Saab, loaded with Spyker money, is now confident enough to finally bring out its crossover as a production model. The Saab 9-4X is being prepared to hit the market in May and August (depending on the market) next year as a 2012 model, entering one of the most fierce segments in business. The 9-4X looks quite good if you look at it as a Saab, but as a sporty crossover, well, we’ve all seen better!

Making its world premiere at the 2010 Los Angles Auto Show, the 9-4X offers car-like performance and a bit of off-road capabilities thanks to aab’s advanced all-wheel-drive system, Saab XWD, and DriveSense adaptive chassis control.

As for the engines, the entry-level models get a 265 hp, 3.0-liter motor with direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. Higher spec Aero models will get a the 300 hp, 2.8-liter which does not have direct injection, but in return features win-scroll turbocharging. Both engines are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions under adaptive, electronic control.

In terms of equipments and convenience features, you have to say Saab 9-4x is generously equipped. You get 8-way electrical adjustment for the driver and an optional electrical adjustment of the foot pedals, 60/40 split rear seats, Ample onboard storage includes double-decked pockets in all doors, a two-tier front glovebox and a deep bin in the center console with 12-volt, USB and AUX connections. Rear passengers have additional storage in the rear face of the center console and the center armrest.

Infotainment includes two audio options, a seven-speaker or top-of-the-line, 10-speaker Bose system with 5.1 surround sound. The optional 8-inch touchscreen, hard disk-based navigation system includes a bird’s eye map view and 10 GB storage for ‘jukebox’ music files. Communication on the move is supported by an integrated Bluetooth hands-free phone system, which functions via voice command and steering wheel controls, as well as the infotainment panel.

In the rear, passengers can enjoy independent climate control, in addition to the standard dual-zone system, and select their own onboard audio/visual entertainment through a dedicated unit in the back of the center console. This has a video AUX input and two 8-inch screens in the rear face of the front seatbacks.

Technical Overview

Engines
2997 cc. 6 cylinders,V6
Aluminum cylinder heads and block DOHC, 24-valve
VVT (inlet and exhaust)
Direct fuel injection
Transversely-mounted

2792 cc. 6 cylinders,V6
Aluminum cylinder heads and block DOHC, 24-valve
VVT (inlet and exhaust)
Twin-scroll turbocharger
Intercooled
Bosch Motronic ME9.6
Transversely-mounted

Suspension
Front:
MacPherson strut
Aluminum A-arm
Hydraulic dampers
Stabilizer bar
Hydraulic ride bushings
Rear:
Independent, linked H-arm
Coil springs. Gas charged dampers
Stabilizer bar (hollow)

Transmission
6-speed automatic
Steering wheel controls (Aero)
Steering
Rack and pinion
Hydraulic power assistance (Saab 94X)
Variable Effort Steering (Saab 94X Aero)
Turning circle (curb-to-curb):
11.9 m.
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.84

Wheels, Tires
18” x 8″ aluminum, 235/65 (Saab 94X)
20” x 8″ aluminum, 235/55 (Saab 94X Aero)
Brakes
Dual circuit, vacuum booster
ABS, TCS, ESP®
Discs, Calipers (f/r, mm):
345 x 30, ventilated
Aluminum dual piston
315 x 23, ventilated
Aluminum single piston
Weights
Curb (kg):
2010 – 2120 kg (Saab 94X)
2085 – 2135 (Saab 94X Aero)
Max. towing weight:
2,000 kgWeight distribution (%, f/r):
57 / 43
Capacities
Load capacity (liters):
2nd seat row up: 485 (preliminary)
Cooling system (liters):
11.7 (3.0i V6)
12.8 (2.8 turboV6)
Engine oil (liters):
5.7 (3.0i V6)
6.0 (2.8 turbo V6)
Fuel tank (liters):
80

Drag co-efficient
0.38

Performance

ENGINE VARIANT
3.0i V6 2.8 turbo V6
Availability Saab 94X Saab 94X Aero
Max. ouput (hp / kW)
Rpm 265 / 195
6,900 300 / 221
5,500
Max torque (Nm / lb-ft)
Rpm 302 / 223
5,200 400 / 295
2,000 – 5,000
Bore / Stroke (mm) 89.0 x 80.3 89.0 x 74.8
Compression Ratio 11.7: 1 9.5: 1
PERFORMANCE
0-100 kph (s) 9.0 8.3
Top speed (kph)
210
230

FUEL CONSUMPTION
(l/100 km)
Combined
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Extra-urban
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Urban
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CO2 (g/km) tba tba