The new 2011 Saab 9-4X, muscular and sporty, is a very interesting crossover that leaves many competitors in the dust. Its design is inspired by aircraft and driving characteristics are very close to flying too.
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Making its world premiere at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show, the 9-4X expands Saab's product portfolio to three car lines and will provide a fresh for those who are looking for something new on the crossover market.
It is an important next step in the Saab's renaissance as an independent premium car manufacturer. 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. It is configured around a unique crossover body structure, which has been key to delivering its exceptional handling and driving properties. Driving dynamics are supported by Saab's advanced all-wheel-drive system, Saab XWD, and DriveSense adaptive chassis control.
Under the hood, nestles a choice of compact and efficient V6 engines, naturally-aspirated or turbocharged. The 265 hp, 3.0-liter motor for the entry-level model features direct fuel injection and variable valve timing; while the 300 hp, 2.8-liter exchanges direct injection for twin-scroll turbo charging and is exclusive to top-of-line Aero variants. Both engines are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions under adaptive, electronic control.
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. Speaking about the price, it's clear that Saab has wealthy fans in mind. For 35,000 dollars point you can get the base 9-4X with front-wheel drive and the 3.0-liter direct-injected V6, good for 265 horsepower. Moving up the model range, the 9-4X Premium rings in at 38,075 dollars plus delivery. Premium models still use the same 3.0-liter, but XWD (Saab's all-wheel drive system) is available, as other amenities.
The range-topping 9-4X Aero is priced at 48,835 dollars, and it uses a 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 (like the 3.0-liter, it's General Motors-derived) that produces a healthy 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to all-wheel drive. That's an interesting price policy because the new Saab is close to Cadillac and if we'd have to choose between those two the outcome would be very unpredictable. In this case personal preferences have the last word. ■
