Saab 9-4x

The Scandinavian answer to the crossover segment

 

  • Saab conquers the growing crossover vehicle segment
  • Progressive Scandinavian design inspired by the Aero X concept
  • The driving dynamics of the vehicle are second to none in their class
  • Further developed Saab XWD four-wheel drive system, adapted to the adaptive Saab DriveSense suspension
  • Spacious passenger compartment, driver-centered cockpit and spacious luggage compartment
  • Compact, light and powerful engines: 3.0 V6i with 265 PS and 2.8 V6 Turbo with 300 PS
  • Flexible cargo space management system

The new 9-4X translates Saab's unique design and construction features into the mid-mass crossover segment. With a distinctive Scandinavian aviation heritage-inspired look, this model offers handling and handling features that set new standards in its class.

At its world premiere next month at the Los Angles Auto Show, the new 9-4X will expand Saab's product lineup by three vehicle lines, providing an unrivaled alternative for independent buyers of crossover vehicles. An important next step for the Swedish brand in the resurrection as an independent premium brand manufacturer.

With its strong and sporty handling, the 9-4X is in terms of looks and size between the 9-3X Allrounder and the new 9-5 Sedan located. Outside and inside, the Saab identity is presented to the outside through its sleek, no-frills design and features such as the windshield's sweeping shape, ice block lighting theme, driver-centered cockpit and flexible cargo space design.

In true Saab tradition, the 9-4X fulfills its role as a sporty personality. The vehicle is designed around a unique, purpose-built crossover body structure that has played a key role in providing outstanding handling and driving performance. The driving dynamics of the vehicle are supported by Saab's advanced 4x4 system, XWD, and Adaptive DriveSense suspension control.


A range of compact and powerful V6 naturally aspirated or turbocharged engines work under the bonnet. The 3,0-liter engine with 265 PS offers entry-level direct injection and variable valve timing, while the 2,8-liter with 300 PS receives a twin turbocharger instead of direct fuel injection and is offered exclusively in the top models of the Aero line. Both engines are tuned to the 6 automatic transmission with adaptive electronic control.

"The 9-4X significantly enhances the appearance of the Saab brand," says Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson. "With the new model reflecting the values ​​of our brand in key areas such as progressive Scandinavian design and sporty, responsible driving, we are gaining access to the fast-growing crossover segment. The 9-4X is an exciting package, and we are proud to address many Saab drivers as well as gaining new customers for the brand. "

The 9-4X will be launched in North America for the first time in May next year, and from early August, the new model will also be available in Europe and other global markets. The prices will be announced shortly before the sale starts.

 

Body made by Saab

The 9-4X represents a clear and powerful statement, with clear, unfussy lines that unadulterated the Scandinavian design ethos. Its eye-catching front styling, in line with the new 9-5 Sedan, was inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept vehicle, with the introduction of the new and deep 3 hole grille and "Ice Block" effect lighting.

The darkened windscreen and door pillars form a rounded effect, the simple glasshouse structure emphasizes the traditional "cockpit" look of Saab. Other external Saab features relate to the shape of the headlamps, the hockey stick waistline and the highly trained C-pillars, completed by the rear window being pulled around.

The roofline was visually lowered and stretched by means of a low-set, integrated in the tailgate spoiler. In the rear area, the vehicle lighting carries a handwriting, which has been introduced by the new 9-5 Sedan. The LED-illuminated "Ice-Block" lettering extends across the lower waistline and envelops the taillight units. In both engine versions, the diamond-shaped twin exhaust pipes are seamlessly integrated into the lower bumper formation.

Overall, the body of the 9-4X is noticeably freed of all unnecessary ballast. A dark protective coating marks the lower body area, but the slim lines are not weighted by wheel arch linings or body protection panels.

The entry-level models feature 18 6 X-spoke alloy wheels, while the Aero models feature 20 9 spoke "turbine" alloy wheels and a black grille front grille.

Aircraft-like passenger compartment

The spacious passenger compartment offers a lot of comfort for up to five adults and is characterized by the driver-centered cockpit typical of Saab. Center console, center stack and main instrument display are all in one piece and are inclined towards the driver. The interior of the 9-4X is made of wood or, in the Aero models, of carbon fiber.

Other subtle references to Saab's aeronautical heritage include a selectable altimeter-style tachometer, green needle lilac of the three main instruments, and the traditional Saab "joystick" adjustment levers for the air vents. The starting device - now via start / stop button - is, how could it be otherwise, between the two front seats, right next to the gearshift lever.

 

Wide seats with excellent lateral support and 8-fold electric adjustment for the driver, optional electric foot pedal adjustment. The rear passengers enjoy a particularly generous space, since the rear area is not limited by a third row of seats. In addition, they can benefit from an independent manual triple adjustment of the rear seat back of the respective 60 / 40 split rear seat.

The vehicle's generous stowage space includes double compartments in all doors, a two-part glove box in front and a large center console shelf with 12 V, USB and AUX ports. The rear passengers have additional storage space on the back of the center console and in the middle armrests.

The infotainment includes two audio options, one with seven speakers or, in the top class, the Bose system with 10 speakers and 5.1 surround sound. The optional 8 touch screen and navigation system with hard disk drive offer a bird's-eye view map view and the ability to save up to 10 GB "jukebox" music files. Communication while driving is ensured by an integrated Bluetooth hands-free system controlled by voice commands and controls on the steering wheel, as well as the infotainment panel.

At the rear, passengers have independently controlled air conditioning, in addition to the standard two-zone climate control system, and they can also select their own audio / video program via a dedicated unit at the rear of the center console. This unit has a video AUX input and two 8 inch screens integrated into the back of the front seats.


Variable cargo area

The trunk of the 9-4X offers ample space and can be used in a variety of ways. The 60 / 40 split rear seats can be folded down in one movement without having to move the seat cushions or pull out the head restraints. These provide a completely flat, xxx meter long cargo area, which offers a loading volume of xxxx liters.

The front portion of the trunk floor is also hinged and can be raised via an aircraft lever to release additional underbody storage space for smaller items. If required, an optionally available, U-shaped receptacle can be fitted to the cargo bed with a flexible, telescopic luggage rail which can be positioned in any position to accommodate a wide variety of luggage items.

As an additional feature, the tailgate is available with a remote-controlled hydraulic drive. This can be opened completely or, in programmable mode, to a lowered height if there is less room for overhead, for example in a garage.

In the street

The new 9-4X transfers the handling and driving characteristics of a car to the mid-mass crossover segment. Intense competitive vehicle comparison tests have shown that the 9-4X has a level of dynamic performance - both refinement of handling and handling - that challenges the best in its class.

The key to such outstanding driver qualities is a unique body design that has been adapted to the purpose of the crossover vehicle class and is uncompromising in that it does not have to take on any existing sedan or combo form.

Advanced driving technologies include the advanced all-wheel drive system from Saab, XWD, which distributes drive torque steplessly to the front and rear axles. This disconnectable, lightweight and responsive system optimizes road grip in old conditions, whether dry or wet, on smooth or loose ground, on the road or off-road. This system is combined with an electronic slip differential (eLSD) for slip control, which distributes torque up to 50% to the rear wheels, giving us more grip.

With the Saab adaptive chassis, the DriveSense, the rider and the vehicle grow even more into a single unit in the Aero, enabling the 9-4X to respond to driving commands and different road conditions thanks to its real-time damper control. In addition to the standard "Intelligent" setting, the driver can opt for the "Comfort" and "Sport" modes. By means of an "Eco" mode to be activated via a separate switch, the accelerator pedal and shift pattern are readjusted in order to optimize fuel consumption.

Other driving aids are the variable power steering, a Saab DriveSense function and the standard bi-xenon adaptive lighting, which ensure better illumination of curves by the headlamps follow the steering angle.

Powerful powerhouses

The drive line includes two powerful V 6 aluminum engines, both with 6 automatic transmission and Saab XWD four-wheel drive. These lightweight and compact 24 valve engines feature variable valve timing, both intake and exhaust, and have the performance characteristics typically found in high-displacement engines.

The entry-level model, the 3.0 l (195 kW) naturally aspirated engine, offers direct injection and accelerates the 9-4X from 0 to 100 km / h in just 9 s.

Available exclusively in the Aero version, the 2.8 l turbo engine with 300 PS (221 kW) brings impressive torque of 400 NM between 2000 and 5000 revolutions / min to the road. The acceleration on 100 km is 8,3 s. The fuel consumption of both engines is not fixed yet

Leader in safety

The outstanding safety features complement the high engine performance. The 9-4X can benefit from Saab's more than 50 years of experience in occupant safety. Saab's crash tests and computer simulations are based on facts obtained in actual collisions on real roads. Numerous internal tests developed by Saab go far beyond the standards required by law or consumer testing organizations.

The success of Saab's work is reflected in the realistic accident studies conducted by the American Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) and the Swedish Folksam Insurance Company, where Saab vehicles keep on getting good results, and occasionally first places in theirs Occupy the segment. The Saab 9-3 and the new 9-5 Sedan received at least five stars in the EuroNCAP and driving safety tests.

Source / Pictures: Saab Automobile AB