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| The all-new Saab 9-4X crossover features bold styling not seen on many of its competitors in the luxury midsize SUV segment. With solid GM underpinnings supporting the unique design, the 9-4X is a good value for the dollar. Pricing falls right in the range of Audi's Q5, Infiniti's EX35, Lexus' RX350 and the Volvo XC60, making it an excellent choice for the buyer looking to stand out in a crowded crossover field. |
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| Model Highlights |
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| Saab's 9-4X is an all-new luxury crossover designed to take on the BMW X5 and the Audi Q5. It features seating for five wrapped in Saab-specific styling, all based on the Cadillac SRX platform. It was designed when Saab was under GM's ownership, and new owner Spyker has pushed forward with no changes-it's built in a GM plant alongside the SRX, using many of the SRX's mechanical components. This is Saab's first foray into the crossover market, and while its critics may call it a redesigned SRX, it arguably has a better look than GM's other products sharing the same platform. Three trim levels are available: the base 3.0i, the uplevel 3.0i Premium and the top-line Aero.
Styling-wise, the 9-4X is Saab through and through. The grille is much like that used on the 9-5, as is the rear hatch, which uses a LED strip of lights to join the tail lamps together, and the vehicle has a very aerodynamic and aggressive look overall. Inside, the 9-4X has a center stack of controls aimed toward the driver, and both faux wood and faux carbon fiber accents are available. Options include a Bose stereo, touch-screen navigation and rear seat screens mounted in the rear of the front headrests.
The 9-4X can be fitted with one of two available engines, both of which have been sourced from GM. The first, offered in the front-wheel drive 3.0i and Premium, is a 265-hp 3.0L V6. Aero models get a 300-hp turbocharged 2.8L V6, mated to a standard all-wheel drive system. Both engines are available with a 6-speed automatic as standard equipment, and all-wheel drive is optional on the 3.0 models. Mileage is estimated to be 18/25 mpg when equipped with front-wheel drive, and 17/23 mpg with all-wheel drive. Turbo models drop those numbers to 15/22 mpg.
Saab's all-wheel drive system varies torque between the front and rear axles as conditions demand. The rear axle is fitted with an electronic limited-slip differential, which can divide the engine's torque equally between the rear wheels to aid in low-traction conditions.
Saab has a reputation for safety, and the 9-4X comes with a good assortment of available safety features. ABS is standard, as well as traction control and an anti-skid system. Dual front airbags as well as front-side airbags complete the package.
The base model comes with 18-inch wheels and ?leatherette' upholstery standard. The 3.0i adds heated and ventilated front seats, power adjustable pedals, power tailgate and rearview camera, as well as optional navigation and front and rear obstacle detection. The Aero model is equipped with leather seating, 20-inch wheels, and Saab's DriveSense technology, which uses real-time dampening to help the vehicle react to changing road conditions and features several settings for performance or economy. |
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| Model News |
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| The Saab 9-4X crossover is all new for 2011. It features styling very much in line with the rest of Saab's products, especially at the grille, but is built on a platform shared with the Cadillac SRX. |
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| Value Writeup |
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| Elegant design, strong standard feature list, available all-wheel drive |
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