2011 Saab 9-4X

New Saab 9-4X: World Premiere: Scandinavian Choice for the Crossover Segment

•Saab enters fast-growing crossover segment
•Progressive Scandinavian design inspired by Aero X concept
•Car-like handling qualities deliver rewarding driving experience
•Advanced Saab XWD mated with Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis
•Spacious cabin, driver-focused cockpit and ample storage
•Compact, light, efficient engines: 265 hp 3.0V6i and 300 hp 2.8V6 turbo
•Flexible cargo management system
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.




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.

Únder 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 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. (concept carz) 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, ÚSB and AÚX 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 AÚX 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, Ú-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. (posted on conceptcarz.com) 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 ÚS 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 Ú.S. NCAP.

Source - Saab

Crossing Over with Progressive Saab Design

• Carries forward signature Saab design cues
• Clean exterior styling follows Scandinavian tradition




• Flexible cargo management system

Strong, crisply sculpted and unmistakably Saab: the 9-4X cuts a muscular stance that defines its crossover character. It takes Saab forward into a new market segment, sharing signature Saab styling cues from the new Saab 9-5 sedan. (concept carz)
Outside and inside, it gives fresh expression to a Saab design heritage drawn from aeronautical and Scandinavian roots. The 9-4X takes Saab's design language into a new vehicle class, emphasizing a feeling of strength and solidity that goes to the heart of the Saab brand.



The blacked-out windshield and door pillars help to create a single glasshouse graphic, emphasizing that typical Saab ‘cockpit' look. In the style of the new 9-5, the door mirror casings are also black, instead of body-colored, so that the visual impact of the window graphic is not interrupted.

Like the new 9-5 sedan, the ‘ice block' headlamp units include a curving, signature light tube which illuminates to give the car a distinctive identity day and night. Indicator repeaters in the front fenders also adopt the blue-green ‘ice block' theme.

Subtle sculpturing of the wheel-arches, and a side crease that underlines the hockey stick beltline, also give a taut look to the proportions of a mid-size crossover. In keeping with Scandinavian design values, the 9-4X's bodywork is free from unnecessary trim. While a dark protective appliqué is coated on the lower body, the 9-4X's svelte lines are not sullied by additions such as wheel-arch cladding or protective body panels.

The roofline is visually lowered and stretched by a deep spoiler integrated into the top of the tailgate. The rear screen appears to wraparound the rear quarters of the car, helping to form a strong ‘C'-pillar shape, another Saab signature feature.

The rear lighting follows the same distinctive theme seen on the new 9-5 sedan. (concept carz) The signature ‘ice-block' light bar stretches across the lower tailgate, wrapping around the rear light units. It gives the rear of the 9-4X a distinctive night and day identity.

For easy loading, the tailgate opens flush with the top of the rear bumper molding, which is finished with a black, scratch-resistant insert. The rear bumper also comes with a detachable hitch cover, which preserves its good looks when a towing hitch is not required. With both engines, twin rhomboid-shaped exhaust tailpipes are neatly integrated into the lower bumper molding.

18-inch, six-spoke alloy wheels are fitted as standard, while Aero models are visually distinguished by 20-inch, nine-spoke 'turbine' alloy wheels, a black mesh front grille and a side decor strip in brushed aluminum.

Cockpit-inspired cabin
The 9-4X's spacious cabin provides comfortable accommodation for up to five adults and is distinguished by its signature Saab driver-focused cockpit. The center console, center stack and main instrument displays are all combined within a single form that arcs around the driver. For the 9-4X, this defining feature is presented with a wood or carbon fiber-effect finish.

Three main instrument dials are housed in chrome-edge tubes. The central speedometer includes a selectable, rolling ‘aircraft attitude' meter as a speed read-out, a subtle reference to Saab's aviation heritage. The needles of the dials and main display screen in center stack are all illuminated in signature Saab green. The aircraft-like 'Night Panel' button, another unique Saab feature, allows the driver to minimize distraction during night driving by switching off all the main instrument and infotainment illumination, except the speedometer.

Other unique Saab features include mesh-style air vents with ‘joystick' adjusters and the car's ignition – now a start/stop button – located between the front seats adjacent to the shift lever. Controls associated with the movement of the vehicle – such as the electric park brake button and DriveSense adaptive ride selector – are logically located in the same area.

The presentation of the infotainment and climate controls in the center stack below the color display screen follows the same layout as seen in the new 9-5 sedan. (concept carz) Small channels in the fascia link the main rotary controls and resemble the shape of Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man, a hint at the combination of human design and scientific precision used in the layout of the cabin. It is part of the logical, zonal groupings used for the location of the car's interior, chassis and lighting controls.

Ample cabin storage is a key requirement for a leisure-orientated vehicle. In addition a large, two-tier, cooled glovebox, Saab designers have optimized space by providing double-decked storage pockets in all doors, front and rear. The center console also includes storage within the lift-top adjustable armrest, as well as dual depth adjustable twin cupholders and a deep storage bin with a 12-volt power outlet and ÚSB and AÚX sockets for mobile devices. Rear passengers have additional storage in the rear face of the center console and in the center armrest with twin cupholders.

Large, supportive seats include an 8-way electrical adjustment for the driver (also for the front passenger in Aero specification). Driving comfort can be further refined by electrically adjustable foot pedals, available an option, giving a travel range of 55 mm and operated via a button on the steering column.
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.
Adaptable cargo carrying

The trunk of the 9-4X is optimized for space and ease of use. Generously proportioned, with minimal intrusions in the side walls, it offers a load capacity of 485 (preliminary) liters with the rear seatbacks up.

The 60/40 split seatbacks are designed to fold down in a single movement, without having to move the seat cushions or remove the retractable head restraints. As the seatbacks are folded down, the cushions slide forward to enable a completely flat cargo deck.

The front section of the trunk floor is hinged and can be raised via an aircraft-shaped handle to reveal an additional under-floor storage for smaller items when a tire repair kit is fitted instead of a spare wheel. The raised floor can also be locked in a vertical position and is fitted with hooks, allowing shopping bags to be organized in a practical way.

A detachable, retracting cargo cover is also fitted a standard. It pulls out from the top of the seatbacks to conceal stowed items and features a convenient second movement, which allows both edges to slide up channels on the inside of the D-pillars. This opens up the cargo deck for easy access, without any need to fully retract the cover, or reach inside again to pull it back in position.

The cargo deck's floor space can be tailored as required. The optional, Ú-shaped track accommodates an adaptable, telescopic cargo dividing rail which can be moved to any position. The concept, already introduced on the new 9-5 sedan, provides a quick and flexible storage solution, keeping a wide range of different-sized items in place.

For additional convenience, the tailgate is available with a remotely controlled, hydraulically powered operation. It can be opened, programmed and closed via a rotary switch on the inside of the driver's door, the key fob or controls on the tailgate itself. The programmable mode raises it to a set lower position if there is restricted clearance overhead. The OFF setting disables the powered function. This feature is standard for all Aero models.

Cabin Decor and Equipment
In both specifications, the upper surfaces of the cabin's front fascia and door panels are presented in a grained, jet black finish, with contrasting edge stitching for the Aero.

The standard interior offers a choice of dark titanium (grey), shale (beige) or jet black for the center armrest, lower door panels and seats, which are upholstered in leatherette. A wood-effect finish is applied to the main instrument panel and door grab handles, and the three-spoke steering wheel is leather trimmed.
The Aero cabin features a choice of dark titanium or jet black for the center armrest, lower door panels and sports seats, with under-thigh extensions, which are upholstered in perforated leather. Contrasting stitching, is applied to the flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, gearshift and the edge of the instrument panel. The Aero cabin is further enhanced by up-level ambient lighting, and a carbon-fiber look for the instrument panel and door handles.

Source - Saab