IT’S quite late to the party but Saab’s representative for the crossover segment is finally here. Before the 9-4X arrives on the world stage to all next month at the Los Angeles Motor Show, the Spyker-rescued Saab has laid down official pictures on the table.
The 9-4X is a crossover that expands Saab’s model lines to three, and slots between the 9-3X and the 9-5 saloon.
Drawing inspiration from the Aero X concept car, the 9-4X is dominated by clean, Scandinavian lines.
Signatures include wraparound effects created by disguised windshield and door pillars, driver-focused cockpit and flexible cargo handling.
The 9-4X will get one engine — a 2.4-litre V6 twin-scrolled turbocharged engine that produces 300bhp and 400Nm over 2,000 to 5,000rpm.
With a six-speed automatic transmission, Saab claims its 9-4X will do the century sprint in just 8.3 seconds.
The 9-4X will get Saab’s all-wheel-drive system and an adaptive chassis system. An electronically-controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD) can transfer up to 50 per cent of rear torque between the rear wheels, diverting torque to the wheel with more grip.
Four driving modes are available — ‘intelligent’, ‘comfort’, and ‘sport’ modes. A separate button for ‘eco’ mode will remap the throttle pedal and gearshifts for fuel economy. Saab did not reveal any fuel economy figures.
The five-seater’s interior is crafted in aviation themes that make full use of Saab’s aviation heritage.
In the driver-focused cockpit, a central speedometer includes a selectable, rolling ‘aircraft attitude’ meter as a speed read-out. A novel ‘night panel’ button allows the driver to minimise night driving by switching off all the main instrument and infotainment illumination, except the speedometer.
Large, supportive seats include an eight-way electrical adjustment for both driver and front passenger.
Rear passengers can also adjust their seating position. Each of the split seatbacks features a choice of three rake positions, which are engaged by a lever in the outboard edge of the seatback.
It will go on sale in N.America in May next year, with sales in Europe and other global markets from August.
