Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, GM, Saab
LA Preview: Saab 9-4X shows up early
by Chris Shunk on Sep 17th 2008 at 11:58AM 
The LA Auto Show is still a couple months away, but images of vehicles set to be unveiled in the land of fruits and nuts are already leaking onto the web. GM's Chilean website had the above photo of the production Saab 9-4X available for all to see earlier today, so now we know the production model looks almost identical to the 9-4X Biopower concept from last year's Detroit Auto Show. We'd be interested to see if the concept's integrated tail pipes and large front/side air dams make it to production but, judging from spy photos we've seen, probably not. The 9-4X will be built on the same platform as the upcoming front- or all-wheel-drive Cadillac SRX, which will also be unveiled this auto show season.
We don't have many details on the 9-4X just yet, but it will have a turbocharged 2.0L engine with 245 hp and 265 lb-ft mated to a six-speed automatic. The concept also ran on ethanol, which is also likely for the production vehicle considering that two thirds of all vehicles in Sweden are of the flex fuel variety. Other engine choices could include GM's 3.6L V6, which is likely to be found under hood of the SRX at launch, and an upcoming 250-hp 2.9L diesel. Either way, European customers will likely have an engine lineup twice as large as what we'll be offered in the U.S.
UPDATE: Saab has confirmed that the image above is not the production 9-4X, but rather a creative photoshop of the 9-4X Concept from last year's Detroit Auto Show produced by third-party reps down in Chile.
Gallery: Saab 9-4X - spy shots
[Source: Motor Authority]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kumail891 12:10PM (9/17/2008)
yea it's a nice car and all, but who would buy thus over other luxury suv's like the rx or the mkx?
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TJ 12:12PM (9/17/2008)
um, because the RX is a piece of... wait, is this a family board?
Torrent 12:26PM (9/17/2008)
The RX is a chromed up Toyota. I like lexus, but the difference between an RX and a Highlander are minimal.
and isn't the mkx also just a chromed up Edge?
Tim 12:11PM (9/17/2008)
SAAB is a dead brand. Sales are horrible on all continents. Reliability has always been spotty. Theses FWD cars command a premium Depreciation on the newer 2003+ Saabs are horrendous. If it didn't share GM platforms where would it be? Saab is not putting out anything original anymore (Saab viggen) and all the brands are suffering for it. GM should just cut this anchor loose.
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Soccer Mom 12:45PM (9/17/2008)
What it ever original? I thought Saab has been re-badging various vehicles for over 50 years, with just a few (1 or 2) exceptions.
TJ 12:17PM (9/17/2008)
alright... AB doesnl't like link posting....
In a jalopy sort of way, 'Slightly Less Grainy Images Of Upcoming Lineup' revealed this vehicle a LONG time ago.
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hatchbacks or cool 12:25PM (9/17/2008)
Is there a market for "crossovers" the last thing we need is another one . Auto companies should spend more money on making small hatchbacks a coupes. I would NEVER buy an SUV unless if i need one .
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Torrent 12:29PM (9/17/2008)
I think saab may be on their way back up. just please give the 9-5 a hot redesign, Bring out a MINI fighter, lower your prices an make the AeroX.... Please?
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Alex 12:54PM (9/17/2008)
Wow, not a bad looking SUV at all. If production Saabs are keeping this close to the concept they may have a really good chance at a comeback. Hope the 9-x production models are kept just as close to the concepts as well.
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Swede 12:56PM (9/17/2008)
"considering that two thirds of all vehicles in Sweden are of the flex fuel variety"
No. They are not.
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jon 1:06PM (9/17/2008)
I would say 2/3 of all vehicles in Sweden are old school Volvo's.
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a saab guy 1:34PM (9/17/2008)
Sorry to say, but this picture is from the Saab concept car press kit (march 08) and NOT the actual production car. Next time please double check before you post meaningless articles.
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sk 2:35PM (9/17/2008)
ok, it is still on SAAB's web site with all available color options:
http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saabchile.cl%2F9-4x.html&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=es&tl=en
carlbolt 3:23PM (9/17/2008)
That horrible slope on the top is neither a good looking nor practical! I am wondering how much head room for the second row.
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calGuy 10:15AM (9/18/2008)
I own a Saab and really love it. Actually buying a new one in a few days ( mine was just totaled while parked).
My loyalty isn't strong enough to get me into an embarrassing SUV for sure, however the interior of the concepts of the 9-4x are SO sexy. Seemingly Swedish (despite the salsa undertones) but it could really re-write the book on the inside. I also like that the turbo 4 is making the cut. It's part of what rocks in my 9-5. Stealth speed and rather good mpg as well.
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