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.
[Photos: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Company]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mike @ Apr 11th 2008 4:43PM
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)
Matthew_NZ @ Apr 12th 2008 7:48PM
Uh...you mean the modestly sized grille under that big sheet?
Is...that what you mean?
Aprime @ Apr 11th 2008 4:43PM
Awesome.
Man, I'm digging those future GM interiors.
psarhjinian @ Apr 11th 2008 4:48PM
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?
Aprime @ Apr 11th 2008 4:55PM
I don't see people cross-shopping Saabs and Cadillacs. :\
Dance Lady @ Apr 11th 2008 4:53PM
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
TriShield @ Apr 11th 2008 4:53PM
Don't hold your breath for a diesel.
Clarence Young @ Apr 12th 2008 11:52AM
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 @ Apr 11th 2008 5:01PM
Nice Shots,
Any Ideas On How Much It's Going To Sell For ?
MARCO @ Apr 11th 2008 5:05PM
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.
MARCO @ Apr 11th 2008 5:08PM
Sorry! I meant "American"
SPG @ Apr 11th 2008 6:48PM
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...
Noah @ Apr 11th 2008 7:29PM
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.
MichaelS @ Apr 11th 2008 8:08PM
Looks sweet. Almost Spiker-like... don't they make an SUV, called the Beijing-to-Paris or something?
MARCO @ Apr 11th 2008 8:19PM
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).
k.w.a @ Apr 11th 2008 9:15PM
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.
Egisto Soldi @ Apr 12th 2008 9:50AM
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
AMcA @ Apr 12th 2008 1:59PM
Props to GM for giving it a truly Saab-ish wrap-around windshield. It actually looks like a Saab, believe it or not.