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SAAB 9-4X

By Anthony Crawford |

The long awaited Saab 9-4X Crossover vehicle will make its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month.

This is a critically important car for Saab as it forges ahead under Spyker ownership and will need to make significant sales if the company is to win back customers of the once, quirky Swedish brand.

Powered by a 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 engine, which develops 224 kW (300 hp) and 400 Nm of torque between 2000-5000 rpm. 0-100km/h will of all of 8.3 seconds to make and you can expect efficient fuel consumption numbers although, these will be published closer to the launch.

Saab list the following features as being key to the 9-4X success:
• Progressive Scandinavian design inspired by Aero X Concept
• Car-like driving dynamics challenge best-in-class performance
• Advanced Saab XWD mated with Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis
• Spacious cabin, driver-focused cockpit and ample storage
• Flexible cargo management system

Saab Automobile CEO, Jan Ake Jonsson, says,

“The 9-4X significantly broadens the appeal of the Saab brand, 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.”

The new Saab is packed wit a multitude of features, including a powered tailgate, start/stop button, keyless entry and exit, tri-zone air conditioning and rear seat entertainment, adaptable cargo stowage, SatNav with an 8-inch touchscreen, surround sound system and hard disc music storage are just some of the standard creature comforts on-board the 9-4X.

Extensive 9-4X standard equipment includes:

Bi-xenon adaptive headlights with cleaning, automatic levelling
Fog lamps
Electrically-powered windows and door mirrors
Cruise control
Dual zone climate control
Keyless entry and ignition with start and stop button
Color centre console display
Steering wheel with audio/phone controls
Electric parking brake
Night Panel
Rear centre headrest, retracting
Roof bars, matt aluminum finish
Rear cargo cover
20-inch turbine alloy wheels
Sentronic steering wheel controls for automatic transmission
DriveSense adaptive chassis including variable effort steering
Parking assistance front & rear
Perforated leather seats
Eight-way powered driver/passenger seat adjustment with lumbar support and thigh extension
Interior ambient lighting
Rain sensing wipers
Saab Infotainment Navigation
BOSE sound system
Power tailgate
Auto dimming exterior and rear view mirrors
Rear view camera
The vehicle’s car like handling is assisted by various technologies including DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control, Saab XWD – a sophisticated all wheel-drive system with an electronically-controlled rear limited slip differential (eLSD).

The 5.1 surround sound system is by Bose and is a 10-speaker unit, while the hard drive navigation unit includes a birds eye map view and 10 GB storage for music files.

CarAdvice will bring you coverage of the Los Angeles Auto Show next month and will include further detail on the 9-4X.

New Saab 9-4X: Technical Overview
Engine: 2792 cc. 6 cylinders,V6 Aluminum cylinder heads and block DOHC, 24-valve
VVT (inlet and exhaust) Twin-scroll turbocharger Intercooled Bosch Motronic ME9.6
Transversely-mounted
Suspension
Front: MacPherson strut Aluminum A-arm Hydraulic dampers Anti-roll bar
Hydraulic ride bushings
Rear:
Independent, linked H-arm Coil springs. Gas charged dampers
Anti-roll bar (hollow)
Transmission: 6-speed automatic Steering wheel controls
Steering: Rack and pinion
Variable Effort Steering
Turning circle (curb-to-curb):11.9 m.
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.84 Wheels, Tires
20” x 8″ aluminum, 235/55
Brakes: Dual circuit, vacuum booster ABS, TCS, ESP®
Discs, Calipers (f/r, mm):
345 x 30, ventilated Aluminum dual piston 315 x 23, ventilated
Aluminum single piston
Weights:
Curb (kg): 2085 – 2135

Max. towing weight: 2,000 kg

Weight distribution (%, f/r): 57 / 43

Capacities:Load capacity (litres): 2nd seat row up: 485

Cooling system (liters):
12.8 (2.8 turboV6)
Engine oil (liters): 6.0 (2.8 turbo V6)
Fuel tank (liters): 80
Drag co-efficient: 0.38
Performance: Engine Variant 2.8 turbo V6
Availability 9-4X Aero
Max. ouput (hp / kW): rpm 300 / 221 @ 5,500
Max torque (Nm / lb-ft): rpm 400 / 295 @ 2,000 – 5,000
Bore / Stroke (mm): 89.0 x 74.8
Compression Ratio 9.5: 1
PERFORMANCE
0-100 kph (s) 8.3
Top speed (kph) 230
FUEL CONSUMPTION (l/100 km)
Combined: tba
Extra-urban: tba
Urban: tba
CO2 (g/km): tba
Fuel consumption and CO2 data yet to be finalized


 

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  • Dom

    Nice stuff.

  • Jack

    Nice work Saab.

  • Able

    I know it’s Mexican-made and a Caddy/Chevy/GMC underneath but I really like it. They could get rid of the grey bits at the bottom (or make them black) but it’s still a fairly successful design. The interior is typical Saab…

    • Baddass

      I think they got this one spot on. Exactly what a Saab SUV should look like.

    • Shak

      I think in the US they offer a beige/cream coloured option, but not elsewhere. Lets hope they can spice up the new SAAB interiors a bit.

  • Kelvin

    Sorrento(front)+IX35/Forrester(rear) lookalike

  • t39

    I heard it is based off the same latform as Tribecca. Will probably cost 50% more, will make Tribecca look as great value.

    • Myke

      You’re thinking of the Saab 9-6x, which never went into production, as GM sold its share in Subaru. This is based off a GM platform shared with the Cadillac SRX.

      • bob

        and if you do want to see what the 9-6X would look like, pop in to your local Subaru Dealer and take a look at the facelifted Tribecca which is the aborted 9-6X

  • http://www.facebook.com/peter.zaharis Labrys

    Looks good. A solid entry into the crossover market.
    If it’s priced well I think it will sell.
    If Saab are going to become a force again I think this is a good place to start.
    They’ve gone for a good design, good engine and nice equipment list. Nothing outrageous and wild but then for a company trying to rebuild itself your don’t want to go too crazy with your first offerings.

  • TonyB

    Gee whiz – 8.3 seconds for a 0-100 km/h with a 224kW engine is very ordinary. The equivalent-engined X5/Q7 etc does much better.

  • Stoney!

    The X5 has a 3.0 twin turbo straight six, it’s a larger engine with 2 turbos to attempt to defeat lag hence its maximum torque chimes in 800 rpm lower and carries through to the same 5000rpm, Not to mention the BMW engine is direct injected, which all adds up to better performance and better fuel economy.

    The GM 2.8 turbo V6 is a good engine but is aging and is also due to be replaced by a 3.0 direct injected turbo V6 in the coming months.

    Stoney!

    • zahmad

      Well said. The engine are not too bad themselves, but they are aging with no direct injection and the automatics dont help! You need some ZF automatics to get stuff going! Well done again to SAAB, and I just love those interiors!

  • Ethan

    Seriously? BOSE sound system? Can’t wait to hear it!!! Not! When are manufacturers going to realise that BOSE is not the best thing in automotive audio… I’ve heard a few BOSE sound systems in cars (MAzda 6, Nissan 350/370 etc…) and can honestly say they are no comparison to Lexus’ Mark Levinson and also no match for the previous iterations of Saab’s Harmon Kardon systems… BOSE my a**e!!!

  • ox

    Much nicer than the Volvo XC60