Saab enters the premium segment in 1984, with the 9000 Turbo, co-designed with the Fiat Group. Though the 9000 Turbo's dimensions are not far removed from a Saab 900's, its generous interior space qualifies it as a large car by U.S. EPA standards. It is the only import other than the Rolls-Royce to be classified as such.

Traction control comes to the 9000 in 1988, with the 9000 CD. The 9000 is featured on Car and Driver's 10 Best list that year.

In 1991, the revised 9000 CS is fitted with what Saab calls "one of the strongest side-impact protection systems in existence." It also comes with the world's first CFC-free air-conditioning system.