Saab BioPower is a flexi-fuel engine. It can run on bioethanol E85, petrol or any mixture of the two. The engine automatically detects what's in the tank and adjusts accordingly.

Bioethanol E85 has a much higher octane rating (104) than petrol (95), and the turbocharged flexi-fuel engine allows the use of a higher boost pressure and more advanced ignition timing - giving more engine power - than is possible on petrol without risk of harmful 'knocking' or pre-detonation. The only hardware modifications necessary are more durable valves and valve seats, and the use of bioethanol-compatible materials in the fuel system, including the tank, pump, lines and connectors.

The adaptability of Saab's powerful Trionic engine management system has facilitated re-programming to accommodate the different ignition timing and fuel/air mixture requirements of E85 fuel. Trionic monitors fuel quality after every visit to the filling station and automatically makes any adjustments necessary for running on E85 and/or petrol in any combination. That means Saab BioPower drivers can also use petrol, should E85 not be available.