Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossovers/CUVs, Saab
Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X prototype caught
by John Neff on Apr 11th 2008 at 3:59PM 
Click above for high-res gallery of Saab 9-4X spy shots
What we have here are the first spy shots showing a production prototype of the upcoming Saab 9-4X crossover. This CUV was first revealed as the 9-4X BioPower Concept at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, and as you can see from the spy shots in our gallery, the production version will be very similar to what we saw on stage in January. The Swedish designers even retained the sloping roof that begins its descent all the way up front at the a-pillars.
The 9-4X is based on a heavily modified version of GM's Theta platform that also incorporates elements of the company's Epsilon 2 platform, effectively making it a unique chassis on which only this CUV and the upcoming Cadillac Provoq CUV will be based. We know the 9-4X will be offered with Saab's new XWD all-wheel-drive system, and engine choices should be similar to the rest of Saab's range and include turbocharged four- and six-cylinder motors. (Yes, the 9-7X SUV is offered with a naturally aspirated six- and eight-cylinder engine, but that doesn't count.) Since the 9-4X will also be sold globally, we're hoping the U.S. market gets a diesel version, as well. Brenda Priddy hints that a 250-horsepower diesel is in the works. Okay, Saab. Now you've got our attention.
Gallery: Saab 9-4X - spy shots
[Photos: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Company]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mike 4:43PM (4/11/2008)
Look at the HUGE Grill.
It tells me that this is simply another SAAB that is a more luxurious twin of a chevy. (traverse in this case)
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Matthew_NZ 7:48PM (4/12/2008)
Uh...you mean the modestly sized grille under that big sheet?
Is...that what you mean?
Aprime 4:43PM (4/11/2008)
Awesome.
Man, I'm digging those future GM interiors.
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psarhjinian 4:48PM (4/11/2008)
The only question I have is: why are Saab and Cadillac going to be competing against each other?
Unless the 9-4 and Provoq are significantly differentiated, this is going to be a rehash of the Outlook/Enclave/Acadia (and now Traverse) versus the Edge/MKX; a battle that Ford is winning despite having an arguably weaker product. Yes, I know they're not quite direct competitors, but the point is that Ford is selling more without incurring the costs of design, engineering and marketing for three divisions.
You see the same at most manfacturers. Why is it that GM can't seem to stop being it's own strongest competition?
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Aprime 4:55PM (4/11/2008)
I don't see people cross-shopping Saabs and Cadillacs. :\
Dance Lady 4:53PM (4/11/2008)
I don't understand why take 'spy photos' of a car that will eventually come on the market. It's not like it's going to be a secret forever.
http://www.i-guide.ro
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TriShield 4:53PM (4/11/2008)
Don't hold your breath for a diesel.
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Clarence Young 11:52AM (4/12/2008)
I do not sigh for lack of a diesel automobile now. I did a year ago. Diesel vehicles are expensive to buy and now with diesel fuel almost a buck more a gallon than gasoline, there is no way to come out economically.
Brandon 5:01PM (4/11/2008)
Nice Shots,
Any Ideas On How Much It's Going To Sell For ?
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MARCO 5:05PM (4/11/2008)
I certainly see people cross-shopping this Saab over Cadillacs in the future. You gotta remember, that this is now the first time that Saab will be competitive with Cadillacs in Design, and performance. Not to mention the oh so popular "European" title versus the "Made in USA" title.
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MARCO 5:08PM (4/11/2008)
Sorry! I meant "American"
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SPG 6:48PM (4/11/2008)
Please be worty of the Saab badge, Please be worty of the Saab badge, Please be worty of the Saab badge, Please be worty of the Saab badge...
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Noah 7:29PM (4/11/2008)
We in America are not getting the diesel, plain and simple. Why? Because we never do. Circular, I know, but true. The diesel gods hate Americans.
Still, a turbo-4 putting out 210-250 hp in a beautiful Swede is all thumbs up for me.
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MichaelS 8:08PM (4/11/2008)
Looks sweet. Almost Spiker-like... don't they make an SUV, called the Beijing-to-Paris or something?
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MARCO 8:19PM (4/11/2008)
How big is this anyway? Will it compete with the Volvo xc90 or xc60? ( sorry. I just had to choose the other Swedish company lol).
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k.w.a 9:15PM (4/11/2008)
im a volvo fan, but i like saabs too... i hope Saab gets its soul back from GM. the 9-3 is handsome, the 9-5 WAS good until the current generation, and the rest of the saabs right now are abominations (especially the 9-7x).
I think i saw pictures on the 9-4x's concept on the Saab website, and to me it looked amazing. Saab needs to be like Volvo and make their cars more appealing without the cost of losing individuality.
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Egisto Soldi 9:50AM (4/12/2008)
Opel made a joke with Isnignia: Saab, I'd like to see the same! http://autonovita.blogosfere.it/2008/04/ehila-opel-piena-di-fantasia-con-la-insignia-camuffata.html
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AMcA 1:59PM (4/12/2008)
Props to GM for giving it a truly Saab-ish wrap-around windshield. It actually looks like a Saab, believe it or not.
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