Design from old times - Saab 9-3 X Concept Michael Mauer (Version 1)

The Saab 9-3 X Concept, which designer Michael Mauer worked on in 2001, could have changed the fate of Saab forever. But Sweden had a tragic tradition of not taking decisive steps. With the focus on vehicles that were trendy at the time and still shape the market, Saab was particularly consistent. There was even a tradition with SUVs and crossovers. The brand's first crossover? Never built? The second? That was never produced either.

Saab 9-3 X Concept by Michael Mauer
Saab 9-3 X Concept by Michael Mauer

Saab 9-3 X Concept by Michael Mauer

With the Saab 9-3 X Concept, designer Michael Mauer set his sights on the "crossover" segment. Since a Saab is a Saab, he maintained the brand's special design language. The curved windscreen, reminiscent of a pilot's cockpit, was mandatory, and exciting innovations were incorporated into the study.

Because Saab has always practiced the balancing act between sophisticated design, engine performance and versatility. The 9-3 X Concept had a lot to offer. The pull-out loading floor was not a matter of course in the compact class. An innovative, but never mass-produced concept with roof boxes underlined the uniqueness of the 9-3 X.

In 2001, Saab focused on the crossover theme with the concept car
In 2001, Saab focused on the crossover theme with the concept car

To bring light into the interior, the concept car has two large glass surfaces in the roof, which are divided by a massive walkway. The bridge is used to hold the roof box, which is more than just a box for transport. According to the designer's wishes, it should be able to be used conventionally as well as be suitable for transporting two pairs of skis. The box turned into a design object, a lifestyle product. The lamellas at the ends would have given the skis the necessary support, from the outside only the protruding ends would have been seen.

Saab 9-3 X Concept for collectors

Unfortunately, neither the Saab 9-3 X Concept nor the transport box came. The SUV based on the concept car should have appeared on the market in 2005. Saab's second contribution in a booming segment. But the Americans stopped the project at a late stage and the prototypes were scrapped. Just like GM did before with the 9-5X had prevented another four-wheel drive Saab.

Aluminum picture frame - high quality screwed several times
Aluminum picture frame - high quality screwed several times

Saab had various art prints made of the Saab 9-3 X Concept in 2001 with sketches by Michael Mauer. We are showing a version here, the concept car with roof box.

The sketches were made by Saab with a high-quality (expensive) aluminum picture frame by Nielsen in the size 62 x 49,5 cm. We have secured a few copies of the pictures, which are now 20 years old, for collectors and are offering them in our Aero X Club Store

The art prints have been stored in a dark and dry place for years and are in incredible condition. They are a unique opportunity to secure part of Saab history for private collection.

Art prints of the second variant, the Saab concept car without a roof box, are also on their way to us.

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Freising86
Freising86
2 years earlier

You are already crazy. For the picture frame, without printing, Nielsen would easily charge € 140 to € 150. Saab just knew what is good and what is expensive. Great action!

Volvoab Driver
Volvoab Driver
2 years earlier
Reply to  Freising86

Hadn't dared to look at all. True, the double-digit price comes as a surprise. You can see how much the blog values ​​its subscribers ...

Ulrich Siegrist
Ulrich Siegrist
2 years earlier

This 9-3X Concept would have gone away like fresh rolls, you love it after 2 seconds
and that in 2005, unbelievable. That would not only have given Saab an extremely strong turbo boost in sales figures, but also stirred up the entire car market and made all other brands look old. Today you can see beefy, cheeky, angular designs that are ridiculous compared to this ideal of power and beauty, which was developed back in 2005.
Why the hell did the Swedes have no assertiveness against the Americans, who were or are still much too stupid to see the power and progress in this great 9-3X concept.
The car would still be very modern today and would have caused an incredible sensation.

Volvoab Driver
Volvoab Driver
2 years earlier

emotions

One must not forget that such designs are always grossly overdrawn at this stage. But it's true, that could well have been the first starting point for a small Saab with a certain market potential ...

I wouldn't hang it quite as high as you do. Regardless of that, a great campaign from the blog and previously from Saab. This art print definitely arouses desires and stimulates the imagination, which might have been possible ...