Saab 9-5 news - Saab 9-5 escapes early - 2009

See more Saab 9-5 pics

You weren’t supposed to see these for another month, but here they are: the first pictures of the all-new Saab 9-5.

Leaked by a German magazine onto the internet, the photos show the Insignia/Mondeo rival in all its chrome-highlighted glory.

Smart looking thing, isn’t it? Look at the wraparound glazing and the almost coupe-ish slant to the C-pillar. More than a hint of old Saab 900 there, don’t you think?

The headlights – and the instruments – have the ‘ice look’ that Saab has been showing off on concepts for a while now, while the chrome around the lights and grille is far neater (and less bespectacled) than the current 9-5.

The 9-5 is underpinned by the Insignia – no bad thing, that – so it’ll use similar engines, albeit reworked by Saab for a little more power. We know that electronically torque-split four-wheel drive will be an option, as seen on the 9-3.

Despite GM’s takeover woes, the 9-5 should remain safe: Saab has an agreement with The General to use the parts for the foreseeable future, and the cars will be built in Sweden.

We’ll get to see the Saab 9-5 in the metal at the Frankfurt show in October. It’s expected to go on sale in the UK early next year.