The new 9-3 remained an exclusively front-wheel drive powertrain at launch. The most significant aesthetic change from the previous generation cars was the elimination of the hatchback design. The second-generation 9-3 was available as a four-door saloon, an estate (introduced in late 2005 as a 2006 model, known as the SportWagon, SportCombi, or Sport-Hatch depending on the market), and a two-door convertible (introduced in 2004). It included Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR II) to reduce whiplash and ReAxs, a feature of the rear suspension bushings which changes the toe angle to help reduce understeer under heavy braking.

2008:
Saab claimed over 2,000 changes were made to the model year 2008 cars. Introduced at the Saab Festival in Trollhättan, Sweden on 10 June 2007, the 2008 models included new frontal styling inspired by the Saab Aero-X and Saab 9-2X, Saab's first use of LED "signature" lighting in the revised headlamps, new door panels, a new clamshell bonnet, new rear bumper, and clear tail lamps, dubbed "ice block". Black replaced charcoal gray as an interior color choice. Snow Silver became a new exterior color. The 2.8T V6 received a mild output boost from 250 to 255 PS (184 to 188 kW; 247 to 252 bhp). Some additional exterior modifications are available on the limited-edition XWD, 280 PS (206 kW; 276 bhp) 9-3 Turbo X, presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show (9/07).[19] The Turbo X made its North American debut at the New England Auto show in late November.[20] Saab also released an all-wheel-drive version of the Aero, with the system dubbed "XWD", in March 2008.

A new twin-turbo diesel engine with 180 PS, dubbed 1.9 TTiD, was introduced. The TTiD engine was also available in Aero trim. The TTiD Aero marked the first time Saab had used a diesel engine in a car with the Aero designation.

𝘿𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙢𝙢
Length 4 653
Width 1 801
Height 1496
Wheelbase 2 675
Weight 1,410–1,690 kg

𝙋𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 TTiD

Max. engine power (kW) 132
Max. torque (Nm) 400