The new Saab 9-4X

[nordwulf]

The full details can be found here in the press release:
New Saab 9-4X: World Premiere. Scandinavian Choice for the Crossover Segment

So what are your thoughts on the 9-4? One thing I find strange is they offer the naturally-aspirated 3.0V6 and not a 4-cylinder engine. The 2.0T seems to be a much better choice when it comes to fuel economy and Saab's image of fuel efficient turbo engines.

I am curious what the pricing is going to be in the US. The Volvo XC90 starts at $38,200 and they must price it pretty close to that.

[Shazam]

Isn't it more similarly sized to the XC60? That starts around $32,400. And it's basically a Cadillac SRX which starts at about $33,800... so I would assume it's about there.

[Shazam]

When is a section for that going to be added? The New 9-5 was added early, but we were all awaiting its arrival, the 9-4x doesn't even have a release date yet.

[nordwulf]

A new section for the 9-4 with the other is probably not needed yet. I did add a new 9-4 section to The Archives for a place to put the press release.

FWD only is available for North America. Why would they only offer XWD in the rest of the world? That doesn't makes sense.. Is the FWD 9-4X just going to be called 9-4 without the X?

[SaabKen]

Swade's got too good of a life, me thinks !

Saab 9-4x pre-show viewing

[SaabWorld]

The new Saab 9-4X brings unique Saab design and engineering values to the growing mid-size crossover segment. With distinctive Scandinavian and aircraft-inspired looks, it also offers car-like handling and ride characteristics that challenge class benchmarks.



http://newsroom.saab.com/news/news/i...9a7ffe464.html

[Burnsside42]

I'll bite my tongue until I see one in person - but there are a lot of GM things I don't like about this car, and also a lot of things I do. That being said, it's a FAIL in my book already unless they offer it with the 2.0T engine - Saab is NOT a V6 car... never was, should never be. A V6 engine has NOTHING to do with economy and performance IMHO. 2.8T is one thing - but offering a 3.0L N/A motor is out right dumb. It could at least be a 3.0L Turbo Diesel....

[SaabScott]

Hey Burns, good to see you here!

I agree with your comments about Saab being a 4 cyl company ... and they have made great strides with diesel as well.

However, we all know, that if you want to make it in the N/A market in the premium segment, you need the larger engines.
No, a 3.0L n/a engine is not the first thing I think of when someone says Saab.
Having said that, given their limited resources at the moment, they may not have had a choice.

I for one can not wait to see and drive it myself.
The reviews that the Caddie version has been getting are fantastic ... and we all know Saab will do it one better.

[Burnsside42]

Yeah - the resources are the main issue I'd imagine, but really? I just hope it's not another 1994 ng900 2.5L repeat mistake. That's my fear - Saab needs a comeback tour, not a bad marketing campaign as results to poor engine quality. I hope it performs as well as the 2.8T has been - or better.

[SpecialTool]

My thoughts on the 9-4X? Probably irrelevant as I think only ****heads buy crossovers.