2012 Saab 9-4X priced from $34,205*

The 2012 Saab 9-4X is set to join the automaker's shapely new 9-5 sedan at dealerships across the country in May, and we've now learned that cost of entry for the new Scandinavian crossover will be $34,205 (* plus including $825 in destination charges).

That $35K price point gets you the base 9-4X with front-wheel drive and the 3.0-liter direct-injected V6, good for 265 horsepower and roughly 20 miles per gallon (combined). Moving up the model range, the 9-4X Premium rings in at $38,075 plus including delivery. Premium models still use the same 3.0-liter mill, but XWD (Saab's all-wheel drive system) is available, as are a host of other goodies.

The range-topping 9-4X Aero is priced at $48,835, and it uses a 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 (like the 3.0-liter, it's General Motors-derived) that produces a healthy 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to all-wheel drive. Based on our experiences with the 9-4X's sister car, the Cadillac SRX, the 2.8T powerplant is clearly the one to have. Even with the healthy increase in power, fuel economy is rated at an estimated 18 mpg combined.

Because the 9-4X shares the majority of its architecture with the SRX, it makes sense that pricing for the two crossovers won't be hugely different. The base SRX comes in at $33,830 – only $375 less than the Saab. What's more, the 2.8T-equipped SRX starts at $49,915, meaning the comparable Saab is actually $1,080 less than the GM crossover it spawned from, though obviously each has slightly differing levels of specification.

While we haven't yet driven the 9-4X, we don't imagine it will be too far removed from its Cadillac cousin. With prices that are this close, it really comes down to which you'd rather look at (or badge you'd rather have on the hood). The Cadillac buys you a luxurious piece of American crossover pie, while the Saab nets you nearly the same package in a shapely Scandinavian wrapper. Let us know which one you'd pick in Comments.


*UPDATE: Saab spokesperson Michele Tinson now clarifies that the above 9-4x pricing actually includes $825 in destination charges. We apologize for any confusion.

[Source: Saab]