174 responses so far ↓

• 1 Pedrot16 // Jan 8, 2008 at 8:28 pm

  Awful!!

  The interior is great, but the exterior is like a typical american car…

• 2 jwlanky // Jan 8, 2008 at 8:30 pm

  First impressions:

  Odd looking front (cant put my finger on it?)
  Nice back end (bit 2007 X5ish)
  Interior looks good (Audi style but less clutter)
  6.5/10 – but things have been known to grow on me!

• 3 Tiago do Vale // Jan 8, 2008 at 8:31 pm

  It looks like “Saab slapstick”, not Saab. IMHO

  I’m hugely disappointed. They don’t know what they are doing… IMHO

  Did they ever study the bonnet-shut-line/headlights relationship on Saabs? Just one of those many little things… It’s a sad day. GM…

• 4 Kaz // Jan 8, 2008 at 8:32 pm

  I think it looks fabulous!

  The interior is awesome! I like the rear light cluster, and hope they keep the strip at the rear for the on road vehicle.

  I think the nose could have been a little tighter, more similar to the tennikan renders perhaps, but apart from that, I think it is nice.

  I think it will look much better in the flesh too.

• 5 Kaz // Jan 8, 2008 at 8:43 pm

  I think better pictures will do the car more justice, a lot of the detail is missing. The indentation of the hockey stick, the bulging wheel arches, they do not come across well in these pics. The pics also look a little photoshopped, so perhaps they are ‘artists impressions’ based on the released photos?

  Another thing to make me think is, where are the signature lighting light pipes above the headlights? They do not appear to be in these pics, unless they have been moved to beneath the light cluster in that hockey stick shape?

  I’m not 100% loving the side profile mind. And I’m not sure about that little notch in the bonnet above the central part of the grille.

• 6 ctm // Jan 8, 2008 at 8:44 pm

  Some odd small lines that are to “square” to be Saab to me, but remember it’s a concept so bits and pieces can/will get adjusted. Some small cleaning up and it’s Saab to me.

  Interior look fine. I know some people (like myself) want to keep the old button dash forever, but time goes on and Saab has to as well if they want to attract new buyers. I like that it has more of a “cockpit feel” than Audi, BMW and others. Can’t wait to see more detaild pics of it!

• 7 ctm // Jan 8, 2008 at 8:45 pm

  Kaz: “And I’m not sure about that little notch in the bonnet above the central part of the grille”

  Agree, one small thing I want to remove.

• 8 Pedrot16 // Jan 8, 2008 at 8:49 pm

  Any info on the engine?

• 9 mark_belfast // Jan 8, 2008 at 9:01 pm

  My few cents worth:

  1. is that a lighting pipe running UNDER the headlights a la Audi?
  2. that side profile is heavy and slabby
  3. the hockey stick is very crude – clearly photoshop at this stage
  4. that grille bulge above the headlight line is grotesque – very Isuzu Trooper or something agricultural
  5. rear obviously not resolved, not even a round badge – just a SAAB grill badge so far
  6. not sure about the green plastic (I’m sure it won’t be glass) dashboard – will need to be very convincing quality else will just look cheap and will creak like a crate
  7. at this stage, I’d take the Caddy over this, but prepared to wait, as Swade says the final version will surely look better

  Here’s hoping

• 10 PerPedal // Jan 8, 2008 at 9:08 pm

  Nice SAAB dash. But the exterior, hmmmmmm dont know what to say about that.

  First whats with the “dent” in the bonnet going around the grill?

  Second it doesnt look like a SAAB unless you look at the front of the car. A hockey stick design on the side window line does not make a SAAB.

  But I gues that its what you get when SAAB has to use the hole structure of other GM cars to make a new modell.

  Its a rounded cadillac desing with a Aero X front and a nice SAAB dash. I had hoped for something better when SAAB first should make a tracktor.

  I’m dissapointed, but then again this is my own opinion. Im still waitng for the 9-1. Lets hope that will be more of a SAAB than the 9-4x turned out

• 11 bk-aero // Jan 8, 2008 at 9:18 pm

  My first impression was huge disappointment but like many other commenters I hope that the real concept and especially the production version will differ from these pictures. It isn’t the whole concept not looking well, only some details which may look differently on the concept.

  I’m from Germany so I understand most of the dutch article and I try to sum it up shortly:
  It has a 2.0 litre 4-cylindre engine which runs on E85. It develops 245 hp and 353 nm of torque running on gasoline and 300 hp and 400 nm on E85. Transmission is a 6-speed automatic gearbox and it seems to have the new XWD with the Limited Slip Differential LSD. The chassis can be adjusted electronically.
  The article says that the production version will appear later this year.

• 12 mark_belfast // Jan 8, 2008 at 9:30 pm

  8. you know, after an hour or so, the design looks even more disappointing – this car is not going to attract any conquest sales from Audi, VW, Ovlov or anyone else for that matter – it is just plain dull. That is no aero-x nose – pray that ‘hump’ is an error and will not make it to production. Needs to look much sharper and more like the 9-3 refresh which, considering it was compromised by a 5 year-old design, actually achieved a much better outcome than this ‘blank sheet’ opportunity which seems to have been squandered. Sad.

• 13 mark_belfast // Jan 8, 2008 at 9:31 pm

  Belfastcarlsson here, btw

  I thought so – SW –

• 14 Pedrot16 // Jan 8, 2008 at 9:34 pm

  Well, at least the Saab engine…

• 15 Kaz // Jan 8, 2008 at 9:43 pm

  Yeah, I think that notch in the bonnet doesn’t work, the central grille is to high, needs to be more level. The actual official shots can’t come soon enough.

• 16 Ying // Jan 8, 2008 at 9:44 pm

  My first thought is it looks like a MPV.

  Second thought is it’s a bit bland. I like the C pillar but the front doesn’t grab my attention.

• 17 Kaz // Jan 8, 2008 at 9:48 pm

  You know what, I’m REALLY beginning to dislike that front. I think the fabulous comment I made earlier is already waning. I still like the rear three quarter view and I’m positively absolutely loving the interior, but that face is really putting me off!

• 18 Tiago do Vale // Jan 8, 2008 at 9:50 pm

  I never seen a production car look better than the concept that antecipated it…

  This is vulgar -CHEAP- design… I miss you Mauer: you knew what you were doing.

  Please sell Saab to Renault… (OK, I’m a desperate man).

  I’m looking at Alfa and Audi, right now, and their “Junior” and A1, because if the 9-1 will go the 9-4X way, I don’t wanna know about anything: I’ll just close my eyes shut. And ears.

  Saab is loosing it’s core customers.

  I really hope I’m overreacting (I am), but it’s really a sad sad day. It was the first chance in years for Saab to make a Saab, and they made a… chevy crappy thing.

• 19 Edonis // Jan 8, 2008 at 9:53 pm

  I can’t say I’m glad to see these pics, although I have looked forward to seeing the 9-4X for a long time. The rear doesn’t look anything like a Saab should IMO, the rear light cluster looks more Subaru than Saab…

  Also, I think the front looks too boring, and with that little bulge over the grill, it looks kind of hideous. Give it a little more agressive front lights, like the 08 9-3! The exterior isn’t much of an improvement over the 9-7X, which is a shame. This car has to have killer looks!

  But on the bright side, the interior looks very promising.

• 20 swade // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:01 pm

  Tiago, the Alfa Junior’s going to be turbocharged, too, IIRC.

  Boy, is that ever tempting….

• 21 Joti // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:07 pm

  Ouch!

  Please don’t release this one, please!

• 22 mark_belfast // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:07 pm

  9. just a thought – do I remember the 9-5 refresh spypics (a white model) showing a similar-ish grill hump which never actually happended – scratching around here for some hope.
  10. I agree with Edonis – the lights are very last(!)model Sub estate – maybe they are carry-overs of extra parts from the 9-2x bin?

  Not a laughing matter actually, I am really disappointed. Swade, I hope you bring us better news when it is unveiled in Detroit – have a great trip, try to stay positive! Maybe the GM PR guys are playing a political game of….. see how bad it could be……. then see how nice it really is!!!?

• 23 KenB // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:08 pm

  Ugh. Compared side-by-side with the new 9-3, you can see that the design is crushed horizontally and extended vertically. This leads to the side openings of the grill being very narrow and having a steeply angled lower line, the fog light openings being massive, and the headlight enclosure being narrow from the front view, particularly at the top.

  They’d have given themselves more horizontal room to work if they had made the headlight elements stack vertically, but then it would may have looked more like the Caddy and the Caddy designers probably got to go first and get the exclusive on that design idea.

  As noted by others, it looks like GM designed “Generic Car-based SUV #2″ and slapped a few things on the exterior to make it evoke (or Evoq, in Caddy terms) Saab: hockey stick grafted even though the structure doesn’t “demand” it, black trimmed rear lights like the new 9-3 (this is the one thing that I really dislike about the 9-3), and light pipes (although in a different location than on the 9-3).

  At least with the 9-7x I could tell friends, “well, they had to do something in a hurry to get an SUV so they gave in to temporary badge engineering.” With this, that excuse is gone.

  There doesn’t appear to be room for a key in the center console, but that’s good if they are moving away from having a place for it at all. Push button start is in a lot of cars now and makes room for other things in the dash (of other cars) and center console (for Saabs). Oh, and what’s with that steering wheel?

• 24 john // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:08 pm

  I miss you Mauer: you knew what you were doing.

  Yep, Michael Mauer was up there alongside Sixten Sason as the best Saab designers.

  Please sell Saab to Renault… (OK, I’m a desperate man).

  Sell it to Porsche – that is where Mauer now resides

• 25 KenB // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:17 pm

  Oops, I forgot one more thing above…what about carrying through the Aero-X/9-3 hood design? It looks like these designers tried to have it several ways: using the swooping line because it’s in the 9-3 hood (but using it to evoke a clamshell hood) and having left and right lines extending from the windshield to the grill. It’s like an overlay of the old and new 9-3 hoods.

  Thinking about this and my previous comment, one way to possibly fix this aweful front end is by tilting the inside of the headlight assemblies downward 10 or 15 degrees and extending the hood in a swooping line so that the line between the headlight/grill area and the hood became curved. That would make the hood larger and the front smaller vertically to help with the current distorted proportions of an SUV compared to the Aero-X (as the source material for the new grill design).

• 26 Tiago do Vale // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:21 pm

  John:

  Porsche I’d go with that one head-first: they have a proper business model but… they decided they would go with the entire VAG instead :p

  Swade:
  I undestand you: quite tempting! Alfas age genuine, properly designed cars: they know what they are doing, and they know were they are going. They’ve been managing the brand’s amazing charism very well within the Fiat Auto group.

  (Do you hear that, GM? O:))

  They have their flaws, but we forgive them for all the “extra” they give us, just like we do with Saab.

• 27 Kaz // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:21 pm

  Let’s not forget people, these pics are still more or less artist impressions of the vehicle itself. I think we really need to just wait for actual pics of the car to make final judgement, and then see it in the flesh too.

• 28 riku1100s // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:23 pm

  The current Honda CR-V looks really bad in pictures, but somehow, it works better in metal.

  While I’m not sure about this (yet) I hope that’ll be the case with Saab, too. To be positive: I expected something much worse.

  Let’s wait and see.

• 29 Kaz // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:26 pm

  Speaking of Alfas, the next 169 looks hubba!!

  http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/229810/#

  That is what it will look like according to Autocar, and they are usually relatively accurate. That is one car the next 9-5 will be up against. If the 169 looks like that, I can see me switching!!

• 30 TuuSaR // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:29 pm

  Looks just fine to me, its not sedan car so it doesnt need to look like Miss World. With these cars people buy “heavy” look because its gives false feeling that car is stronger.

  What matters is engineering inside.

• 31 Richo // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:46 pm

  oops, i love it!

• 32 Ivan (MuzX) // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:54 pm

  The overall impression is not bad but I don’t like the profile.. The interior is really nice.
  However, I expected some more bold design on the front.
  Anyway, in the SUV/Crossover category this car looks ok for me.

• 33 Tedjs // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:55 pm

  Not too bad… Given the American market that might compete with the Acura RDX – and that is a really popular segment IMHO.

  As people move away from the ‘monster’ SUV’s – that is exactly what they are getting into so…. Got to give the customer what they want.

• 34 J // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:58 pm

  Not a bad looking SUV.
  I sure as hell hope they
  offer it in 6spd manual w/240+hp!!!

• 35 TrakDah // Jan 8, 2008 at 11:04 pm

  I like it – alot.
  It does in fact feel a bit “American”, rather than “Swedish”, but I still like it.

  I don’t mean that the American look is bad, specially considering the car will mainly be sold there, but I somehow wish it looked more Swedish. Volvo are able to keep design Swedish looking and still sell well, so why not Saab?

  It’s not the design of my dreams, but overall: I like it, and I have no complaints about any specific part of it.

• 36 Tiago do Vale // Jan 8, 2008 at 11:06 pm

  Don’t remind me of Ovlov’s success… If I wanted an american car, I wouldn’t buy a Saab.

• 37 mark_belfast // Jan 8, 2008 at 11:08 pm

  TrakDah, I beg to differ -this vehicle is going to be mainly European focussed – it is Bmw X3 rather x5 sized or Ovlov XC60 rather than XC90 – the yanks like them big, so I don’t think this is going to light many fires. For this car to be a success in Europe, it needs to compete successfully with X3, Freelander and XC60, Q5 when they come. On the basis of these CGIs, I’m not convinced, and I WANT to like it!

• 38 detroitsaab93 // Jan 8, 2008 at 11:22 pm

  I think I’ll just wait for actual pics of the car to make final judgement, but it’s ok for a crossover. I can really see the Saturn Vue/Opel Antara (this rides on a long-wheelbase version of the Theta II platform) in it though. I was hoping for more, sigh………

• 39 jwlanky // Jan 8, 2008 at 11:32 pm

  Apart from the looks, the 4 pot 245-300bhp biopower engine is good news!

• 40 Tim // Jan 8, 2008 at 11:33 pm

  Ok, lets take time on what we currently have. An old girl that is homely, comfortable and does all that we want, but the face lift hasn’t been that popular. But what a great car. Another middle age girl that had a far better face lift, handles like a youngster and dosn’t even mind going topless. Without the later we wouldn’t have a franchise called Saab. This can only go one way and that is up. Give the youngster a chance, we have nothing to loose. It is better to have something than nothing

• 41 robin m // Jan 8, 2008 at 11:44 pm

  Well I’m one who likes it all bar one thing, the bonnet. My thoughts are that it should be a clam shell and the line across the front should be straight, ie, sit on the lights and grill. I guess the key will be between the seats.

• 42 DAVID // Jan 8, 2008 at 11:52 pm

  I kinda like it, especially if I can get it with the Caddy sunroof and a turbo diesel engine. It would be a great replacement for our Subby Forester (with 3 dogs, they never see the inside of the convertible…) It is also worlds better looking inside and out than the 9-7X. Now, if the Mexican plant can keep the quality up, I think it could easily double sales of the 9-7X.

• 43 bk-aero // Jan 8, 2008 at 11:54 pm

  Bad news as I see it:
  Another picture appeared on the website of Auto, Motor und Sport and the 9-4X on it looks equal to the shown one.
  http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/news/auto_-_produkte/hxcms_article_509334_13987.hbs

  New information in the text is the performance data (0-100 kph in 8.0 seconds and a top speed of 235 kph), the fuel consumption (10.5 litre/100km), the wheel size (245/55 on 21″ rims) and the size of the brake discs (378 mm diameter).

• 44 progolf // Jan 8, 2008 at 11:56 pm

  If this is a so called prototype, it’s down right silly! Not even close to the Volvo XC60 in design. Having produced, perhaps, the best looking prototypes recently (9X, 9-3x and AeroX), this one is poor. It looks more like the actual production model. Perhaps too “bulky”, not sleek and sporty, just another SUV. It looks more like an SUV than a Crossover, typical US looks. The interior looks good though, but I don’t believe much of it will be carried over to the production model. First impression is disappointing.

• 45 Pete S // Jan 9, 2008 at 12:12 am

  Oh dear – is it me or does this have a passing resemblance to a wallowing Hippopotamus ?

• 46 Adam // Jan 9, 2008 at 12:14 am

  I feel compelled to add my voice to the chorus regarding that grille. Having the middle portion higher than the sides makes it look like a pig. Or perhaps the Aztek II.

  I agree with the comment that it looks like an Isuzu, however what the front looks most like to me is the previous Subaru Tribeca with the high, small grille. Maybe this front is a transplant from the 9-6 work.

  Either way, my eyes hurt now.

• 47 bk-aero // Jan 9, 2008 at 12:15 am

  Me again.
  New images on carscoop.blogspot.com
  http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/01/leaked-saab-9-4x-bio-flex-compact-suv.html

  And for reasons I don’t know AMS has deleted the original image of the 9-4X driving through the countryside. Maybe it was part of a press package and shouldn’t be revealed yet?

• 48 eggsngrits // Jan 9, 2008 at 12:16 am

  Wow, I’m really surprised to see this much negative reaction to this concept. I think that it’s pretty good — better than a number of other designs that have been floated. I’d like to see a smoother shape and a little cleaner front, but it’s a good start. I like it.

• 49 saab yurk // Jan 9, 2008 at 12:17 am

  meh … plus what Mark Belfast, Tiago do Vale and progolf said.

• 50 ctm // Jan 9, 2008 at 12:18 am

  I wonder what exactly all you plp were hoping for. First, we all complain that Saab only has two “real” models (9-3 and 9-5) with the 9-7 considered to be a bastard. They are outdated, they don’t sell that well, and we all cry for new ones. Now they present one, and it’s here because Saab for some reason still exist and that is because GM has poured incredible amount of money into Saab. And of course, plp are disappointed. What do you expect? This IS Saab. There is no point in thinking “oh, what if Saab would have continued without GM, what would it have looked like?” Why? Because there is no other Saab. Sure, Saab can go on making the exact same cars with the exact same look for another decade – and they will never go above those 130.000+ cars sold. That’s it. What we think here is what a very very very small minority of a very small brand think. Obviously, what we like doesn’t sell that well… I don’t say that what we like in old Saab is crap. What I say that if Saab is to expand, there will be new kind of Saab’s targeting new buyers and taking the brand forward with new ideas – there can’t just be the same thing over and over and over again. It’s same thing with BMW. They make SUVs, CUVs, whatever… And they sell although they don’t look like the the M3 and although nobody loving BMW could have though they would exists 10 years ago. It’s called development. And Saab needs it. It may not succeed, but without it there is a guarantee it will not succeed.

• 51 SaabNL // Jan 9, 2008 at 12:19 am

  Beautiful, but when is it gettting to market. That’s what I want to know…. My lease contract is running out soon

  I think it looks a bit like the RangeRover in a good way!!!

• 52 Olaf // Jan 9, 2008 at 12:25 am

  Hey Guys – so much disappointement, but
  at least something positive for all of us:

  THE WRAP AROUND WINDSHIELD IS BACK!

  So at least after Suzuki Swift and Skoda Fabia, which use this design only as a cheap but sharp gag, Saab turns back to this elemental windshield-design.

  What else is positive: the Wheels look good.

  So after all disappointement I feel very neutral and really look to a sharp coupestyle 9-5 Combi…, designed in Scandinavia, or at least Europe.

• 53 mark_belfast // Jan 9, 2008 at 12:26 am

  The bonnet badge is inconsistent between all these images – now you see it, now you don’t! Also can’t believe they are dropping the round badge on the rear? (Not sure if actually I don’t quite like just the name badge as shown though?)

  Bottom line – these are not real pictures, so might yet get the bonnet fixed. Still think Saab are playing a game of lowering expectations so we cheer later in the week!

• 54 Tiago do Vale // Jan 9, 2008 at 12:42 am

  I’d kiss you if that was true, Mark!

  ..but I’m not that hopeful… This car was born as old as the 9-7X. This car was born already old…

  ctm:
  I’m happy for Saab to be alive and building most of the future of the GM group, developing ethanol engines, turbo-charged engines, XWD, plug-in hybrid technology and safety expertise.

  I’m just sad because it could be much much more than plain survival. Much much more.

  Ovlov has grown and: is making money, is healthy, maintained every bit of it’s character, and shares a lot of the parts bin of the Ford Group taking advantage of all the sinergies GM equally demands from Saab… and they were in the same boat with Saab: they just were properly managed. …and they are as quirky as Saab, so that’s not an excuse.

  I don’t feel I have to thank anything to GM: they are taking everything they can out of Saab’s engineering, using the Trollhattan plant as they see suited, feeding Saab’s technology to the entire group, and giving nothing in return, besides half-backed “trucks”, restylings, and poor poor project management (like the future 9-5, which is in it’s third project… that way it’s expensive for sure.)

• 55 mark_belfast // Jan 9, 2008 at 12:43 am

  Try this -if you run the ‘Sith’ video on the Downloads/Goodies section and stop it at 11 seconds, the bonnet and lights conspire to ’snarl’ – surely this is the look you’d want for an SUV, rather than the rabbit toothed grill we see in these CGIs?

• 56 mark_belfast // Jan 9, 2008 at 12:44 am

  Tiago, I hardly know you

• 57 Tiago do Vale // Jan 9, 2008 at 12:45 am

  hehehehe :p

• 58 tompa // Jan 9, 2008 at 12:49 am

  And… Are they realy Saabs own images? As stated previously, why would they drop the rear Saab badge? This might just be something thats come out of some designers portfolio at a designcenter.. or?
  Lets wait and see.. Then I will react to the car. If the design is like this Saab will have floods of complantmails to go through.. And time to change alot of things til the productioncar is due for release.

  Cheers/Tompa

• 59 Kaz // Jan 9, 2008 at 12:50 am

  Message to Swade!!!

  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE (multiply those pleases by 1 million), when you meet up with the Saab guys in Detroit, tell them the grille does not work!!

  Tell them it ruins the rest of the car, well, it does for me anyway. If the grill was more like the ‘08MY 9-3, and didn’t have that god awful notch above the central grille, then it would be a step in the right direction.

  The Tennikanvaars pics were much more like it, the front on those pics was agressive and looked good. This face does not.

  I still like the rest of the car though, just fix that face, and don’t make the same mistake as Subaru tend to do with every car they launch and uglify it!!!

• 60 Ying // Jan 9, 2008 at 1:00 am

  I guess, at least it looks better than the 9-7X.

  And the side profile looks like Audi Q7,

• 61 bk-aero // Jan 9, 2008 at 1:07 am

  I’ve got some talent in drawing and I’d like to modify some details to get the 9-4X I’d like to see. If you’ve got any suggestions what could be better, please make them.
  I really like to have a sharper grille with the top line on the same level as the headlamps. It looks ridiculous with its rounded corners being surrounded by the two grille slots with sharp edges.
  The front should be lowered a little bit to let the profile be more dynamic.
  In addition I will modify the rear skirt with the exhaust pipes . They don’t harmonise with the rest of the rear end. If a good idea comes about the tail lights but the longer I look at them the more I think that they are well shaped, just uncommon. Maybe a little bit to turbulent with their different light strips.
  The interieur is perfect. I won’t do anything on this.

• 62 Thad // Jan 9, 2008 at 1:11 am

  More pictures over at Motive Magazine.

  http://www.motivemagazine.com/gallery/gallery.html?c=show_thumbs;p=Manufacturers/Saab/Concepts/9-4x%20BioPower

  I think I like it, but need to see it in real life.

• 63 Arcer // Jan 9, 2008 at 1:27 am

  If I remember correctly 9-3 SC concept has also same kind green plastic covered dashboar as 9-4X concept, so I guess that it is not coming for mass production model…

  Good that Saab is widening model range. Maybe next we see new 9-5…

• 64 vagabond // Jan 9, 2008 at 1:31 am

  Wow.I can’t believe that someone noticed that ‘there was no Saab rear badge’. There’s some real hawks out there!
  Anyway the design is really ho hum and doesn’t really grab you.

• 65 Wulf // Jan 9, 2008 at 1:37 am

  Maybe Saab leaked these images themselves to start the anticipation for the Detroit show?

  Saab USA sent this link out so they don’t seem to mind:
  http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/214737/saab_94x.html

  Found on autoweek.com
  Editor’s note: Saab distributed information on this vehicle early with an embargo of Sunday, Jan. 13. But several newspapers and Web sites have published pictures and information, so we don’t think you should have to wait.

• 66 Ivan (MuzX) // Jan 9, 2008 at 1:47 am

  I wonder what could be the engine in the production model.
  US customer will never buy it with a “humble” L4 engine…

• 67 jeff k // Jan 9, 2008 at 1:58 am

  i like the high res photos Thad linked to a bit more…..but that front end makes little sense in the current design language.

  why doesn’t it look more like the fabulous new 9-3??

  ….here’s to hoping there’s a chance for improvement.

• 68 MarkS. // Jan 9, 2008 at 2:00 am

  All I can say is that I hope it sells well for Saab. I’m not excited about it because I just don’t like SUV’s, but I think it’s a decent effort. I just can not get fired up about an SUV and would never want one. The back end window design reminds me of the Lexus RX400 (I think that’s the model) which has been around for quite a while. I’m hanging on to my 9-3 three door in the hope of a worthy replacement. Until then I guess I’m just not going to be too excited. What do we know about this model with regard to safety engineering? Is it a real Saab in that sense? Just curious. On a side note…in my own little world I’ve overheard many of my SUV driving co-workers (out of 60 I’d guess that about a third drive these things) complaining endlessly about rising gas prices. Many speak of ditching their SUV’s in favor of something more economical, and I wonder how prevalent this attitude might be among American SUV drivers? GM pulled the plug on Saab’s 3 and 5 door designs just as the automotive world seemed to embrace the idea (at last), and I can’t help but wonder if the introduction of a “real” Saab SUV is equally ill-timed?

• 69 bleuler // Jan 9, 2008 at 2:04 am

  Wow…I’m somewhat underwhelmed.

  I know this is heresy, but I think I like the 9-7 better than this…doesn’t flow well at all from front to back. And that nose…

• 70 Teddy // Jan 9, 2008 at 2:25 am

  I’ll just wait with my comments until I see the official pictures.

• 71 patric95 // Jan 9, 2008 at 2:27 am

  As some have said seeing the vehicle in the metal gives a much different impression than pics. And that is the truth here. Being one of the lucky few to see the vehicle and after 5 months of self imposed silence….for better or worse…what you see is what we WILL be getting. And the interior is stunning which pics cannot truly show. And take it to the bank about the interior as it is right now. And I would agree with some who have commented on the “hockey stick” looks a little tacked on or kind of an afterthought. But taken as a whole versus the 9-7X the 9-4X will be a home run….a good precurser to the 9-5…i.e. interior treatments….

• 72 Joti // Jan 9, 2008 at 2:27 am

  I would say keep the flow on the front…

  http://www.omnipresence.be/Saab9-4X.jpg

  I’m not sure but It still feels better.

• 73 mark_belfast // Jan 9, 2008 at 2:32 am

  Patric

  thanks for that – is the chrome rear door hockey window treatment any better in life – it looks very unfinished here? What about badging front and rear? The grille stays then ?

• 74 Kaz // Jan 9, 2008 at 2:35 am

  Joti: That is spot on mate, THAT is how the nose should look. This notch and slightly higher ‘notch’ just doesn’t work. I fear it will go the same way as the Tribeca.

• 75 mark_belfast // Jan 9, 2008 at 2:37 am

  And so say most of us!

• 76 Kaz // Jan 9, 2008 at 2:37 am

  Patric: I think the car works, apart from that notch grille. That brings the rest of the design down. What Joti has linked too is infinitely better in my ever so humble opinion.

• 77 MarkS. // Jan 9, 2008 at 2:43 am

  Joti, I agree….that’s much better!!

• 78 Kaz // Jan 9, 2008 at 2:44 am

  Thad: Thanks for those hi res pics, they look MUCH better.

  I LOVE the new interior, http://www.motivemagazine.com/gallery/gallery.html?c=show_image;p=Manufacturers/Saab/Concepts/9-4x%20BioPower;i=7;img=009.jpg

  That just looks fabulous, and as long as the quality is up there, it will certainly bring things to the now for Saab.

• 79 Steven // Jan 9, 2008 at 2:46 am

  Automotive news has it now (sub req)

  http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080108/ANA02/597507176/1115

• 80 Adam // Jan 9, 2008 at 2:51 am

  I just looked at the big pictures. Please tell me that is not one of those awful, tacky vents behind the wheel that are so popular now. Saab is supposed to be tasteful not like Buick.

• 81 JuanRCM // Jan 9, 2008 at 2:54 am

  Yes, a little disappointing. No clamshell hood? Instead we get the weird notch/grill intrusion.

  I like the wheels and interior looks promising. Have to say I think I like the rear taillamp treatment from what the rear 3/4 angle shows.

  I also noticed no griffin badge on the steering wheel…only “SAAB” badge

• 82 DMR // Jan 9, 2008 at 2:56 am

  Sigh! What do you get when a Chevy Equinox sleeps with a Subaru WRX?
  Answer: This bastard child is Not a Saab.

  That Caddy on the other hand is such a clear demonstration of the “Arts and Science” theme that Cadillac has been pushing since the CTS. It is beautiful. Where did Saab go wrong?

• 83 Pedrot16 // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:00 am

  ftp://ftp.ua.pt/incoming/pedrot16/004.jpg

  My 5 min photoshop…

• 84 mo // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:02 am

  the motive.com pics look so much better imo, i wish it would look a little bit more agile, but i still give it a thumbs up.

• 85 Steven // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:03 am

  @79: I think it needs another 5 mins…

• 86 mo // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:04 am

  regarding pedrot16’s photoshop i like that as the grille more resembles the new 9-3 and not a big block center grille as the cocept photos show.

• 87 mark_belfast // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:06 am

  Pedro, I see what you try to do, longer lower snout, lower that grille – shame it seems GM have decided this car is an American truck rather than a Euro-sports vehicle

  Can you do anything with the awkward sharp angled windows trying (and failing) to blend in with the slightly swoopy hockey line? I wonder if a black masking trim to give the effect of lowering the window line and thereby ‘enlarging’ that opera window behind the rear door would help?

• 88 NineTwoX // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:11 am

  IMO, I think it’s promising and it’s quite original. It may not be your typical Saab design but at least it doesn’t mimic other manufacturers.

  Some comments/questions I have. Where is the console mounted ignition? Also, why the chrome rims? I hope Saab sticks to the flat rims.

• 89 mo // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:15 am

  im hoping the center ingnition is a pop out button from the center console, that would be cool.

• 90 detroitsaab93 // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:17 am

  Hmmm, it’s starting to grow on me now that there are some larger hi res pics to see………………

• 91 Snotfjold // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:17 am

  Designing cars isn’t as easy as it used to be, and not so easy as some here seem to think. Consider all the requirements: tastes in different markets, crash safety, material choice, cost, brand statement and pedestrian safety to name a few. Particularly the pedestrian protection requirements are giving a lot of problems. Hence the bulky front.

  However, I am also not overly happy with the final outcome, of this “study”, and more could have been done to give it a cleaner and crispier look. But you have to play the cards you are dealt and I think the design team have done a good job, not great but good.

  Perhaps there will be some tweaking and tuning on the design but don’t hold your breath for a radical change to what we have seen above. Great pics at motive mag as suggested by Thad by the way.

  And the two badges on the front? What kind of lame decision was that, neither here nor there in true GM fashion.

• 92 lance // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:17 am

  I like the curved side swage line that runs up from the front wings to the top of the c pillar – very Classic 900.

  The rest of it is crapiola – design graphics for the sake of it in a quick-to date, somewhat butch, faux Chevy piece of Swedish -American pie.

  In plain English, this thing has been genetically modified and is a freak.

  I shall post some of my own Saab designs at this rate.

• 93 Pedrot16 // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:22 am

  5min crappy photshop #2
  ftp://ftp.ua.pt/incoming/pedrot16/006.jpg

  i´m really disapontaided with the car… the rims, the “american truck” looks….

• 94 sam // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:27 am

  I think it looks just fine.

• 95 Kaz // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:28 am

  Pedrot, step away from the photoshop, put the mouse down on the floor and kick it over to the wall. Take a few deep breaths, and relax………..ahhh, much better

  I see what you are trying to do mind, and I like the profile.

  But please, Saab, as I’ve already said so many times before, no to the notch!

• 96 Kaz // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:28 am

  Holy moly, 91 comments already!! Swade will be busy reading this

• 97 Tiago do Vale // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:31 am

  Just put this concept next to the XC60 concept, and cry…

• 98 mark_belfast // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:32 am

  Pedrot , too far, Citroen Picasso reborn!

• 99 robin m // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:32 am

  Whats the betting he will be up early today, lol.

• 100 dan9-1 // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:34 am

  hi i’m new to all this but……
  i think the people who are saying that the front is wrong are right, it should be flat and should look better after that (try puuting your hand over it, it works for me then). I’m not sure about the C-pillar too, i think it should be moved forward abit, so there’s no small window.
  However living in the UK i’ve never seen a Saab SUV and I like the concept of the car shown here, having seen what the 9-7x looks like.

  IMO I’d buy 1 even if they didn’t change those things but I’d like it more if they did.
  I also think the interior is jam hot

• 101 saab yurk // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:36 am

  Pedrot16, It looks like you put it behind the jet in the Born from Jets ad, and it’s melting.

• 102 mark_belfast // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:38 am

  Tiago, sad but true – this car is dull, dull, dull. Volvo and Audi are going to clean up this sector in Europe – can’t speak for USA or other markets where i sense tastes are more traditional and conservative.

• 103 robin m // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:40 am

  Joti, thats nicer. ( http://www.omnipresence.be/Saab9-4X.jpg )

• 104 Thad // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:40 am

  I really like the simpler front end that Joti came up with.

• 105 Joti // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:46 am

  here you have another view… the Saab 9-4X without the Tribeca2008 grille detail…

  http://www.omnipresence.be/saab9-4x.html

• 106 Tiago do Vale // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:47 am

  What they forgot is that, if the segment is interesting in the USA, what sells in Europe sells in the USA too: just look at BMW, Audi, Mercedes, VW…

  But American designs don’t sell in Europe at all (with the exception of the British market, were they sell a little).

  So, they chose a win/loose situation over a win/win…

  Besides, I suspect the american Saab buyers are looking for an european car, not for another american one…

• 107 mo // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:47 am

  yeh nice front joti much more cleaner than the real pics. looking at the xc60 and this side by sidei can say that the ovlov looks more concept while the saab looks more production ready. i think that is why we are not impressed because its soo close to production, they are not putting any “wow” features on this so we wont be dissapointed when the production car comes.

• 108 TrakDah // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:51 am

  I must say:
  Swade, let us have a GlobNSaP on the matter. The Global New Saab Assesment Poll, with a grading 1 to 5.

• 109 mo // Jan 9, 2008 at 3:54 am

  im just gonna say one more thing, lets not act like we have never seen this before. the 9-4x from this link has the same block center grille.
  http://www.saabhistory.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/saab_9-4x.jpg

• 110 Ronald // Jan 9, 2008 at 4:10 am

  i agree with trakdah.

  ill give it a 3.5

  in all honesty i actually like it. there are some awfully bad parts to it, like the headlights, but other parts look very very nice, such as the lower spoiler on the front.

  the back looks like the back of a Hyundai Veracruz and a Subaru WRX. none the less i still like it though. I just wish they could make the big, long red line blue like on the aero-x. but i guess U.S. regulations prevent that.

  The interior is very very nice. i just cant stop looking at it. That steering wheel is just beautiful!!

  that grill is way too wide and should be crunched a little. if they want to do the notch thing above the grill, fine, just please keep it clean looking, and not like a piece of crap (currently). they could have at least gave it body colored mirrors. sheesh!

  overall not bad.

• 111 chaaalie // Jan 9, 2008 at 4:10 am

  Joti … very nice work … any chance you can move the edges of the hood (bonnet) out to the fenders (off the ends of the lights) to approximate the clamshell — like in the 9-3? It may need sharper or swept-up lights for that to work, though.

• 112 TrakDah // Jan 9, 2008 at 4:27 am

  Oh, that’s right! I can GlobNSaP it right here, so I’ll do just that, awarding it not 9, but 4 (out of 5 of course)

• 113 MJL // Jan 9, 2008 at 4:32 am

  Though I’m not ecstatic about the way this car looks, I am happy it exists. Finally, a relevant Saab product that is responsive to both the market needs (smaller cross-over type SUVs) and Saab’s heritage.
  What’s more, GM has brought it out in a timely manner, making it the first Saab product in a while that won’t miss the boat for popularity in its segment. Let’s see if we can get it to market around when the GLK comes out, before the XC60 goes into production, and before BMW redoes the X3. We could be on the cutting edge!
  Oh, and fourteenthing what everyone else has said, Joti did a good job on the snoz redo.

• 114 SaabKen // Jan 9, 2008 at 4:41 am

  C’mon folks, speak up, there seems to be a lack of feedback on the 9-4X !

  Some interesting details (but may only be in concept form):

  - Aero-X style digital speed indicator in the middle of the speedometer (in addition to gauge needle);
  - nice chrome accenting at 9, 3 and 6 o’clock positions on steering wheel (symbolic of airplane cross-section ?), with “Aero” inscription at 6 o’clock
  - gear shifter styled to resemble airplane throttle lever;
  - Saab traditional green backlit IP and center console with red or orange gauge needles
  - not sure if the round thingey at 7 o’clock to the gear lever is supposed to be the ignition ? But there appears to be a “start” push button on far left of dashboard, but let’s hope that’s just the HL dial.
  - loss of Saab emblem on steering wheel, but now replaced with “SAAB” text. They could have the emblem below the text.

  But I see window switches on the doors instead of on the center console where I think is more Saab-esque

• 115 saab yurk // Jan 9, 2008 at 4:45 am

  Well, Autoblog says it’s officially official now, with a GM press release here.
  300HP from the 2.0 engine (E85), direct injection, VVT. Bout time.

• 116 Arild // Jan 9, 2008 at 4:47 am

  I would like to see a more aggressive front and a more wedge shaped profile.
  The interior looks modern and stylish. Let’s hope it survives the transition to production.
  And the wheel says Aero!

  I can see why the car has no option for third row of seats. It’s too small!

• 117 Kroum // Jan 9, 2008 at 4:47 am

  And now an official press release at Autoblog.

• 118 Marcus // Jan 9, 2008 at 5:00 am

  I love it and I want one!

• 119 Tiago do Vale // Jan 9, 2008 at 5:01 am

  And what’s with those window-frames?
  A premium brand with that sort of clumsy solutions… it’s making me sad.

• 120 patric95 // Jan 9, 2008 at 5:22 am

  mark belfast- as for the badges that is exactly what we were shown. Just a simplified SAAB without the griffin. With the light bar in back it would look a little out of place. The one detail which is not present in those pics is the blue/green effect on the headlights and taillights. It is quite an interesting effect referred to as “ice block” look. And the l.e.d. lights by the headlights will be there kinda reversed from 9-3 however.
  Kaz- The notch in the hood is an element which was on the vehicle we were previewed. And for the US expect a 3.0 V6 at roughly 300hp. The BioPower is mainly of course for Euro markets.

• 121 vector220 // Jan 9, 2008 at 5:25 am

  I’ll guess Swade will have some photos to shoot when in Detroit…? Exiting stuff!

• 122 NineTwoX // Jan 9, 2008 at 5:27 am

  Wow, 300HP/295ft-lbs on E85 from a 2L motor with the torque from 2600-5100rpm. Even on gas it gets 245HP/261ft-lbs. I must say that’s quite impressive for only 2L.

• 123 ctm // Jan 9, 2008 at 5:34 am

  patric95:

  Will there be a badge on the hood or not? On the motivemagazine.com pictures, there is one without.

• 124 tompa // Jan 9, 2008 at 5:34 am

  Tiago… Please stop refering to the wierd looking XC60.. That car has Ford Europe-genes written all over it with a twist of Korea. I say less is more..
  But I´m still not satisfied with the 9-4X either.. yet.. Change that grille.. And to Bob Lutz :- That aint a wrap around windscreen. Its a flat one with black a-pillars. As you all will remember, Lutz said that the wrap around windscreen would be back on future Saabs.. Its not.. yet

• 125 1985 Gripen // Jan 9, 2008 at 5:40 am

  What exactly makes this a “crossover” rather than an SUV? That is was developed on a car platform rather than a truck? Otherwise it looks very similar to a Buick (or other GM) SUV or even maybe a Lexus RX SUV.

  These CGIs look like Americans designed the exterior (they did), emulating Japanese SUV style, and Germans designed the interior (they did), emulating Swedish style (or Anthony Lo’s emulation of Swedish style).

  It’s gaudy and overbearing (and very non-Saabish), but I kind of like the exterior design of the Cadillac Provoq more than this.

  There’s no sense in nitpicking design accents as surely it’ll be different in the metal than the CGIs, this is just a concept so the final product will likely look different, and I almost always dislike Saab products when I first see them only to have them grow on me a bit over time.

  Based on pk-aero’s translation, it seems that the 9-4X will max-out at 400Nm of torque, which seems to be the highest output Saabs are capable of. Is this a transmission limitation? Hopefully the dual clutch tranny Saab is developing for GM will be capable of more. I have to think that current Saab 9-7X owners who are thinking of trading-up to the 9-4X will need the torque for towing their weekend “toys”. If the towing power is the same as the Saab sedans and combis (3500 lbs) then why not just get a combi (or if you think you “need” XWD the upcoming 9-3X)? I’m sure the diesel variant (which we presumably won’t get in North America) with the 2.9-liter turbo V6 will have more “grunt”. Maybe the 2.0 I4 in this concept is simply for BioPower and the actual product will ship with the V6 engine as standard (which reportedly can’t be BioPower-ized due to lack of direct ignition).

  I’m trying to stay positive, so I will say that I like the idea of this “homegrown” Saab SUV instead of the badge engineered 9-7X and I hope this thing sells more units than the Buick Enclave and Lexus RX combined. GM does this for a living, so I’m going to put faith in them that they know what people in general want more than I do. Go Saab!

• 126 aeronaut // Jan 9, 2008 at 5:49 am

  Wow> I really like this SUV and I am in the market for a new small ‘truck’ to carry the family and to tow my boat. This could be the perfect solution to my vehicle search and putting a second SAAB in the driveway. One question – does it come in imola red to match my 9-5 aero!

• 127 aeronaut // Jan 9, 2008 at 5:56 am

  ps. Swade> you seem down these days. Smarten-up! This is good news for SAAB and the start of new product offerings and better days ahead for the brand. Oh yeah – have a good time in Detroit.

• 128 NineTwoX // Jan 9, 2008 at 5:57 am

  Gripen – The platform it was built on is unibody. That’s probably why Saab chooses to dictate it as a CUV instead a SUV (although other manufacturers don’t always follow that rule). Also, the engine/drivetrain isn’t really suited to a SUV.

  I agree though with liking the idea of “homegrown” Saab instead of a re-badged Saab (9-2X & 9-7X). I really can’t wait to see what they do with the 9-1.

• 129 Ronald // Jan 9, 2008 at 6:00 am

  ok ok i take back what i said about it getting a 3.5/5. im gonna go ahead and give it a 4.5/5.

  i just keep looking at it. and it is really nice if you keep looking at it. lol

  everyone on autoblog seem to like it [usually people who love to rag on saab]. i havent heard a bad comment about it yet, except for the usual strange design blah blah blah.

  but yea. i really love it now. cant wait until we get actual pics from Swade not cgis.

• 130 Edonis // Jan 9, 2008 at 6:14 am

  After having looked at some high-res images, it is looking SLIGHTLY better, and I guess I could get used to liking it. But it would make it so more loveable if they dropped that ugly notch on the grille, Joti’s version looks so much better.

  I also really miss the Saab-badge, both at the rear and also on the steering wheel. I love the current Saab-badge!

  One thing that is crucial to remember is that BMW churns out ugly cars all the time, the Q7 is no stunner either. And the XC90 isn’t very good looking either to be honest, although it DOES look Volvoish. So maybe it isn’t the end of the world if the car doesn’t look as striking as it should if the car is good underneath the skin? I would love the interior to look similar to the concept, and the return of green and orange gauges. That is something really missing about the 9-3…

• 131 Joe Lobo // Jan 9, 2008 at 6:14 am

  With a 121 entries so far on this topic it can only prove one thing to GM, there is a huge follow up and interest in our community about Saab. This on its own is a major positive fact, the rest boils down to personalities and choices. I am also not a fan of SUV/4WD/Crossovers whatever you call these vehicles. However, on the basis that this will be a new option made to market and an increase in the portfolio of Saab, so long as it has all these distinctive key differentials from the Cady the market as a whole will view this as a very positive move. The fundamental question too is (maybe its already been raised above), when will supply start ??? I have to be honest and on the current state of delivery affairs, if supply of the new 9-4 will be the same as with the new 9-3 delivery uncertainties with or without XWD, we are in for another round of huge disappointments. Again, announcing something new must be backed by being able to supply it to market in parallel to any fanfare. We’ll see to that !!!

• 132 1985 Gripen // Jan 9, 2008 at 6:23 am

  This pic shows many interesting things to me:

  1. It looks like the front seatbacks have lost the traditional airline-esque pocket

  2. There appear to be LCD screens in the back of the front seat headrests

  3. The rolling trunk floor option from the old 9-5 appears to be back.

  4. There is storage underneath the rolling trunk floor. Where is the spare tire?

  5. There is some innovative looking pop-up ski snowboard rack in the trunk. I’m sure Thule won’t like that.

  6. I’m kinda’ disappointed that apparently neither the integrated bike rack from the 9-3 SportHatch concept nor the cargo track trunk floor from the 9-5 combi made it into the 9-4X.

  7. The rear seats appear to be “bucket” style. If this is only a four-seater that means Saab’s combis actually carry more people. What is the advantage of a crossover? XWD? You can get that on the 9-3 combi. Safety? This vehicle is supposedly car-based, rather than truck-based so it’s not like it’ll have all that much more mass to protect the occupants than a combi.

  8. On another positive note it does look like there’s enough room that one won’t have to push the front seats forward to fold-down the back seats when carrying cargo.

  To me this vehicle seems to be competing with Saab’s own combi cars.

  I should withhold my opinion, but I’m completely incapable. Based on these renderings of a CONCEPT, I’d choose a XWD SportCombi (9-3X?) over the 9-4X, personally.

  Joe Lobo: I’ve heard (from a Saab insider) that the production version of the 9-4X is due next year.

• 133 Jesse // Jan 9, 2008 at 6:27 am

  The tail lights should be flipped upside-down – would look more ‘classic’ saabish.

  The interior looks very similar to the Cadillac concept that I’ve been seeing.

• 134 dan9-1 // Jan 9, 2008 at 6:29 am

  it sumhow grows on you…….
  alot!!!
  and does the front look abit Fordish?

• 135 Kroum // Jan 9, 2008 at 6:30 am

  I agree that all the regulars need to brighten up a bit. The 9-4X may not be what different people expected, but it goes a long way and looks pretty good. You’re not down with some odd shapes and details? Then look away from Saab and go buy a perfectly-styled Audi. Seriously, if Saab were to listen to the TS regulars they would never be able to roll a single car off the production lines! It would take decades to just get the door handles “right”.

  At the end of the day this CUV concept is almost perfectly true to the Saab DNA: powerful yet economical and environmentally-friendly turbocharged engine (150 hp per litre!), great-looking interior, neat features such as the ski compartment et al, and a somewhat odd design. You all seem to forget sometimes, Saabs were never lookers like Alfas or Bimmers.

• 136 1985 Gripen // Jan 9, 2008 at 6:31 am

  If the claims are true that this vehicle contains a Direct Injection version of the Opel-derived Ecotech 2.0T engine w/ VVT that’s great news. Saab appears to be updating their engine offerings. I hope to see this engine in the next-gen 9-3. I also hope this isn’t one of those “theoretical” engines (like in the Aero-X and BioPower 100 and BioPower Beast) and indeed exists in the flesh. It appears the addition of Direct Injection and VVT has added horsepower and torque to the car. Previously the port-injected 2.3T in the BioPower Beast achieved 310 bhp and the 2.0T in the BioPower 100 (running E100, rather than E85) achieved 300 bhp. This new engine appears to eclipse both of those engines in the horsepower-per-liter department even running on “just” E85. Good work, Saab developers. I look forward to seeing this engine in cars on dealer lots.

• 137 NineTwoX // Jan 9, 2008 at 6:37 am

  Maybe they’re run-flat tires and a sparetire isn’t needed? Or maybe they’re including a can of tire sealant instead (like the new Honda Fit…).

  The only advantages I could see of a 9-4X over a 9-3X combi are: Ground clearance, seat height (for people who have harder times getting in/out cars), headroom, and possibly cargo room.

  With all the snow I get here, ground clearance is an issue.

• 138 1985 Gripen // Jan 9, 2008 at 6:43 am

  NineTwoX: the vehicle we’re referring to as the 9-3X isn’t just a SportCombi with XWD installed. It’s also raised (more ground clearance) and is likely to have some sort of “ruggedization” (i.e. plastic cladding a la Audi Allroad and ovloV Cross Country).

  As for the run-flat tires, I guess that’s a possibility. I don’t think that Saab would give customers a can of tire sealant. I would be furious if I got a can of tire sealant with a new car instead of a spare tire. However, if this vehicle is supposedly off-road-capable are run-flat off-road tires available?

• 139 ctm // Jan 9, 2008 at 6:47 am

  One more thing about “I don’t like this Saab”. Swade touched on this last year when discussing the fact that Saab followers tend to love the brand rather than just individual models. Well, that is not that hard. How many different models (excluding badge jobs) have there been the last 25 years? 5-6, with a max of 3 at the same time. And they have all been about the same: middle to upper-middle segment front wheel drive family cars. We want Saab to expand the model range. That means making models that look different, are for other needs, attract buyers with other needs, are other types of cars. We like Saab to end up with a model lineup of about 5 at the same time and replace them regularly. Everybody will not like every one of them. There will be some favorites, some we will consider buying – and there will maybe be one or two that are simply not interesting. I know it can be hard to accept that “our” Saab is doing something new here, but we better get used to it. It’s OK to don’t like a design, but a bad design in your own eyes is not the end of the world like some here seems to think. So use your words wisely. Also, you have seen (what I understand are) CGIs of a concept of a coming model. Wait with the final judgement until you actually see the car.

• 140 Daniel Sweden // Jan 9, 2008 at 6:54 am

  Interior: fantastic

  exterior: end and face: awful!!!!

  and to all of you out there that seems to think that development and spec sells…. sure to some…
  to the rest of the world DESIGN SELLS!! ever seen a model with a ugly jacket that is technically great…? No… why…? design sells…
  sorry to say but I work with architects and designers on a daily basis. even with Saab-designers. -and all of them exist due to the fact that design sells.
  If Saab don´t do anything about the front and end. (not make it look like a 9-3) but EXITING!!! it will not sell…
  actually I really think my 2007 9-5 looks beautiful compared to this one…
  If this is what we will be getting, my next car will not be a Saab, and I have been driving them for almost 20 years exclusively….
  I do not doubt that it will be a great car, but hey… a Toyota is also a great car… and i wouldn´t by one…
  Sorry GM. You have tested my patience for 10 years with great cars with poor design.
  How much does it really cost to develop a XWD-system compared to finance a great design….?
  Belive me. If the car had a traditional 4wd system but had killer design IT WOULD SELL!

  I may be wrong but I do not believe that it will be the same the other way around…

  So an Audi or a Volvo may not be very exiting in design, but it has consistency!

  i mean how does Saab (GM) want us (the buyers) to understand the design of Saab? First you have the 9-5 Aero 2004-2005 model that looked great with the spoiler in the front. Then comes the new one that look OK but a bit lame… The all of a sudden here comes the Aero X which is STUNNING. They talk of this is the new deign-language for the future and for Saab.. Then comes the 2008 9-3… and what happens..? -An Aero X bonnet with a 2005 9-5 spoiler…..
  And here comes the all new 9-4X… and what does it have of the Aero X…?
  A horrible interpreted grille and bonnet of the 9-3 and air intakes from the Aero X…
  It would all be great if the design worked together, but IMO it looks like a copy and paste work… Hell even I could design that….!

  And the end of the car…? well it just looks like a Subaru Impreza does it not…?

  Sure Saab design has to develop.. But IMO develop and copying something existing is two different things….

  Sorry all you who were involved designing the front and end BUT WHERE did all the fantasy and creation go?

  Let Anthony Lo design all Saabs from now on or bring Mauer back…
  I am devestated. I´ve been waiting for this car so long and there is NO WAY I´m buying this…

  Sorry guys.. Just me ventilating…

• 141 1985 Gripen // Jan 9, 2008 at 6:55 am

  ctm: agree on much of your analysis, but you also have to understand that first impressions are VERY important to a car buyer. Most potential car buyers aren’t going to analyze the look of a car for hours on end to decide whether they like it or not. Have you ever stared at an Audi as hard as a Saab? But you already have an opinion on their design, I’m sure.

  What we think is really not as important as what potential customers think. I hope Saab hits a home run with this and it gets TONS of conquest sales.

  BTW, that red light across the back has grown on me. At first I thought of the 90’s Buick cars that had a wide red taillight across the back of the car, but it makes sense functionally (visibility at night and in foggy conditions) so that’s pretty Saaby.

• 142 RJ (for now) // Jan 9, 2008 at 7:02 am

  I’m with Eggs. Has promise, needs some touches here and there.

  I’m almost sure it’ll look better than the CGIs.

• 143 Tiago do Vale // Jan 9, 2008 at 7:02 am

  There are many ways to design a car.

  Of course they have to be different Saabs, but they could:

  1. Look good

  2. Look swedish

  3. Respect Saab’s design culture

  4. Be properly designed.

  Mauer designed a SUV: it fullfilled all of these points.

  What we see here is just a Ford Edge or a Lincoln MKX, with some slapstick Saab design cues. This could be a Subaru or whatever…

  That’s the problem, not a lack of apreciation for difference. It’s a lack of appreciation for “lame” and “pour” and “underachieved” and “vulgar” and… joking with us. You see the point.

  Less demanding audiences might be ok with the car. But in Europe it’s normal to demand a lot more than this from our cars and brands.

  I like the interior concept, tough!

• 144 ctm // Jan 9, 2008 at 7:07 am

  1985 Gripen: “but you also have to understand that first impressions are VERY important to a car buyer”

  Agree, but we here are neither normal car buyers, nor the new group of buyers Saab need to reach.

• 145 NineTwoX // Jan 9, 2008 at 7:09 am

  Doesn’t Saab also offer road-side assistance and OnStar (lol)? Should you get a flat tire and the can of sealant doesn’t work, one could always get help… I doubt the can of sealant would fly in the North American market though.

  With such a big rim (21″), I doubt Saab intends the concept to be offroading at all. As such, I think they would include a more street friendly tread.

  The current 9-3 has 5.9″ worth of ground clearance where-as a 2008 Saturn Vue has 7.8″. IMO, the 9-3X would fall inbetween those 2. Depending on your needs, a 9-3X could more than suffice. The first day I picked up my 9-2X, the snow on the road was past the bottom of my driverside door. I definitly am partial to the 9-4X more so than a 9-3X.

• 146 MarkoA // Jan 9, 2008 at 7:15 am

  Uh oh. Why I am not supprised when I saw those pics?! It looks exactly like little brother of that darn ugly 9-7x. Of course there´s more Saabish details around, like the front grille or hockeystick windowline. But they wont make it Saab. No.

  Like someone here once said, “US, where the big dollars are” is the only place where I can imagine this car being a hit. Though SUV´s are getting more popular around europe according various car mags. So, for Saab that is good to have such a car.
  But to me it has very little to do with those weird looking astinishingly cool Swedes we all love to drive and cherish.

  The front end is as American-GM-truck-looking as it is possible to twist the good old C900 grille look. Hide line or two on the front and it´s impossible to tell if that´s some other make. From some angle it looks a bit like new VW Tiguan.

  I´m disappointed how everything they´ve showed us on 9x – 9-3x – Aero x – are missing.

  Interior is different. It looks very much Saab. If you compare it to Saab 9000 ´85 or EV-1 there´s a straight reference there.
  I just don´t believe that we´ll see interior like that on a production car.

  Definitely not a car for me. But I know I´m not the targeted person

  It was nice to read so many comments on this topic. Thank you everyone! I agree with most of you that the hump doesn´t belong to the front. But on the otherhand the front is so ugly that I don´t care.

  What I like:
  - Interior. As cool as it get´s!
  - Black A-pillar. Looks good.
  - Hockeystick line very clearly shown.
  - Sideview silhouette looks Saabish, except the front overhang.
  - It looks much better than BM´s X3/X5!
  - Inter.. oh, I´ve said that already.. umm..

  What I don´t like:
  - The front from A-pillar to the licence plate.
  - Actually everything below waistline.
  - Rear lights. They´re upside down. should´ve been similar to those of 9-3 SC.
  - No curved windscreen.

  But now I´m being picky about those details. I know that it´ll grow on me and it will be probably the first SUV that I somehow like. If the engine options are good (also for us Europeans) like for example TTiD, and equipped with XWD I know quite many people will consider buying it. Let´s wait and see how it´ll look in flesh. And how it will be to drive.

  Okay, and next I´ll read the press release if there´s something to catch my interest.

• 147 jeff k // Jan 9, 2008 at 7:15 am

  i like what Kroum said. (135)

• 148 Greven // Jan 9, 2008 at 7:15 am

  I agree with Tiago do Vale. Without the badges I would never have guest it was a Saab. Scary stuff…

• 149 MarkoA // Jan 9, 2008 at 7:23 am

  Kroum said it very well. We´d have to be more tolerant after all.

  But, hey, aren´t we enthusiasts? I guess we should be a bit picky. And there never will be such horror that we were about to design a new Saab. We´d end up fighting if it should look like old 96 – or C900 – or who knows what

  Let´s hope that 9-4x will end up selling well and give GM a good profit to keep Saab alive and running for a long time.

• 150 Charles // Jan 9, 2008 at 7:31 am

  I’m undecided. I like some parts but also feel its almost bland and fighting the rest of the Saab design we have seen in the past.

  Where are the horizontal light pipes for the headlights? I was under the impression this was going to become a Saab trademark. I have now seen them in the flesh while driving around at night and they look fantastic. Why is the 9-4x missing that?

  The front looks a little bland and its almost like they had a prescribed headlight shape and then just put in the headlights, etc at random. It doesn’t flow. It also seems to flat. The current trend with the headlights are sweeping back into the car. Look at the facelifted 9-5 and 9-3. Also look at the Aero-X and how the lights flow into the huge fender flares. Not of that is happening on this car. Also, everything looks to vertical for the front, and the grill looks straight up and down, which is just odd.

  Rear taillights, I like and I don’t. The main shape looks like it was taken from the current MB C-Class. And really just doesn’t seem to fit with the car, but I don’t mind the light pipes creating the strip going across the back. It reaches back to past Saabs.

  Interior. Love. Emphasized hockey stick. Love.

  I’m just glad its not a BRX/Provoq clone. Thank God. Shows GM is willing to spend some money on Saab and give it unique sheet metal.

• 151 Charles // Jan 9, 2008 at 7:36 am

  Also the curved materials underneath the Xenon headlight, really make it look an Audi or VW. And the front 3/4 view front make sit look scary alike the Tiguan or however you spell that. Makes me sad.

• 152 MarkoA // Jan 9, 2008 at 7:38 am

  Something fromt the press release. There´s no measures of any kind. So we really cannot say if it´s really practical car or not.

  And especially one detail caught my eye: “Fuel consumption (combined): 10.5L /100km (22.4 mpg) on gasoline”

  Okay, engine may be a very high tuned version and it´s mated with automatic + XWD. What it will be with 2.8v6t? Or brand new 2.9liter diesel?

  BMW X5 has 200kW out of 3 liter engine and 10.2l/100km EU combined. 0-100 kmh takes 8,1 sec. Weight 2075 kg.

  Poor 9-4X. There will be tough competitors against it!

• 153 dan9-1 // Jan 9, 2008 at 8:11 am

  the debate could rage on forever!
  isn’t this what happened with the bmw 3- and 5-series?
  and look whats happened to them… although that could be the bmw badge…

• 154 Cerulean // Jan 9, 2008 at 8:46 am

  I think it looks great, far better than an X3 or VolvoXC60, and by the sound of the press release they’ve put an emphasise on the way it will handle, something that is very important in the European market. Exciting times!

• 155 patric95 // Jan 9, 2008 at 9:00 am

  mark belfast- the chrome around the windows was not present when we saw it and could be more for show than anything as thankfully Saab has resisted using chrome window surrounds in a long time. The front end/grill is what we saw and in person it gives the vehicle a truly unique appearance without the faux off road tough guy look.
  As for some of the comments about how European markets are much “design savy or wouldnt put up with this kind of design” is a total laugh and defies logic. As much as everyone maligns the 9-7X it is currently the second best selling car in Saab’s line up in the US. And we now get a all new vehicle with pictures that have been out for a few hours and everyone is writing Saab’s future off. And I realize we are all Saab enthusiasts and would like to have the whole candy store when it comes to new models but we just aint there yet! And I can just read the comments if the vehicle had been more radical….”wheres the Swedish design??” or “Saab trying to be Land Rover??” or “what were they thinking??” So why dont we embrace the fact we have this vehicle coming and at least give it the benefit of the doubt until we see the production version!!!
  All I can say is with the response to this unveiling I cant wait until they show the new 9-5!!! TS’s server will probably explode as it will not be able to handle the response!! You want your radical new Saab design?? Youll get it when that happens. Itll make the 9-4X look like a bar of Ivory soap.

• 156 RJ (for now) // Jan 9, 2008 at 9:05 am

  Right on patric95. That’s exactly what I think, too. You da man.

  I also hope the 9-5 will be that good…

  hey, I like Ivory soap.

• 157 Bernard // Jan 9, 2008 at 9:08 am

  That BioPower 2-litre four cylinder engine needs to standard on every 2009 9-3 in the US and Canada.

  No kidding GM. Make it happen.

  The shape is a little too much like the Saturn Vue and GMC Acadia, but I guess all SUV’s look alike (except for the FJ Cruiser, Hummer H1 and Unimog).

  I think that it will do well if they can get more than four seats into it.

• 158 zippy // Jan 9, 2008 at 10:03 am

  The only thing I can add here is it has to have Audi like quality – or its doomed to fail!

• 159 joemama // Jan 9, 2008 at 10:28 am

  Bernard – Not necessarily. There are not many BioPower stations, and many people wouldn’t want it because of the mileage hit they would take.

  So no, no bioPwer. Bring a diesel here instead.

• 160 patric95 // Jan 9, 2008 at 11:40 am

  RJ (for now) – Ivory soap rocks! Lets just say the new 9-5 will be like Ivory soap on acid!! And i guess being from the U.S. Ivory is as adventurous as we can be according to some on this topic. Much too weak for the “European” market (whatever that is anymore).

• 161 jc7222 // Jan 9, 2008 at 11:49 am

  I HATE IT!!!!!!!
  I love the interior. Do not change a thing there. The back is nice. The headlights are nice. The front bumper is nice definitely Aero X. The side… blah The grille… blah blah blah the center grille is too big and the side slats don’t match it. I see some potential but just because of the side and the front grill I HATE IT!!!
  This frightens me about the next 9-5. I am anxiously waiting that car. I have calculated everything to purchase it brand new (and I am always tell people that’s a waste of money). This makes me angry to think how GM might mess up my next purchase. BUt, I’ll keep iin mind that this is just a CGI.

• 162 VVV // Jan 9, 2008 at 12:17 pm

  The more I look at it and read the specs, the more I actually like it. I bet you all agree with me on that it could be a hell of a lot worse too. Midsized SUV:s are pretty popular at the moment and the 9-4X definately is a better choice than the current/late 9-7X. I’m pretty happy with it now, even when it didn’t evoke any positive feelings at first.

• 163 saab9x // Jan 9, 2008 at 12:42 pm

  i would have posted sooner, but the 9-4x’s profile pic put me to sleep.

  a parade of horribles:

  1. saab has got to stand for something better than this exterior. what happened to the ‘08, 9-3 lead of being more assertive? compare the two fascias–we went from assertive (9-3) to milquetoast (9-4x).

  2. and what’s with the name? it’s bigger than the 9-5, but smaller than the 9-7x. why isn’t it the “9-6″?

  3. it’s easy to see how the r&d (research and development) funds were divided: 99% interior; 1% exterior. if it weren’t for the interior, the whole thing would be a disaster.

  4. it’s predictable “cuv” and lacks any inkling of imagination. it proclaims, “me, too.” the saab “signatures” are “cookie cutter,” at best. it reminds me of a painting “by-the numbers” approach. it’s not sweeping enough; it doesn’t have good angularity. it looks “indifferent.” also, it looks like it would be afraid of it’s own shadow.

  5. except for the 9-7x concept, recent saab concept cars were style mavens, if anything. the aero-x, the 9x, the 9-3x. they all had abundant design sophistication, without giddiness. i don’t see any sophisticated lines on the 9-4x. this thing is a sea of bland.

  6. the caddy shown yesterday here has much better lines. saab got the scraps. like some other commenter in this thread, compare the 9-4x concept to volvo’s xc60 concept. saab went for, and achieved, lethargy. volvo, rakishness, angularity, and swagger.

  7. jan-ake jonsson said this is the best saab ever. i will never trust his opinion again.

  8. i can see how the 9-7x was doomed from the start (as a rebadge), but the 9-4x had every chance to be done the right way and not look 90’s. missed, again.

  9. lately, saab has been given a “pass,” a benefit of the doubt. the 9-4x seems to say that was all in vain. how much consumer patience is left?

  10. that mutilated hood line. didn’t saab learn anything from the dame-edna 9-5. that zig-zaggy hood line approach isn’t exactly making the 9-5 endearing. why, then, give it to the 9-4x?

  11. no side turn indicators integrated into the side mirrors? how long do we have to wait to see something that resembles modern?

  12. they keep saying the aero-x will influence future models. bunk. there doesn’t seem to be enough substance in that lip service.

  i’m non-plussed by this thing. it’s anti-aero-x, and anti-9-3 (’08). saab is going backwards in its design direction. why they choose to look the aero-x “gift horse” in the mouth, defies logic.

  yeah, it’ll fill a niche and people can say they have a “real” saab. great. and, as well, it seems like, for the wrong reasons, there will be a lot of, “what is that?”

  don’t expect this thing to pull saab out of the doldrums. (and like a captain who’s last to jump ship, i would love to be so wrong.)

  can’t we get to the “cool stuff” already?

• 164 CPCF250 // Jan 9, 2008 at 1:24 pm

  I like the interior and the rear. Some side shots are good. But doesn’t anyone see the resemblance to a Chrysler Pacifica in the front hood/grill area views – ugh (unfortunately the photoshopped front pictures Joti by still look like a Pacifica front). Needs more 2008 93 and Aero X design cues on the front – they need to create some brand symetry across the model lines, esp. where people see the car first – grill/hood/lights…

• 165 1985 Gripen // Jan 9, 2008 at 1:31 pm

  Saab 9X: I understand your frustration and hear your points, but I think once you realize that this is a CONCEPT and will likely vary quite a bit when it hits production, you might feel better.
  On the point about the indicators in the side mirrors I remember hearing somewhere that this adds nothing to the overall safety of the car and makes it extremely expensive to purchase a replacement side mirror should yours become damaged. Maybe they’re opting-out of it for that reason.

• 166 ctm // Jan 9, 2008 at 7:40 pm

  166 comments… New record?

• 167 WooDz // Jan 9, 2008 at 7:54 pm

  LOL… this is absolutely the best post ever!

  I’m really looking forward to see so many people eat there words when the see this car for real.

  the same spits and coughs were made when the 9-3 MCE spy shots were made available and now the majority like it.
  Maybe because this is an SUV and I underline that SUV not CUV that It will not appeal to the masses that call themselves the Saabisti. Main because in all Saab’s original history they never needed to enter the Off-road segment.

  100% the interior is perfect from what we can see and that’s fine by me as that is where you’re going to spend your time. Exterior has a lot of Saab design cues. I too would like to see a clamshell hood, But after reading an article by Brian nesbitt It could well be that it’s not possible or as these are CGi’s that the vehicle will incorporate it. The rear lighting does not look how I remember it when I saw a picutre of the 9-4x back in July 2007, But seeing these pictures again reminds me of how long ago that was.

  On the whole the car has been executed well; understated and functional and is a good interpretation of what a modern Saab off-roader should look like. It is not doomed because they don’t have indicators in the mirrors aka Chevrolet Captiva, Mercedes MLK and tens of other cars on the market right now. It won’t be doomed because the Side panels are not defined enought aka Chris Bangle…

  What will effect the sale of this car is price and price alone.

• 168 Tiago do Vale // Jan 9, 2008 at 8:44 pm

  Saab shouldn’t be Tata -or Chevrolet, to name a cousin (”price and price alone”)…

• 169 Tubokar // Jan 10, 2008 at 12:44 am

  What did you all expect? Since GM has been involved with SAAB it has bled it dry of its core ethos and identity. If GM off load it would there be any takers? I doubt it. With the shackles now off and no GM crap to put up with just look how bright the future is for Fiat and Alfa. I have not owned a SAAB for many years and although I desparately want to own one there is not a car in its range that makes me want to own one. Not even the Turbo X which should have had a highly developed 2 litre 4 with a min of 300hp. I agree with the concept of Bio fuels but where I live no one sells E85. The only SAAB that excited me and would have encouraged me to buy one was the 9X but GM wouldn’t spend the dosh and that car was a reality where as the Areo X was not.

  The 9-4x yet again is an almost car which seems to be the way with current SAAB’s are. Looks American nasty from some angles like the head on front shot but not quite as offensive from a front angled shot. The rear angled shot looks clean and European but I can’t decide on the hockey stick pressing in the C pillar. I think the final judjment will have to be reserved for the final production model and what it looks like in Black.

  By the way I have edited this comment a number of times and toned down my rant that was sounding vehemently anti GM and almost anti American. However I love the Chrysler 300C, though the wife does not, but isn’t that the point. If I want an American car I would buy an American Marque even if its made in Austria!! SAAB’s creed is European na Scandinavian and its design philosiphy should follow that path.

• 170 WooDz // Jan 10, 2008 at 4:00 am

  The 9-4x will have to be cheap enough to have someone not buy a premium brand vehicle.
  And worth the extra money to get the Mainstream Buyer.

  Most will not study the vehicle to see whether the hockystick is defined enough or that the wrap around windscreen isn’t curvy enough. Basically they will not give a rats … if it’s Saaby enough at all.
  They’ll buy it because the 9-4x will be better value for money to the alternative they are thinking of buying.

  Unfortunately that’s the way it is.
  Saab are not market leaders.
  Great cars, appreciated by the few
  Lets hope GM can afford for it to stay like that. Otherwise we’re back to the 9-2x.

• 171 JD in NY // Jan 10, 2008 at 10:16 pm

  Is it too late to scrap this design and give us our hatchback back?

• 172 Yerk Boy // Jan 11, 2008 at 3:55 am

  Saab should be a leader for GM as caddy is.
  Saab = Sporty, Caddy= Lux.

  this is too bland needs for curves, and rounded off, not squared for unless Saab is planning on being Gm’s Old People Carriers.

• 173 turbo saab // Jan 11, 2008 at 2:46 pm

  Jesus – there is alot of interest in the 9-4x – that can only be good news. I am happy to see that GM has come up with something new. They didn’t get it 100% right but its pretty good. The front is too Subaru but what can you do (sorry for the rhyme!!). As long as it has a console ignition, a 6speed manual transmission, and a turbo-diesel option in Canada – I will buy one.
  Cheers everyone.

• 174 turbo saab // Jan 11, 2008 at 2:50 pm

  oh and one more thing…Saab needs to bring back a retro version of the classic 900 like we saw with Mini bringing back the Cooper. I mean they have to do it right mind you, but I think it can be done. Maybe the 9-1 will be just that ?? I doubt it. Hey – and also, I understand production costs and all but lets see Saabs continue to come from Sweden instead of Mexico…IMHO.