Last month, Saab and GM fans were equally outraged upon learning about the possibility that the all-new Saab 9-5 could wear a Buick badge. Since then, GM has still not reached a definite decision regarding Saab while the 9-5 has begun production in Sweden. But all is not lost, since Saab and GM enthusiasts alike would be glad to learn the following two arguments against a Buick-badged Saab 9-5.
1. The Buick Line-Up
If it were to wear to become a Buick, the all-new Saab 9-5 simply would not fit into the Buick line-up. The 9-5 is based on GM’s Epsilon 2 architecture – the same as the Buick LaCrosse and Regal. In fact, the 9-5 is only one inch shorter than the LaCrosse, which is most likely achieved by shorter bumpers rather than diminished interior space.
So what does that mean? Well, with the addition of the 9-5, Buick would have two sedans that are the exact same size inside and out! In that regard, there simply is not enough room for the 9-5 in the Buick line-up. Moreover, the last thing GM wants to do is confuse Buick buyers with two very similar products.
2. Rebadging A Thing Of The Past?
GM seems to be finished with the practice of badge-engineering altogether. This can be seen in The General’s decision against reintroducing the acclaimed Pontiac G8 under the Chevrolet brand, even though the enthusiast community supported the move to rebadge (and still does to this day). However, to say that GM is completely finished with rebadging wouldn’t be totally accurate. Afterall, the Buick Regal is a rebadged Opel Insignia while the Chinese-market Buick Excelle XT is an Opel Astra adorned with Buick light treatment and logos.
In the end, we can’t be completely certain that GM won’t end up selling the all-new Saab 9-5 as a Buick. But having two strong arguments against doing so definitely helps. At the very least, we’re certain that the GM enthusiast community is against such a move by a wide margin. What do you think?
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