There are pictures of all of these vehicles available on the internet but it is very difficult to compare size and shapes when you see them separately. I took my 9-4X to a few car dealers and snapped some pictures with other crossovers.

This is not a price and technical comparison which I will try to do at a later time. It's only how they physically compare to the Saab 9-4X base/premium model.

The crossovers/SUVs in this thread are the Mercedes GLK, M and GL, BMW X3 and X5, Audi Q5, Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC90 and Cadillac SRX.

This picture shows the Mercedes GLK in the middle and Mercedes M on the right. The GLK is much smaller and the 9-4X is almost the same size as the 2011 M-class.



Here is the GL-class, Mercedes' full-size vehicle. It is obvious larger than the 9-4X and it starts at US$62,570 so it is in a different class.



Next to the GLK class which is a small crossover. I would classify the 9-4X as mid-size.



Next to another M-Class. Similar physical size but different luxury and price class.



The 2012 M-class seems quite a bit larger than the outgoing 2011 model. It also is quite a bit larger than the 9-4X. Starting price for the 2012 M is $49K so the two can not be directly compared.



The 9-4X pictured next to its Swedish mate, the Volvo XC90. It appears to be a little bit larger. I wish they had an XC60 on the lot which is a better comparison in size and price to the 9-4X. I always liked the styling of the XC90 but it starting to look quite dated. And a bit frumpy as well.





The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is quite a good looking vehicle. It appears to be about the same size but it looks a bit larger with the higher hood and belt line. Trade-off with this is a smaller windshield and I really like the outward visibility of the Saab 9-4.





The Cadillac SRX is actually quite a good looking vehicle. Not everyone may like the style but it is not offense. There are too many different lines and creases for my taste but still a good design. If you didn't know the SRX and 9-4X are based on the same platform and roll off the same assembly line, it would be very difficult to see their relationship.







The 2012 Audi Q5 is a very nice looking crossover and appears to be almost the same size as the 9-4X. However, it does look a bit more premium and the 9-4X can't quite match that.







The BMW X5 is quite a bit larger but, like the Mercedes M-Class, it also is in a different class.



I found this BMW X3 parked at a beach parking lot. The X3 is quite a bit smaller. While design and taste are always open for discussion, I think the X3 has quite a few awkward lines and design. It makes me think of an angry and unhappy bulldog while the 9-4X has more of a happy and confident look. The hatch of the X3 is very square and I am not sure what they were going after with the taillight design.

I always enjoy your posts Frank. Were you able to get all these pics in one afternoon? Thanks and keep up the good work

Super report Frank !! Nice and interesting topic

Correction.. The Audi in the pictures is a Q5 and not a Q3. I was actually testing if anyone was paying attention but apparently not!

The Q3 is the same size as the VW Tiguan and Mercedes GLK and the Q3 is not sold in the USA.

The only one that holds a candle to the 9-4x in my eyes is the VW tauregaeg

I know your post is more geared on physical dimensions, but I'll add the new price range of each for here in the US (as given by edmunds, without options).

Saab 9-4X MSRP: $33,380-48,010
Cadillac SRX MSRP: $35,185-45,975
Mercedes-Benz GLK MSRP: $35,880-37,900
Mercedes-Benz M-Class MSRP: $48,990-50,900 (hybrid starts at $55,790)
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class MSRP: $61,570-85,300
BMW X3 MSRP: $36,850-42,400
BMW X5 MSRP: $47,200-63,800
Audi Q5 MSRP: $35,600-43,000
Volkswagen Touareg: $42,975-57,755 (hybrid starts at 61,100)
Volvo XC90: $38,400-41-200

Those were just numbers from a quick look up. Also, I didn't include things like the AMG or M models, but they do include diesels which were only available on the Mercedes M-class, GL-class and the Volkswagen Touareg.

A few more of the 9-4X next to the XC60 and XC90. The 9-4X is just in between the XC60 and XC90 when it comes to size.