After 12 years in production the Saab 9-5 is getting a long overdue overhaul and judging by these official shots - leaked onto the Internet before Saab had a chance to unveil them for itself - the new car looks like it has real potential to generate sales to help justify Saab's new owner's (Koenigsegg) recent purchase of the ailing brand from GM.

At first glance the new 9-5 could be mistaken for a Vauxhall/Opel Insignia due to both models sharing GM's Epsilon II platform. Saab has kept its quirky design language and added a bit of flair seen on recent concept cars, including a new front grille and a coupé-style swooping rear window. The one-piece LED tail light - complete with chrome strip running across the boot lid - adds to the car's exterior profile and gives it a premium look.

Inside, Saab appears to have been hard at work creating a cabin that's well laid out and good-looking. Three aeronautically-inspired sunken instrument panels in the dashboard add to the interior's sporty feel. As the new 9-5 is longer and wider than the current model, there should be additional leg room for rear passengers along with a bigger boot.

Engines will continue come from GM's line-up. On offer will be a normally aspirated 2.2-litre petrol engine, a light pressure turbocharged 170bhp 2.0-litre unit and later a flagship 250bhp 2.8-litre V6 twin-turbo. Diesel options will include the existing TTiD4 common rail, direct injection 1.9-litre TiD unit with various power outputs.

Saab will be hoping that the latest incarnation of the 9-5 will be seen to be a closer competitor with its German rivals, the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class when it goes on sale early next year. The official world debut of the car will take place at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Shane Hickey - 31 Jul 2009