 9-5NG SportCombi have turned it into a coveted collector's item. Enthusiasts and collectors cherish these models not only for their scarcity but also for their embodiment of Saab’s innovative design philosophy and the unfulfilled potential that the brand still holds in the hearts of many. The Saab 9-5NG SportCombi is more than just a car; it is a symbol of resilience, a final chapter in the legacy of a beloved car manufacturer, and a reminder of what could have been.
There are records of at least 37 SportCombis that were manufactured, but with 7 scrapped cars and another 3 of unknown fate, sadly only 27 are believed to still exist and just 24 are currently in roadworthy condition.
Early sketch from Saab’s design department
(Photo by Michel Annink)
