2001 Saab 9-5 (facelift 2001) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The width of the Saab 9-5 (facelift 2001) ranges from 1790 mm to 1792 mm, equivalent to roughly 70.5 to 70.55 inches. This width contributes to a spacious interior, allowing for comfortable seating for five adults and good shoulder room. On the road, the width provides a balanced and composed feel, aiding stability at higher speeds. Additionally, the vehicle's width is moderate enough to fit comfortably within typical traffic lanes while giving it a solid stance that enhances its visual appeal.

The Saab 9-5 (facelift 2001) stands between 1450 mm and 1475 mm tall, which translates to about 57.1 to 58.07 inches. This height supports generous headroom for front and rear passengers, contributing to overall cabin comfort especially on long drives. From an aerodynamic perspective, this moderate height helps reduce drag, improving fuel efficiency and stability at speed. The slightly taller versions may include roof rails or sunroofs that affect overall height but contribute to versatility.

The Saab 9-5 facelift generation weighs between 1600 kg to 1715 kg (approximately 3527 to 3782 pounds) when empty and ready to drive, known as the curb weight. This weight range reflects the various trim levels and equipment options, balancing sturdiness with agility. Heavier weight generally enhances ride comfort and road stability but can slightly reduce acceleration and increase fuel consumption. Saab engineers optimized the chassis and engine management to mitigate these effects, providing a refined driving experience with respectable fuel economy for its class.

The Saab 9-5 facelift model has a maximum gross weight range of 2090 kg to 2130 kg (4608 to 4694 pounds). This value indicates the total allowable weight including the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and fuel. Considering the curb weight, this allows for a useful load of approximately 375 to 530 kg (827 to 1168 pounds), which comfortably supports five passengers along with luggage. The vehicle’s suspension and braking systems are calibrated to safely handle this maximum weight, ensuring stable handling and stopping performance when fully loaded.

The standard luggage capacity of the Saab 9-5 (facelift 2001) is 500 liters (about 17.7 cubic feet) with the rear seats in their upright position, offering ample space for everyday needs such as groceries or a small suitcase. When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo space expands significantly to between 500 and 944 liters (approximately 17.7 to 33.3 cubic feet), enabling larger items or more luggage to fit. This versatility makes the Saab 9-5 well-suited for both daily commuting and weekend trips requiring extra cargo space.

The Saab 9-5 facelift generation typically features 15-inch rims. The common tire sizes compatible with this generation include 205/65 R15, 215/55 R16, and 205/65 R16. These tire dimensions balance ride comfort with responsive handling. The profile heights (aspect ratios) and widths provide good cushioning over uneven surfaces while maintaining solid road grip. The 15-inch rims with higher profile tires are particularly favored for a smooth ride, while the 16-inch setup offers slightly sharper handling with a sportier edge.

Yes, the Saab 9-5 (facelift 2001) fits comfortably within a standard residential garage. Standard garage dimensions typically range around 2400 mm (width) and 4800 mm (length). Given the Saab 9-5’s length at approximately 4805 to 4827 mm (189.2 to 190.0 inches) and width around 1790 to 1792 mm (70.5 inches), it fits well within these confines, although the length is near the upper limit for a typical single-car garage. The height ranging from 1450 mm to 1475 mm (57.1 to 58.07 inches) poses no issues for standard garage door heights, which average over 2000 mm (78 inches). Careful parking maneuvers may be required in compact garages due to the length, but overall it’s a practical fit.

The Saab 9-5 (facelift 2001) is a refined update of the original Saab 9-5 introduced in 1997. Dimensionally, it remains similar in length, width, and height, preserving Saab’s mid-to-large sedan footprint while offering subtle design and aerodynamic improvements. The facelift brought updated body styling with smoother lines, improved front and rear bumpers, and revised lights, enhancing the visual appeal and aerodynamics. Inside, there were upgrades to materials and available features, including improved safety technology and infotainment options. Overall, the facelift maintained the spacious cabin, solid build quality, and practical luggage capacity familiar to Saab 9-5 owners, with a focus on refinement rather than radical redesign.

When compared to other mid-size sedans from the early 2000s, such as the BMW 5 Series E39, Audi A6 C5, or Volvo S80 of the same period, the Saab 9-5 (facelift 2001) offers competitive dimensions and practicality. Its length of about 4.8 meters (15.7 feet) is comparable to these peers, and its width at roughly 1.79 meters (5.87 feet) ensures comfortable seating for five adults. Luggage capacity of 500 liters (17.7 cubic feet) aligns with class expectations, offering usable cargo space for daily and long-distance activities. The Saab balances a refined Scandinavian design and driver-focused ergonomics with practical interior and trunk space, making it a solid choice against similarly sized competitors.