According to Autocar (UK), Saab is working on a hybrid version of the new 9-5. A small gas engine will be mated to an electric motor in order to increase the fuel efficiency of the turbocharged 1.4 litre sedan.
The hybrid engine looks like a mild version, which means the 9-5 won't be able to travel on electric alone. Instead, the electric motor will 'assist' the gas motor during acceleration and most likely allow it to use start-stop technology.
The mild hybrid has the advantage of costing less since the battery can be a lot smaller, but the fuel efficiency gains are usually a lot less, too. Other mild hybrids that have placed electric motors in with V-6 engines to increase fuel efficiency end up comparing unfavorably to the 4 cylinder version of the same model.
Yes, you get eight cylinder power for four cylinder fuel efficiency, but the customers interested in fuel efficiency are probably not interested in the power in the first place. So, why should they pay extra when they can be the vehicle with the smaller engine in the first place?
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