Saab premieres new 9-4X soft-roader

The new 9-4X brings unique Saab design and engineering to the growing mid-size crossover segment. With its distinctive Scandinavian looks, Saab are claiming class-leading ride and car-like handling.

Making its world premiere at next month’s Los Angeles Auto Show, the 9-4X expands Saab’s product portfolio to three car lines and will provide a fresh, alternative choice for independently-minded crossover buyers. It is an important next-step in the Swedish brand’s renaissance as an independent premium car manufacturer.

Muscular and sporty to drive, the 9-4X is aligned in looks and size between the 9-3X and new 9-5 saloon. Outside and inside, it communicates its’ Saab identity with clean, uncluttered design and signature motifs, such as its wraparound-effect windshield, ice block lighting theme, driver-focused cockpit and flexible cargo handling.

In true Saab tradition, the 9-4X delivers on its sporty persona. It is configured around a unique, purpose-designed crossover body structure, which has been key to delivering its handling and ride properties. Car-like driving dynamics are supported by Saab’s advanced all-wheel-drive system, XWD, and DriveSense adaptive chassis control.

[blockquote type=”blockquote_quotes” align=”right”]It gives us entry to the fast-growing crossover segment with a vehicle that reflects our brand values in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design and sporty, responsible driving performance.[/blockquote]

Under the bonnet nestles a compact and efficient V6 turbocharged engine. The 296 bhp, 2.8-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission under adaptive electronic control. Saab claim that the 9-4X will sprint from 0-62 mph in 8.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 144 mph. Saab have yet to release fuel consumption or emission figures, but with a kerb weight of 2085 – 2135kg we would expect around 21 – 22mpg on the combined cycle.

“The 9-4X significantly broadens the appeal of the Saab brand,” says Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson. “It gives us entry to the fast-growing crossover segment with a vehicle that reflects our brand values in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design and sporty, responsible driving performance. The 9-4X is an exciting package and we’re confident it will appeal to many existing Saab owners, as well as win new customers for the brand.”

Saab describe the 9-4X as offering a responsive driving experience that belies its size and height, which raises the question “where does the 9-4X fit within the burgeoning choices available in the SUV market segment?” Well, it weighs on a par with an X5 or Cayenne, but offers nearly 100 litres less boot space than the X5 (at 485 litres), so at first glance the 9-4X seems an interesting but none too competitive offering in this sector especially due to the absence of a diesel powerplant being available at launch.

The 9-4X goes on sale in North America in May next year, with sales in Europe and other global markets due to begin from August. UK sales start late in 2011.