Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X, almost naked
by Jonathon Ramsey on Sep 30th 2008 at 4:29PM 
The Saab 9-4X has been caught in these new spy shots without the Keith Haring tape job it was wearing the last time we saw it. Features like the converging window lines on the side, the rear lights, and the Saab grille, give away its lineage. From the side, especially from the A-pillar back, you could be forgiven for confusing the Saab with a lot of other CUVs, while lines that are quite distinctive on the smaller 9-3 and 9-5 look to have been stretched into rather bland expanses on the 9-4X. It's still early, so we look forward to seeing the fully Saab-ified retail version. If Saab's managing director is to be believed, what won't be bland is one of the engine choices: a diesel with 250 hp and 406 lb-ft. That's the kind of quirky we can get behind. [Source: Left Lane News]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rick 7:25PM (9/30/2008)
I can't stand that Kia Soul slanted roof and body line.
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Leo G 4:52PM (9/30/2008)
I saw this driving up La Cienega in West Hollywood the other night. It looked really nice and leagues ahead of the last one.
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Crackberry Addict 4:52PM (9/30/2008)
Nothing revolutionary in the styling dept. but the engine choices have me intrigued.
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k.w.a 5:13PM (9/30/2008)
looks pretty original for a Saab. Hopefully Saab can make the rest of its lineup even more interesting.
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Alex 5:24PM (9/30/2008)
I'll hold judgement until I see it in person, seems a bit plain in the pics but in person the steep rearward rake of the roof may turn out to be dramatic. Production wheels and lighting may make a big difference as well, the big question is the interior though. Hopefully its something exciting and new.
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Reality Check 5:28PM (9/30/2008)
I love my 9 3 and think it looks great! The new engine choice is also cool. But if they don't introduce both the new 9 5 and the 9 3 asap it will be a waste of money. Saab really needs 3 new cars out at the same time to save it! I think the new 9 5 will be a little bigger then my 9 3 and they will be making a much small 9 3. I will get one in a minute if its as fun to trive a my little turbo.
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Torrent 5:50PM (9/30/2008)
it's cute
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Doug 10:23PM (9/30/2008)
Is the diesel engine going to be available in the US?
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Dan 10:38PM (9/30/2008)
I wonder if there is ANY side glass aft of the rear door or just glossy black trim camouflaging an enormous blind spot.
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P.V. 11:08AM (10/01/2008)
406 lbs·ft? That's INCREDIBLE!
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wellsn 2:39PM (10/07/2008)
37 mpg Hwy is terrific. $66 Grand is crap. might as well spend that on the new BMW X6 with 400HP twin turbo. You can go buy it today for $64k and just sacrifice some MPG. it's also heavy enough to take 100% accelerated depreciation (SUV tax) which more than makes up for the mileage.
Now, don't get me wrong; I've owned 4 Saabs (900- 9-3 conv Aero) and have never owned a Bimmer.
But how disappointing is it to always get less horse power and 1 MPG better for a GM designed Saab for only a couple $ less!?!
Where is the spirit of "European Design" that used to "inspire" Saab? Did GM just numb the creativity it with it's corporate homogenization techniques the way McDonalds recreated this thing they call beef?
I have one month left on my 9-3 warranty, and I'm at a complete loss. Nothing interesting is getting 40+mpg as it should, and nothing has any driving excitement for under $50k any more.
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