- The production 9-4X debuts next month in L.A., with U.S. sales starting in May 2011.
- The base model uses a 265-hp 3.0-liter V6; the Aero gets a 300-hp turbo 2.8-liter V6.
- The five-seat crossover SUV has a maximum cargo capacity of 61 cubic feet.
LOS ANGELES — It has been nine months since General Motors sold Saab Automobile to Spyker Cars, but the Swedish carmaker still has one more GM-derived model, a midsize crossover, in its inordinately long pipeline: the 2012 Saab 9-4X, which makes its world debut next month at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The production model won't reach U.S. dealers until next May. Sales in Europe and other overseas markets will begin in August 2011.
The five-passenger Saab crossover was first seen in concept form as the Saab 9-4X BioPower at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.
The 9-4X has much in common with the current Cadillac SRX (and to a lesser extent, the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain), including its basic platform architecture and standard powertrain — a 265-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission. Saab predicts a 7.9-second 0-60-mph time on the front-drive 9-4X and 8.4 seconds with the optional all-wheel-drive system. The automaker estimates combined fuel economy at 20 mpg with front-drive and 19 with AWD.
The high-line version of Saab's crossover, the 9-4X Aero, shares its 300-hp turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 with the Cadillac SRX Turbo and the Saab 9-5 Aero sedan. The 9-4X has AWD as standard, and Saab claims it will hit 60 mph in 7.7 seconds and achieve a combined mpg rating of 18. The Aero model also gets Saab's DriveSense system, which allows the driver to adjust the suspension's damping characteristics as well as throttle response.
The 9-4X will be assembled alongside GM's midsize crossovers at the U.S. automaker's plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.
Inside Line says: More styling differentiation this time around, but you can still see echoes of the Equinox in the rear-three-quarters view of the 9-4X. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
simul8guy says:
08:57 PM, 10/23/2010
Like the saying goes... opinions are like a**holes, everybody has one. I've seen the new 9-5 up close and it's a great looking car. Yes, it still has GM DNA underneath (in this case Opel Insignia) but that's a good thing as the Insignia is the 2010 Euro Car of the Year. The 9-4X is definitely better looking than the Cadillac SRX inside and out and it will be interesting to see what the price point is when it goes on sale next Spring. Say what you want about the Caddy but it's a sales leader in its class and I'm hoping the 9-4X does just as well. The 2.8 liter turbo V6 was in the SAAB 9-3 Aero before it found its way into the new 9-5 and the SRX. It's a great engine (I have the 280 HP version in my '08 9-3 XWD wagon) and while the 300 HP version has more weight to lug around in the 9-4X there aren't many SUV owners that will really care....
trex4 says:
08:49 PM, 10/19/2010
I think it's one of the nicest looking SUV's out there.
angry_mushroom says:
03:07 PM, 10/19/2010
Almost looks like a Lexus RX... Too bad it is a GM car still, but it might be better than the 9-7.
etanretla says:
12:52 PM, 10/19/2010
rebadged saturn...how sad...saab used to be a cult-ish brand.../
run_and_drive says:
05:11 AM, 10/19/2010
It reminds me more of the new Explorer than the Equinox or SRX. Weird.
Of course, since it's a Saab, it'll be way overpriced. So one may as well get an Explorer and get similar style, a 3rd row, and just as much (if not more) functionality. Not to mention better gas milage!
knoxrox says:
04:43 AM, 10/19/2010
hard to believe that they can't do better on the gas mileage. 18 combined seems unacceptable these days. when will we be offered somewhat affordable SUV/CUV that has decent handling and passable gas mileage. No Hybrids? No diesels? (Toureg/Q7 notwithstanding) How about a diesel Outback? Hybrid Venza? TDI Tiquan/Q5? c'mon!
lions208487 says:
09:56 PM, 10/18/2010
Out of all the rebadge GM models, the only one worth actually buying is the Equinox. Nice HP, solid interior, and nice mobility from a crossover. However, the SRX and this are two substandard Lux models that aren't even close to being worth the price tag. Another example; Buick Enclave... very nice, but Arcadia, not so much. (my opinion)
Lets get one thing clear; this is the last of the GM DNA for Spyker and most Saab products, but for now it would be best suited to spend your money else where.
As far as rebadging, it's not all GM's fault, because Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and Ford all play from the same hand, and right now Nissan and Toyota are still waiting on the river to win the final pot.
GM has reinvesnted itself in some respects, but still makes shotty attempts to pull the blanket over the US consumers eyes.
Back to this Saab, not thanks.
hondalvr4life says:
09:41 PM, 10/18/2010
Although I must say it looks a hell of a lot better than the SRX! if only they would trim 400 lbs off it and make the turbo V6 standard...
hondalvr4life says:
09:38 PM, 10/18/2010
WOW... another rebadge fail... Choose a disappointing model too.. The SRX is slow because it is soo fat! Not to mention expensive, unless they drop the price of this model significantly... it will be another sale disappointment for Saab.
geebee says:
09:37 PM, 10/18/2010
Man, where is all this hatin' coming from? I like it...at$36K - $40K max. If this comes out at a higher price point, there will be issues from the more well healed competition like Audi and BMW.
However, I might take this over an XC60 if it drives nice.