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Saab 9-4X

We see if bold new Saab SUV is a worthy addition to brand’s new line-up, and can it save the struggling Swedish brand?

Saab 9-4X track

By Matt Davis

April 2011

  • Rating:

Is this the Saab that finally boasts the X factor? Although the company is still only just securing its future, it’s pressing ahead with new models – and expanding its line-up with this, the 9-4X.

A legacy of its relationship with General Motors, the SUV is loosely based on the US-only Cadillac SRX. It will be priced from £40,000 when order books open here in September, with first deliveries not expected until December. But Auto Express got a preview of what UK buyers can expect with a drive in a pre-production version.

 
 
The first thing that strikes you about the 9-4X is its size – it’s as big as a BMW X5, and equally imposing. Despite its Cadillac underpinnings, though, designers have still managed to make sure the new SUV looks every inch a Saab. It gets the firm’s famous wraparound-effect windscreen, ice-block lighting front and rear, and a bold front grille.

Together with a gently sloping roofline and contrasting sills, it’s a smartly styled SUV that should appeal to Saab fans and new customers alike. Inside, there’s plenty of room for five, while the boot is large, with added capacity available by folding the seats down.

Up front, the dash will be familiar to Saab drivers, with green-on-black dials, a wraparound dash and a starter button located between the front seats. The kit list is extensive. Despite its X5 dimensions, Saab is pitching the 9-4X against the smaller Audi Q5, and climate control, leather seats, sat-nav, a Bose stereo and 20-inch alloys are all standard.

There’s also a new lighting system called Town Light, which gives a broader beam at speeds below 30mph so pedestrians can be seen more easily. Above 60mph, Motorway Light mode takes over, extending the beam depth to improve visibility. Only one engine will be available – a 296bhp 2.8-litre twin-turbo V6, which is mated to a six-speed auto box.

Currently, there are no plans for a diesel. On the move, it’s smooth and punchy, and the 0-62mph sprint takes around eight seconds. However, it returns only around 22mpg, so is likely to be costly to run. Under the skin, engineers have modified the Cadillac underpinnings, creating a new platform called Theta Premium, which mixes components from GM’s Theta and Epsilon 2 set-ups.

Saab’s XWD all-wheel-drive system and DriveSense adaptive chassis control have also been added. It all makes for a machine that grips strongly in bends. Although biased towards on-road use, the 9-4X should be happy in mild off-road terrain. The steering is a little vague, and the large wheels take the edge off ride comfort, but body control is good. All in all, it’s a decent addition to the range.

Rival: Audi Q5
THE Q5 is so popular that Audi can’t build them fast enough. It drives well, looks the part and comes with a wide engine range, including two powerful diesels. But it’s not as spacious or well equipped as the 9-4X.

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4 Comments

Nice Looking

I can't help thinking this would be a great car except for:
1. SAAB needs to sort its cars out first
2. Where is the diesel?
3. How much????

Looks very nice though.

By def90cars on 4 May, 2011, 5:40am

Great for the USA

Sales in the UK & Europe are going to be limited by the absence of a diesel powerplant. It does not make sense in 2011 to launch a new brand-builder without one which suggest that America is the prime market. Shame, as the competition (VW/Audi, BMW, Land Rover etc) all offer class leading diesels which is where 80% of the sales are generated.

At a time when Saab are clinging on to the cliff edge it seems very misguided not to have variant that would give them the European market penetration they need to help them on the road to recovery. There's still some considerable loyalty and affection for the Saab brand but this car is unlikely to help matters. Shame.

By thorntonjames on 5 May, 2011, 10:52am

Time on your hands?

Same 3 stories are at the top of your website for over a week, either the global recession is hitting the automotive world harder then we thought, or your online team are spending too much time down the pub

By JFalck on 15 May, 2011, 10:26pm

Oops

Sorry guys, just looked again and it's my fault, using an ipad and was impatient for it to scroll, ther is more news!
as to this SAAB, nice but not good enough, it's Rover all over again.
(off topic) Just read a Norwegian review of that new Volvo V60 and they hate it, style over substance, Volvo should take a long hard look at Skoda, and SAAB should take a long hard look at alternative drugs, failing that, a mixture of Alfa Romeo and Kia could work.

By JFalck on 15 May, 2011, 10:34pm

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Pictures

Saab 9-4X static
Saab 9-4X interior
Saab 9-4X boot
Saab 9-4X V6 engine

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FIRST OPINION

    Smartly styled, generously equipped and very capable, the 9-4X is an impressive luxury SUV, and deserves to find a following in the UK. Its silky twin-turbocharged V6 sounds great and provides a real turn of speed, too. However, it’s costly to run, and as there’s no diesel engine option, the 9-4X isn’t likely to be a big seller here. Still, buyers who are prepared to cope with the heavy bills at the pumps will get a spacious, fully loaded alternative to other, more predictable 4x4s.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £40,000 (est)
    Engine: 2.8-litre V6 turbo petrol
    Power: 296bhp
    Transmission: Six-speed auto, automatic, four-wheel drive
    0-62/top spd: 8.4 secs/143mph
    Economy: 22mpg (est)
    CO2: 220g/km (est)
    Equipment: Electric seats, sat-nav, Bose audio system, DriveSense
    On sale: Sept
     
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