THE Saab Aero 9-5 2.8T is the flagship of the range - and it's a real luxury cruiser.

Yes running costs are steep and it's about as green as a red traffic light, but it's a beauty to drive as it handles like a dream and offers a punchy performance thanks to the turbocharged V6 engine.

The near-300bhp beast reaches a top speed of 155mph with a sizzling 0 to 60mph time of 6.6 seconds achieved without any fuss or frivolity.

Other engines available include a 160bhp two-litre diesel engine that gives the Saab a 0 to 60mph figure of under ten seconds with a decent average fuel consumption figure of 53.2mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 139g/km.

It represents the environmental face of the 9-5 range whereas the car I drove is best described as old school with a ferocious thirst and little respect for rain forests.

That said there is still a real thrill when you press the starter button and the beast beneath the bonnet is unleashed.

It is controlled by a six-speed automatic transmission that provides seamless gear changes while the Haldex four-wheel-drive system ensures total confidence on the road.

The 2.8T model is a monster, but it is not an ogre and Saab's intent has clearly been to encourage relaxation rather than a nervous breakdown behind the wheel.

Electronic stability control is fitted and their are adaptive chassis settings to change the ride for sport or comfort. There's also an auto mode that leaves the system to its own devices that will suit most who get behind the wheel.

Saab is first and foremost famous for its aviation achievements and this is reflected in the new 9-5 through a neat head up display that not only tells you what speed you are doing but also where you are indicating to go and the temperature outside. Unlike some of its ilk it is not distracting and is a real aid to the driver.

The car's dashboard initially appears to be a blizzard of buttons but is in fact pretty well set out and easy to navigate although it is a tad old-fashioned thanks to the black trim. There are some neat touches to the layout of the instruments though - particularly the back-lit green needles on the dials.

The 9-5 is a giant giving oodles of interior room for all so it is comfortable especially on long journeys where the miles just seem to slip away beneath the 19-inch alloy wheels.

I opened the bootlid to be confronted with a cave-like space of more than 500 litres that offers the clever idea of an adjustable bar which is fitted to secure baggage.

The equipment levels on the 9-5 are pretty comprehensive even for the cheaper models in the range. The Aero trim adds extras like electrically adjustable leather seats and sports suspension.

Satellite navigation is a £1,200 optional extra however but it may be worth the expense as it uses a hard disk drive - allowing ipod and CD uploads. It is operated from an eight-inch colour touchscreen which helps give the dashboard a more modern feel.