SAAB'S flagship 9-5 is a storming supercar dressed in saloon clothing.

Despite having 300bhp on tap though, standard four wheel drive means it can get all the horses down onto the tarmac without any theatrics.

And it reels in the horizon from almost any speed like a jet plane.

The 2.8 turbo petrol engine is not going to be the cheapest to run, but if you can afford around 22mpg and hefty insurance, you will certainly stand out from the crowd of Beemers and Mercs while still being able to show most of them a clean pair of rear wheels.

Some have complained that the ride is jittery but the one I drove suited me perfectly and soaked up the worst surfaces I could find with ease.

The handling is very, very safe, with standard stability and traction controland the road-holding is brilliant, with huge grip from big 19 inch sprayed-on tyres.

As befits a flagship, the equipment leaves little to the extras list. It comes with active head restraints, four side airbags, Bluetooth, keyless start and an alarm system.

Leather upholstery not only looks great but keeps you cool and the front seats have every-which-way electric adjustment.

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