Innovations help Saab 9-5 drivers stay cool and comfortable
Heat-absorbing glass blocks about half of the sun's radiant heat, and a sensor on top of the dash measures remaining incoming solar radiation. In combination with strategically located cabin air sensors, the system detects bright sunlight and adjusts air conditioning output automatically to ensure the cabin maintains the preset temperatures. A total of five sensors deliver information to a dedicated microprocessor for the optimum cabin climate.
Driver has individual climate zone
The driver is generally the most active occupant in a car, and consequently may prefer a cooler temperature than the rest of the cabin. Saab's Automatic Climate Control (ACC) system features two temperature controlsÑone for the driver and the other for all the passengers (front and rear), rather than simply separating the left and right sides of the car. The driver's zone can be up to 9 degrees F cooler or warmer than the rest of the cabin. Individual vents for the rear-seat passengers allow airflow volume adjustment as well.
For additional occupant comfort, all incoming air is filtered by an electrostatic filter that greatly reduces dust, exhaust soot, oil particles, pollen and bacteria down to 0.004mm. A second gas and odor-absorbing filter uses activated charcoal pellets to further help purify the cabin air. Saab was the world's first carmaker to offer a cabin air filter in 1978.
Glove box doubles as mini-refrigerator
The Saab 9-5 is full of thoughtful details, including a new feature that is sure to be appreciated on long trips and hot days: an air-conditioned glove box. A duct from the ACC system feeds cold air into the glove compartment to keep soft drinks chilled or chocolate bars from melting. Fully open, the sliding vent can chill the glove box to about refrigerator temperature, or 42 degrees F.
It's a simple, yet practical, piece of engineering that could also prove useful for cooling baby formula, fresh fruit or other snacks while driving in hot weather.
Power-ventilated seats-a world first
Saab first introduced electrically heated seats to the auto industry in 1971. The new Saab 9-5 continues to offer heated seats as an option, both for the front and rear occupants. But, when the weather is hot and sticky, the Saab 9-5's optional electrically-ventilated seats are there to deliver maximum comfort.
The innovative ventilated seat option for the Saab 9-5 is an auto industry first. Two flat electric fans in each front seatÑone in the seatback and one in the lower cushion-extract warm, humid air that is normally trapped between the person and the seat upholstery. The fans operate in three operator-set speed modes, drawing warm air through the perforated seat leather and venting underneath the seat.
The heated and ventilated seats contribute to safe driving by keeping the driver more comfortable and alert especially on long trips. Previously used only for premium buses, trucks and construction equipment, where driver alertness is particularly critical, this is the first time that power-ventilated seats have been offered in a passenger car.
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