Saab 9-4x interior comparo
My countrymen at CarAdvice are featuring some Saab 9-4x pictures today. There’s not a lot that we haven’t seen before, though I think one of the profile shots might be a new angle. It makes the car look quite large-ish, too.
The one that got me digging through my archives was the interior shot. If you think they’re just slapping any old console into the test car, I’d suggest you look again.
Here’s the interior of the test car as shown at CarAdvice:
And here’s the interior of the concept car from Detroit:
Click either of them to enlarge.
As you can see, the interior they’re running in the test car is very similar, in design terms, to the concept interior. A few pointers:
- - It looks like the fancy-schmancy stereo controls have been ditched in favour of the corporate radio (bad move IMHO).
- The shape of the console is the same as the interior. Note the trim starting at the gearshift that sweep to the side and up the console. The shape of the shift is the same as well.
- Door trims carry the same shapes.
- Gauges carrying the same shapes and chrome trims.
- Vents carrying the same shapes.
I suggest to you that what we’re seeing here is very close to production trim, indeed. What remains to be seen is whether or not they’ve been able to develop any of that iceblock material to production standards for inclusion in a high-end version of the trim. And if so, what that might mean for controls, etc, given that the concept controls won’t see production.
My bet?
Any overtures about the iceblock fascia being close to production ready were wishful thinking (that I fell for, by the way - hook, line and sinker). At best we’ll see a stick-on trim in the Aero model that may or may not resemble the concept.
With all that said, though, it should be noted that the 9-4x had a very nice layout in Detroit, so there’s high hopes for the production version. This shot shows us a sea of grey plastic, albeit a well organised sea of grey plastic. Here’s hoping there’s something there to break up the grey a little when the real car comes around.
The interior’s so important to so many people. It’s where you spend all your time with the car, so it’s got to be good.
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Couple more things:
- The grats in the vents have a different pattern.
- The shifter is a different shape.
I am glad that the production 9-4X doesn’t have the shiny-metallic-plastic trim. I have it in my 9-2X and it really shows the scratches.
Well, I thought the fancy radio controls in the Detroit 9-4x were pretty but not easy to read or very intuitive. Using the corporate radio (which is easy to see at a glance and intuitive, albeit not as “cool”) is a better bet here. And not just for cost reasons. IMHO.
It’s decent, but already looks 5 years old. The colours and trim on the concept were amazing. They’ve taken that all away now.
About the radio, Greg, I should have been clearer. I don’t think they should have concept’s radio interface, either. It was for show. What I meant above is along the same lines as I’ve said all along - that Saab should have their own version of a corporate audio system.
It’s a little Snaaby, but the fact that you get the same looking radio in a $15K chevy as you do in a $35K Saab is wrong. It’s all part of building a design language for Saab, I think. This corporate radio does something for building a corporate thing for GM, but I don’t think it helps Saab.
Agreed, though, the concept controls were for show only.
I do prefer the interior colour scheme of the concept. I wonder if it will be available in the production model.
we keep hearing from the execs over and over again that they have learned their lesson when it comes to parts sharing. to paraphrase, it’s ok where the customer can’t see it, it’s much less ok where they can.
i think they had a killer chance to differentiate the brand with some version of the ice block fascia. so many other companies are more established in the CUV game, what will make this Saab unique enough to get on the radar?
that concept dash had major cool/showoff factor going for it, which by itself sells a ton of cars.
hopefully it will make it into the 9-5….
As for the ice-blocky material, I work for a company that works for another company that makes a product that you can make look like…an ice-blockly console. Furthermore the stuff is even environmentally friendly. I am sure if Saab partnered up with this company it would come at a premium — slabs of eco-friendly acrylic don’t come cheap, but the point I am trying to make is I don’t see any reason why they couldn’t have done the ice-block dash had they wanted to.
looks like 5hit! Not Saab - standard GM
GM, you suck!
What’s with removing the standard Saab style gauges and replacing them with the horrible standard GM one?
Saab has alot of flexibility still on colours, textures etc. It is not uncommon for test mules to have blank panels that later look pretty hot or technical or colourful in production.
One positive to be seen from the test model dash is that it returns to the style of the 9-5/9000 dash. It wraps around and the trim goes from the transmission all the way up to the top of the fascia and then around the driver. This is much better than the way they designed the fascia in the new 9-3.
It also appears that seats will be changed out (notice the passenger seat), thus possibly a final dash iceblock cover?? probably not, but heres to hoping.
That said, I think its a very sharp car compared to some of the other CrossOverUV’s (thats the right class??)
Richo, what guages are you talking about? I can’t see the guages at all in the production picture or the concept picture.
I think the production version looks basically like the concept version but with silver trim moved to different places.
I am a huge 9-4X concept fan.
* Does the steering wheel suggest that we get the griffin back?
* Doesn’t it look like the passenger seat has a belt in its center?
* Isn’t this car used to test engine and performance and handling, not durability of interior materials.
* However these interior elements must have already been produced, as they don’t look concept, or one of a kind.
* I like the concept air vents better.
* I would love to see the 9-5 cup holder, not the 9-3 one, in this 9-4X
Shoot me, I want one.
First of all, guys, this is a test mule - not the final version of the car.
As far as the ice-block acrylic, I loved the look on the concept and I sure hope it makes its way into the production vehicle. However, if the durability cannot be guaranteed long-term Saab should stay away from it - the car must feel solid and luxurious even after years of use. A peeling discolored dash 2 years into your lease will do the brand way more damage than having a well-built, solid “regular” dash with high quality materials and premium finishes. Ask Audi.
The use of the the right materials can make all the difference. My Turbo X is definitely a step forward from the 2003 sedan I had, although it needs more work to truly be at par with the competition.
Good, the cruise switch is just like my Chevy Silverado work truck. (Even in the concept!) Just what I wanted - My next Saab to be as much like a work vehicle as possible.
Also when coupled with the standard radio, it makes it easier for those of us in America when we’re travelling and have to use rental cars. (Lowers the learning curve.)
Sarcasm vented, it looks like it will turnout to be a very nice GM car. They must think that’s all the buying public expects/deserves?
I just don’t get it.
Forgot to add - nobody seems to notice the Turbo X like carbon fiber trim. I think it looks great.
Does anybody notice that there doesn’t seem to be a spot for the ignition switch on the console? (there’s 2 cupholders there)
Any thoughts?
Well, about the ignition..the 9000 didn’t have it there. And this is a bigger car, so its not.. necessarily necessary.
And also anyone notice the steering wheel? Looks to be from an Opel? any thoughts?
Isn’t there push-button start on this one?
there is a push-button start and the steering wheel IS from Opel - very likely an Isignia one. At first, ithought this interior to look too bland. But after all, it reminds me of Audi quality finishes in detail - plain, but rock solid! Please have a look at a BMW X3-X5 or Q5-Q7 without some serious upgrades in trims? They look functional at best, but you will have to include diffent inside colors, wood or carbon, or silver trims etc. Saab needs to get differentiation in this - options ! You have individual colors and trims on the competition and please look at Alfas all new MiTo or the Fiat 500 - configure your car out as hell is what counts. I couldn’t see any ignition spot in the middle as well - that’s bad - and if you look at ath the navigation [you will only see it on the other picture from the passengers view] - it’s way too small! looks tiny in this mega block of a wrap around console. Ah and does anyone know about the odometer? I want the speed to be seen just lik in the concept - tha alone would please me
At the moment it looks a bit boring but I think in production they improve (mules mostly aren’t equiped with the best possible interior).
But I like the stick shift (I thought there will be only automatic versions, but I obviously was wrong)
AND I HOPE FOR COMPLETE IPOD/IPHONE INTEGRATION!!!
And also anyone notice the steering wheel? Looks to be from an Opel? any thoughts?
Yes, I noticed this straight away.
What is the Opel equivalent that is going to be launched before the Saab?
Jchan2 - I’ve seen some other pictures of the interior and the ignition is a pushbutton start located to the right of the steering wheel.
I’m still not sure the acrylic finishing will be driver friendly enough. I don’t want to have light reflecting off the dash into my eyes when driving.
I remember a similar problem I had with a Toyota, where the light of a dashboard item was reflecting in the windscreen. At night, I was never sure if it was another car or not. I think reflective materials in an interior should be avoided - unless they are called “mirrors”
Both those steering wheels remind me of the New Buick ones. I’ll see if i can post a picture.
the area where the cd inlet is look, atleast to me, to come from the old 9-5 stereo 98-05… and i kinda like that. the flat grey panel with black buttons with backlit lettering… and i like that. very simple - very saab.
mvh/niklas palm
I really hope that the acrylic material makes it into production. I really digging the idea of the ambient green lighting. Plus it definately gave a more premium feel to the cars interior.
The car’s still a year away from production, so I’m not worried that the trim isn’t finalized yet.
It’s not like they have to wait on the interior to start testing the drivetrain.
Bernard- those are my thoughts exactly!
Are they launching a new type of safetybelt? There´s a beltstrap coming up in the middle of the passengerseat, just like there are in childseats.
Testing seats they threw.
Recaro seats for testing. I doubt the real thing will come equipped with such.
Saabs have always been famous for their seats, so why does it need Recaros? But then is it truly a Saab?