Up front, smooth bumpers, an integrated grille, and clear-lens headlamps emphasize performance. Those clear headlight lenses show off the optional bi-xenon projector headlamps, which give the 9-5 a high-tech, night-fighter look. Glance in the rear-view mirror, and that 9-5 behind you presents a focused look that says, "Get out of the way!"

Tail lamps have clear lenses on the sedans. On the wagons, a rear decor panel visually unites the tail lamps for a tighter, more solid appearance. Aero models sport an Aero badge. Badges on the trunk lids identify the engines on the Linear (2.3t) and Arc (3.0t) models.

Exclusive wheels differentiate Linear, Arc, and Aero. Linear rides on 16-inch, ten-spoke alloy wheels, while Arc runs five-spoke 16-inch alloys. Sporty 17-inch alloy wheels with ten spokes come on the Aero model, with low-profile 225/45WR-17 all-season radials, a tip-off that this is a high-performance car.

Overall, the Saab 9-5 has a sculpted, Scandinavian appearance. Its aerodynamic lines are tautly drawn. Yet it's also practical in that Scandinavian way. The traditional Saab clamshell hood remains. Outside door handles are the easy-to-grasp kind that let you slip your hand through, and they lever upward for convenient opening.