Saab claims its 9-5 is one of the safest cars in its sector because of its five-star Euro NCAP rating. Saab 9-5 safety has been further enhanced by added equipment such as Active Heads Restraint for the front seats (designed to reduce whiplash injuries), driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Stability control is fitted as standard across the range and rear LED brake lights flash under heavy braking to warn following drivers.

The new 9-5 is larger than the previous model so passengers have more legroom in the rear. Saab has added a new version of the U-shaped track in the boot floor that uses a telescopic cargo divider as first seen in the 9-5 estate. It provides a flexible stowage spaces and should prevent shopping been spilled across the boot floor. Also fitted as standard are bag-carrying hooks and an umbrella holder.