First Look: SAAB 9-4X

Making its world premiere at next month’s Los Angeles Auto Show, the 9-4X expands Saab’s product portfolio to three car lines and will provide a fresh, alternative choice for independently-minded crossover buyers. It is an important next-step in the Swedish brand’s renaissance as an independent premium car manufacturer.

Muscular and sporty to drive, the 9-4X is aligned in looks and size between the 9-3X and new 9-5 saloon. 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.

In true Saab tradition, the 9-4X delivers on its sporty persona. It is configured around a unique, purpose-designed crossover body structure, which has been key to delivering its exceptional handling and ride properties. Car-like driving dynamics are supported by Saab’s advanced all-wheel-drive system, XWD, and DriveSense adaptive chassis control.

Under the bonnet nestles a compact and efficient V6 turbocharged engine. The 300 hp, 2.8-litre twin-scroll turbocharging engine is mated to six-speed automatic transmissions under adaptive electronic control.

“The 9-4X significantly broadens the appeal of the Saab brand,” says Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson. “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 Saab 9-4X is offered with an efficient all-aluminum V6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission and Saab XWD. The light and compact, 24-valve engine feature variable valve timing on both inlet and exhaust sides, and boasts a power rating typical of a larger displacement engine.

The 2.8-litre turbo engine packs 300 hp (224 kW) and generates an impressive 400 Nm spread of torque between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm. It delivers zero to 62mph acceleration in 8.3 seconds. Fuel consumption figures are still being finalised and will be published closer to launch.

The Saab 9-4X brings car-like handling and ride qualities to the crossover segment. Extensive development testing alongside competitor vehicles shows the 9-4X has a level of dynamic performance – in ride refinement as well as handling - that challenges the very best in its class.

Key to such excellent driving qualities is a unique body structure, purpose-designed for a crossover application and free from compromises through adapting an existing saloon or estate format.

Advanced driving technologies include Saab XWD, the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, which infinitely varies drive torque between the front and rear axles. This pre-emptive, lightweight and fast-acting system offers optimised grip in all conditions, dry or wet, smooth or loose, on road or off-road. It is combined with an electronically-controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD) which can transfer up to 50% of rear torque between the rear wheels, diverting torque to the wheel with more grip.

Saab DriveSense offers an adaptive chassis function which uses real time damping control to help the 9-4X react to how it is being driven and to changing road conditions. In addition to the default ‘Intelligent’ setting, the driver can select ‘Comfort’ and ‘Sport’ modes. An ‘Eco’ mode, activated via a separate button, also re-maps the throttle pedal and gearshifting patterns for optimal fuel economy.

Other driving aids include variable effort steering, a function of Saab DriveSense, and standard bi-xenon adaptive lighting, which provides better illumination of upcoming bends by linking the direction of the headlamp beam to the steering angle.

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.

Credits: wilswong