PRESTIGE German executive cars will face head-on competition when Saab's new 9-5 model goes on sale in October. Crucial wholelife cost figures are set to drive the Swedish saloon to a position of strength over arch-rivals BMW and Audi, it was revealed this week.

'We are ahead in almost all areas and can show distinct advantages over the 520i and A6. I can back that claim with significant reductions in contract hire rates,' said Saab Great Britain corporate sales manager Margaret Small, who added: 'I'm optimistic at the prospects for a new range which will be sold on the platform of extremely competitive pricing as well as strong factors like safety, security and the environment.'

Small said the £21,995 on-road price of the lead-in car included road tax and compared particularly well with savings in the order of £1,000 over the smallest-engined A6, £2,000 against the BMW. Saab intends pitching the 9-5 as being more practical luxury transport than the other cars.