New Saab 9-5 - Crash Test

Vehicle safety in the new 9-5 builds on Saab’s successful real-life safety philosophy. Crash testing and computer simulations are based on what happens in real collisions on real roads, using the findings of a database covering more than 6,100 real-life accidents involving Saab cars on Swedish roads. In this way, the development of the new 9-5 has drawn on all Saab’s experience with real-life safety accumulated over more than 50 years. Saab safety engineers are always aware that their ultimate goal is protecting real people, not only dummies in laboratory crash tests.

Real-life safety means the structural design of the car, and the operation of its safety systems, are evaluated through a large number of in-house crash tests which are additional to those legally required or carried out by consumer test organizations.

The success of this work is reflected In surveys of real-life collisions by the US Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) and the Swedish Folksam insurance company, where Saab cars have consistently scored well, several times being ranked best in their segment. In common with the Saab 9-3 and 9-3 Convertible, the new 9-5 has achieved a maximum five-star EuroNCAP rating.

In addition to the full complement of occupant safety systems already installed in Saab cars, the new 9-5 includes upgraded third generation Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR 3) as standard for the front seats and adds rear side airbags, together with pre-tensioning of the outer rear seatbelts, as an optional package.

Driving, or active, safety – the ability to avoid becoming involved in an accident - is also improved by functions such as Bi-Xenon Smart Beam, TSR/LDW, Pilot HUD and adaptive cruise control, as described earlier. ESC is fitted as standard across the range and rear LED brake lights flash under heavy braking to warn following drivers.

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