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Click here to write a Review about the Saab 9-5 BioFuel

The Saab 9-5 BioPower™ is a flex-fuel car whose fossil CO₂ emission level can be reduced by as much as 70 per cent compared to a standard petrol-engined car. Saab BioPower technology means that the 9-5 model is capable of running on either a high-blend mixture of eco-friendly renewable energy source bioethanol and petrol (E85), or on pure petrol, without any adjustment required by the driver.

First UK deliveries were in January 2006. The BioPower engine is now available in all 9-5 2.0t model ‘forms’ and 2.3t.

As its name suggests, the Saab 9-5 BioPower not only offers purer power, but more of it. Because Saab’s turbocharging technology and engine management systems make it possible to take advantage of bioethanol’s higher octane rating, an impressive 20 per cent gain in brake horse power and 16 per cent growth in torque can be enjoyed when the car runs on E85 compared to when running on regular petrol.

Bioethanol – Renewable and Sustainable

Bioethanol is produced from a wide variety of biomass, including forest residue, sugar cane and sugar beet, making it a totally renewable and sustainable fuel source. When mixed in high volumes with low volumes of petrol, a potent yet environmentally-friendly fuel, known as E85, is created. Unlike petrol and diesel, the consumption of E85 does not significantly raise atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is the greenhouse gas that, according to some scientific research, contributes to global warming. This is because the emissions that are released from the combustion of bioethanol whilst driving are cancelled out by the amount of CO₂ that is removed from the atmosphere, through the natural photosynthesis process, when the crops for conversion to bioethanol are grown.

A True Flex-Fuel Car

The beauty of the Saab BioPower is that it can run on E85 or petrol in any proportions, without any adjustment needed by the driver. "Our engine management system automatically adjusts for the blend of fuel so, if there is no bioethanol available, the customer can simply run on petrol at any time," says Kjell ac Bergström, President and CEO of Saab Automobile Powertrain AB.

Environmental Care with Sporty Performance

Because E85 has a much higher octane rating (104 RON) than petrol, this allows the timing of the engine’s ignition to be advanced, producing more power without risk of harmful ‘knocking’.

As a result, when running on E85, the Saab 9-5 2.0t BioPower engine delivers 180 bhp and 280 Nm of torque, compared to 150 bhp and 240 Nm when using regular petrol, which is a significant 20 per cent increase in maximum power and 16 per cent more torque. This gives even sportier performance. For the 9-5 BioPower Saloon, for example, the zero to 62 mph dash can be accomplished in 8.5 seconds, compared to 9.8 seconds when running only on petrol.

A Swedish Success Story

The premium Swedish marque launched Saab BioPower in its domestic market in July 2005 to spectacular success. Since its launch, the BioPower derivative has accounted for around 80 per cent of Saab 9-5 sales, despite the fact that, currently, it is only available in manual transmission with one engine – the 2.0-litre light-pressure turbo. In fact, the Saab 9-5 BioPower is currently Sweden’s best-selling  vehicle, outselling sales of all of its environmentally-friendly competitor combined!

Used LPG & Bio-fuel Cars - Classifieds

Offers and Savings

Other models may be available.  CO2 emissions can vary significantly within the same model according to specification, fuel type and whether the car is manual or automatic.  Prices are for guidance only.

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Reviews:

Reviewed by Duncan from Cambridge on 24th January 2007

I run my own organic food business so it is very important for me to drive a car that is as environmentally friendly as possible whilst being large enough to lug big loads around, which unfortunately rules out most of the greenest cars available. The Saab 9-5 delivers on both counts.
Bio-ethanol is a very significant fuel as it will fit into existing infrastructure and more importantly appeal to motorists used to driving on unleaded. The Saab 9-5 Biopower is no different than the petrol powered models and will even run on unleaded when E85 is not available.
The estate version is very practical. On several occasions I have delivered up to thirty boxes of organic fruit and vegetables in it.
Driving the Saab is a real pleasure. It is smooth, quiet and very comfortable. Saab often refer to their aeronautical pedigree, but this car is definitely more first class lounge on an airline than jet fighter. A hard day's work finishes the moment you get into the car rather than when you arrive home.

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