2011 SAAB 9-4X overview The
new 9-4X brings unique Saab design and engineering values to the
growing, luxury mid-size crossover segment. Distinctive Scandinavian and
aircraft-inspired looks are combined with car-like handling and ride
characteristics: this is a vehicle which delivers driving and design
appeal in equal measure.
Making
its world premiere at next month’s Los Angles 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 all-rounder and new 9-5 sedan. 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 such excellent handling and ride
properties. Its car-like driving dynamics can be enhanced still further
by Saab’s advanced all-wheel-drive system, Saab XWD, and DriveSense
adaptive chassis control. Both are standard with Aero, while Saab XWD is
also available as an option.
Under
the hood, nestles a choice of compact and efficient V6 engines,
naturally-aspirated or turbocharged. The 265 hp, 3.0-liter motor for
entry-level and premium variants features direct fuel injection and
variable valve timing; while the 300 hp, 2.8-liter exchanges direct
injection for twin-scroll turbocharging and is exclusive to top-of-line
Aero variants. Both engines are 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
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. Prices will be
announced shortly before sales commence.
Body sculpted by Saab
The
9-4X cuts a broad and powerful stance, with clean, uncluttered lines
that echo Saab’s Scandinavian design ethos. Its distinctive face, in
common with the new 9-5 sedan, draws inspiration from the award-winning
Aero X concept car, with a deep, three-port grille and
‘ice-block’-effect lighting themes.
Disguised
windshield and door pillars create Saab’s signature wraparound-effect,
the single glasshouse graphic emphasizing the brand’s traditional
‘cockpit’ look. Other exterior Saab identifiers include the shaping of
the headlamps, a ‘hockey stick’ waistline and strong C-pillars
complemented by a wraparound-effect rear screen.
The
roofline is visually lowered and extended by a rear spoiler integrated
into the deck lid. The rear lighting carries forward the signature theme
introduced by the new 9-5 sedan. An ‘ice-block’ bar lit by LEDs extends
across the lower deck lid and wraps around the light units. Twin
rhomboid-shaped exhaust tailpipes are neatly integrated into the lower
bumper molding.
Overall,
the 9-4X’s bodywork is noticeably free from unnecessary decoration or
trim. A dark protective appliqué is applied to lower body, but there are
no wheel-arch claddings or protective body panels.
18-inch,
six-spoke alloy wheels are standard fit, while Aero models are
distinguished by 20-inch, nine-spoke ’turbine’ alloy wheels, as well as
bi-xenon cornering headlights and black mesh inserts in the front grille
and fog lamp housings.
Cockpit-inspired cabin
The
spacious cabin provides comfortable accommodation for up to five adults
and is defined by a signature Saab, driver-focused cockpit layout. The
center console, center stack and main instrument display are presented
within a single form that sweeps up around the driver. For the 9-4X,
this is finished with wood or carbon fiber-effect trim.
Other
subtle references to Saab’s aviation heritage include a selectable,
attitude style speed read-out, green illumination for the needles of the
three main dials and traditional Saab ‘joystick’ adjusters for the
mesh-style air vents. The ignition – a start/stop button – is, of
course, located between the front seats, in true Saab tradition,
adjacent to the shift lever.
Large,
supportive seats include a standard, 8-way electrical adjustment for
the driver and an optional electrical adjustment of the foot pedals.
Rear passengers enjoy particularly roomy accommodation as rear space is
not compromised by the presence of a third row of seats. They also
benefit from an independent, three-way manual adjustment of the rake of
each 60/40 fold seatback.
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.
Available
infotainment includes two audio options, a seven-speaker or
top-of-the-line 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 OnStar and integrated Bluetooth hands-free
phone system, which functions via voice command and steering wheel
controls.
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 optional equipment has a video AUX input and two
8-inch screens in the rear face of the front seatbacks.
Adaptable cargo carrying
The
trunk of the 9-4X is optimized for space and ease of use. The 60/40
split seatbacks fold down in a single movement, without having to move
the seat cushions or remove the retractable head restraints. They
provide a completely flat cargo deck, offering a total volume of 61.2
cubic feet.
The
front section of the trunk floor is hinged and can be opened via an
aircraft-shaped handle to reveal additional under floor storage. Floor
space can be tailored as required by the, U-shaped track with a
telescopic cargo divider, which can be moved to any position to keep
items in place.
For
additional convenience, the deck lid is available with a remotely
controlled, hydraulically powered operation. It can open fully, or to a
programmable lower position if there is restricted clearance overhead,
such as in the garage.
On the move
The
Saab 9-4X brings car-like handling and ride qualities to the crossover
segment. Key to its dynamic performance is a unique body structure,
purpose-designed for a crossover application and free from compromises
through adapting an existing sedan or wagon 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, light and fast-acting system
offers optimized grip in virtually all driving conditions, dry or wet,
smooth or loose. 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, to whichever has more grip.
Driver
and vehicle in the Aero are brought even closer together by Saab
DriveSense, 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 ‘Comfort’ setting, the
driver can select ‘Sport’ mode, which introduces a firmer range of
adjustment for the dampers, as well as a sharper throttle pedal response
and raised gear shifting points. An ‘Eco’ mode 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 bi-xenon adaptive lighting, which provides better
illumination of upcoming bends by linking the direction of the headlamp
beam to the steering angle.
Efficient power packs
The
powertrain line-up comprises two efficient all-aluminum V6 engines,
both with a six-speed automatic transmission. These light and compact,
24-valve motors feature variable valve timing, on both inlet and exhaust
sides, and boast power ratings typical of larger displacement engines.
The
265 hp, 3.0-liter naturally-aspirated motor is available with
front-wheel drive or Saab XWD and includes direct fuel injection. With
front-wheel drive, it propels the 9-4X from zero to 60 mph in just 7.9
seconds (8.4 seconds with Saab XWD) and is expected to enable estimated
city/highway combined fuel consumption of 20 mpg* (19 mpg* with Saab
XWD).
Available
exclusively in Aero specification with Saab XWD as standard, the
2.8-liter turbo engine packs 300 hp and generates an impressive 295
lb.ft. spread of torque between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm. It delivers zero to
60 mph acceleration in 7.7 seconds and estimated city/highway combined
fuel consumption of 18 mpg*.
* EPA estimated fuel economy ratings not yet issued
Leading safety performance
Excellent
safety complements strong performance, and the 9-4X benefits from more
than 50 years of Saab experience in working with occupant protection.
Saab crash testing and computer simulations are based on what happens in
real collisions, on real roads. Many in-house tests developed by Saab
are over and above those legally required or carried out by consumer
test organizations.
The
success of Saab’s work is reflected in surveys of real-life collisions
by the US Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) and the Swedish Folksam
insurance company, where Saab cars have consistently scored well,
several times being ranked best in their segment. The Saab 9-3 and the
new 9-5 sedan are also maximum 5-star performers in EuroNCAP crash
safety ratings, as is the 9-3 in U.S. NCAP.
|
