Question: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative.
Answer: No, it's FWD.
I've tried FWD as a replacement, I missed RWD far more than I thought I would.
So do I with the Mondeo.
Trouble is, as I found, your choices are limited. And non existent if you don't want a beemer or a PoS sub 20yr old Merc made from the parts bin as its cheaper than designing.
With the FWD & my VW I had few issues with it:
1) The ride, it was soft, yet hard at the same time. Can't find better way to describe it, fine over speed bumps, yet rough roads riddled with potholes or broken tarmac surfaces it really crashed about. Yet then again, on a smooth motorway it rode very, very well. I compare this with BMW 235i M which I'm in almost daily, that makes makes a smooth motorway (which I've driven in the Omega and VW at same speeds) feel like we are driving over a down a cobbled street instead.
2) Road Noise, I found it was very sensitive to tarmac surfaces, I would notice change far, far more to the point of it really annoying me. But wind noise it was silent, compared to Omega which has considerable wind noise. Same roads in 3.2 vs VW, the VW was considerably louder.
3) The 'Red Mist' mode - If you boot it in the Omega, you can really enjoy the experience, the 'push' sensation as such, handling is better, it's also enjoyable if it brakes traction. The VW however, just spins up front wheels and you don't make progress, it also transmitted horrible vibrations into the cabin. (as to be expected I guess) - But the Omega, light the rears up, you hear it, but it does not shake the steering wheel.
Hence I will probably go XF for future, if my commute stays the same. If not I may have to suck up FWD and go Insignia
The Zafira however is far more enjoyable to drive than the VW ever was, I've found the Zaf much more chuckable, less sensitive to road surface and rides far better than VW did. (yet runs 18's same size as VW did) I think because it's setup for British roads..... ie crap surface!