The newly-minted Saab 9-4X makes its debut this year with plenty of standard features and a price that’s average for a luxury compact SUV.
The Saab 9-4X is the automaker’s first entry into the fast-growing world of luxury compact SUVs. For instance, Saab’s trademark push-button ignition is located in between the two front seats, where it would be on a plane. Also, most of Saab’s cars have a wraparound interior reminiscent of a cockpit. The Saab 9-4X will be equipped similarly to other luxury compact SUVs. Although the base model comes with vinyl seats, it has standard push button ignition with keyless entry, adaptive headlights, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trim levels offer even more features, like heated rear seats, rear-seat entertainment and standard all-wheel drive. The Volvo XC60 seats five and has Swedish roots like Saab does. It offers only 19 cubic feet with all seats in use and a maximum of 56.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat.
It has 54.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded and 23.3 cubic feet of space with all seats in use. By contrast, the base Saab 9-4X has six airbags and faux wood trim.
All-wheel drive comes standard only on Aero models, and is unavailable on 3.0i and Premium trims.
Following its recent Los Angeles Auto Show debut, Saab has affixed a price tag to its all-new 9-4X crossover.
The 9-4X will be Saab’s first crossover, although GM rebadged a Chevrolet TrailBlazer as a Saab 9-7x several years ago.
Saab says a front-wheel-drive non-turbo model can sprint to 60 mph in about 7.9 seconds and sips fuel at an average of 20 mpg combined.
Saab will offer the 9-4X Aero with a turbocharged 2.8-liter, 300-horsepower V6, the same engine that is also optional in the SRX. Saab says to expect combined driving to net around 18 mpg.
Saab’s all-wheel-drive – dubbed XWD – will be standard on the Aero and optional on the base 9-4X. It adds an electronically-controlled rear limited-slip differential called eLSD capable of splitting up to 50 percent of torque between the rear wheels. The tailgate features another ice block-style light cluster running horizontally below the windshield.
The Aero comes only with all-wheel drive.
Aero versions have mesh grille inserts, fog lights, xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights and 20-inch alloy wheels. Saab's signature air vents employ a joystick-like knob for directional airflow. The three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel has standard cruise and audio controls. Vinyl seats and faux wood trim are standard. Genuine leather, heated and cooled front seats and faux carbon fiber trim are optional.
Rear climate control and heated rear seats are optional. The larger RX, meanwhile, has 40 cubic feet.
The Aero has a turbocharged 2.8-liter V-6 with 300 hp and 295 pounds-feet of torque.