Saab 9-5 Sportwagon

Saab has just taken the wraps of its new BMW 5 Series Touring rival. The new 9-5 Sportwagon keeps the saloons handsome styling and trademark wraparound windscreen, but adds a good deal more practicality.

How practical is it?
With the rear seats in place the Sportwagons boot can swallow 527 litres of luggage, but fold down the seats and the loadbay grows to 1600 litres. Thats almost identical to the boot space offered by the Audi A6 Avant and BMW 5 Series Touring, but the Mercedes E-Class Estate continues to rule the roost with a whopping 1950 litres.

The 9-5s 60/40 split rear seats fold down virtually flat to the floor without the need to flip up the seat squabs or to remove the head restraints, and hidden compartments in the sides of the boot can also be used to store small items.

The loadbay cover features one-touch retraction and an automatic electric tailgate with remote operation will also be available.

Trims levels will be identical to those in the saloon, which means the Sportwagon will offer a decent level of standard equipment.

Order books open in the spring, with first deliveries expected in September.