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This is Saab’s long-awaited 9-4X ‘crossover’ SUV, now less than a year away from showrooms.
The 9-4X is a sister car to Cadillac’s upcoming SRX; both vehicles will be built at a GM plant in Mexico. Similar in size to a Volvo XC90, though it’s expected to be strict five-seater, the 9-4X is an absolutely crucial model for Saab in North America as buyers shift from traditional, truck-based SUVs to lighter and more fuel efficient car-based SUVs.
See more spy pics of the Saab 9-4X
The 9-4X and SRX are based on GM’s new Theta chassis and get all-wheel drive. More upmarket versions of the car will have the option of Saab’s XWD system, which uses two clutches to individually distribute the engine’s torque between all four wheels.
The 9-4X’s styling has been made more svelte compared to the original concept version shown earlier this year. It will also get a distinctive wrap-around dash which builds on Saab’s interior design language.
The most popular engine option in the US market is expected to be Saab’s turbocharged four-cylinder unit, rather than a traditional, but much thirstier, V6. Four-cylinder diesels will be offered in Europe.
By building the 9-4X in the Americas, Saab is expected to realise a decent profit on every example sold. Exporting the 9-3 and 9-5 from Sweden to the US has long been a financial disaster for the firm, because of the strength of the Swedish Krona against the dollar. Equally, by building the 9-4X in dollars and exporting it to Europe should also make the 9-4X profitable in Europe.
Saab’s US dealers currently sell the 9-7X SUV, which is based on GM’s GMT360 truck chassis and is effectively a made-over version of the Chevrolet Trailblazer. Launched in 2005, the 9-7X was designed a quick-fix for Saab dealers in the US, desperate for an SUV model.
Hilton Holloway
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