2009 Saab pricing announced for USA
The following is a press release from Saab USA.
So blame them, not me, for the fact that the 9-3 Aero is about to be described as “rediculously overpriced” by every motoring journalist in north America just like the Turbo X was by Edmunds last week.
The notables here:
* You can now get a Saab 9-3 “Sport” Sport Sedan. That’s the 2.0T with an Aero look and a few goodies thrown in.
* The good news, as we’ve known for a while, is that the 2.0T version of the 9-3 is now available for sale with XWD. The bad news is that the XWD system, with no eLSD (not even available as an option), adds around $6,000 to the cost of the 2.0T. I kid you not.
* The Aero version of the 9-3, with the fully equipped XWD system, comes in just under the Turbo X price of 2008.
* There’s no special package on the Saab 9-5 just yet, but there’s a few new colors.
* The 9-7x also begins its swansong with the Aero and Altitude versions being available.
* Is it notable that a non-special edition 9-3 is more expensive than the most expensive 9-5?
——
Saab Extends XWD Cross-Wheel-Drive To 9-3 2.0T Models
DETROIT — Saab begins the 2009 model year with attractive news for those seeking a vehicle that combines the enhanced functionality of cross-wheel-drive technology, Scandinavian design and an engaging, turbocharged driving experience.
Saab broadens the appeal of its 9-3 range – it’s most popular – for 2009 with available XWD cross-wheel-drive technology on 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan and SportCombi models and a new 2.0T “Sport” model. Cross-wheel drive availability started in the 2008 model year with the V-6-equipped Aero and limited edition Turbo X, Sport Sedan and SportCombi.
“True to its Scandinavian origins, Saab has built a large part of its reputation on excellent road manners under difficult driving conditions like rain, sleet and snow,” said Steve Shannon, Saab Automobile USA general manager. “Our new cross-wheel-drive technology, which delivers unprecedented levels of driver involvement and dynamic chassis control, further illustrates Saab’s commitment to offering active safety in sporty, efficient and driver-focused vehicles.”
Saab’s XWD cross-wheel-drive is a pre-emptive, active-on-demand system that is activated only when required, limiting the impact on fuel economy while giving the car a surefooted, dynamic feel that enthusiasts embrace. It is available on all 9-3 models except the Convertible, which has a different floorpan that does not accommodate additional rear-wheel-drive components. The Saab 9-3 2.0T XWD Sport Sedan and SportCombi will come standard with additional equipment such as a winter package, moonroof and automatic transmission, while a 6-speed manual is also available.
The 2009 Saab lineup consists of the 9-3 range (2.0T and Aero Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible); the 9-5 range (2.3T and Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi) and the 9-7X SUV range (4.2i, 5.3i and Aero).
The model-by-model snapshot of what’s new for 2009:
Saab 9-3
Developed in Sweden with Haldex of Stockholm, Saab’s optional XWD cross-wheel-drive system, becoming available on 2009 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan and SportCombi models, is designed to optimize vehicle handling and stability in all driving conditions.
This state-of-the-art, all-wheel drive system includes two innovative features: pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels to optimize traction at take-off; and an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD) that allows variable torque transfer between the rear wheels. The eLSD is standard on Aero models; it is not available on 2.0T models.
Saab XWD is a fully automatic, on-demand system capable of sending up to 100 percent of engine torque to the front or rear wheels whenever necessary. While offering drivers sure-footed handling in low-grip conditions, its sophisticated operation also adds a further sporty dimension to the driving experience in all road conditions.
For 2009, Saab 9-3 “Sport” Sport Sedan buyers can choose an Aero-type appearance and performance package that includes dual bright finish tailpipes, sport bolstered seats, metallic interior decor, upgraded brakes, a sport-tuned chassis and new, sportier-looking 17 by 7.5-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. Carbon Grey Metallic and Glass Grey Metallic are new exterior color choices for 2009. Grey also is offered as an additional convertible top color choice.
Saab 9-5
The Saab 9-5 Sedan and SportCombi bring Scandinavian-inspired performance and luxury to the competitive midsize sport sedan segment. Available in both 2.3T and Aero models, they feature distinctive, aircraft-inspired design inside and out, in keeping with Saab’s roots in aviation.
The Saab 9-5 range includes the well-equipped 2.3T Sport Sedan and SportCombi models, as well as the uplevel and sportier Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi models.
For 2009, the 9-5 range gets revised power window switches in the center console and new exterior colors, Carbon Grey Metallic and Glass Grey Metallic. Nocturne Blue Metallic is being reintroduced. Aero models receive a high-gloss black metallic interior finish and new 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels that complement the sportier look.
Saab 9-7X
Saab brings a Scandinavian flavor to the midsize SUV market with the 9-7X SUV range, which includes the performance-oriented 9-7X Aero, the 9-7X 4.2i and the 9-7X 5.3i. All feature unique Saab brand characteristics that include sophisticated styling inside and out, premium design features, and the sporty and spirited performance inherent to Saab vehicles.
Enhancements for 2009 Saab 9-7X models include new Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity that interfaces with the vehicles’ audio system, as well as two new exterior colors, Diamond Silver Metallic and Desert Tan Metallic.
Saab’s popular 9-7X Altitude Edition package also returns for 2009. It is offered for 4.2i and 5.3i models and includes DVD touch screen navigation radio and highly polished 18-inch alloy wheels and specific badging. Exterior finish choices include Carbon Flash (only non-Aero model for which this color is available) and Diamond Silver metallic.
Saab U.S. Model Year 2009 Pricing (excludes $ 775 destination charges)
• 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan: 28,835
• 9-3 2.0T SportCombi: 30,265
• 9-3 2.0T XWD Sport Sedan: 34,870
• 9-3 2.0T XWD SportCombi: 36,285
• 9-3 Aero V6T XWD Sport Sedan: 41,885
• 9-3 Aero V6T XWD SportCombi: 43,165
• 9-3 2.0T Convertible: 40,605
• 9-3 Aero V6T Convertible: 49,610
—
• 9-5 2.3T Sedan: 38,830
• 9-5 2.3T SportCombi: 39,650
• 9-5 Aero Sedan: 39,400
• 9-5 Aero SportCombi: 40,765
—
• 9-7X SUV 4.2i: 40,935
• 9-7X SUV 5.3i: 43,665
• 9-7X SUV Aero: 47,425
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You forgot to mention the “revised” electric window switches in the 9-5. I don’t know what that means, but I’m speculating they’ve added “auto-up” as a standard feature. They’ve got to come up with something to justify the 9-5’s price…
Looking at this pricing it’s even more ridiculous to me that the 9-3 and 9-5 are two different cars. Why not just merge the best aspects of both sedans into one single model?
Ouch, this next year is going to be a bad one. More money, less warranty? I thought the general was learning from his mistakes. Perhaps they know something about XWD that we don’t. The Aero’s are great cars but man, 40K. There are still some Turbo X’s around with a 5 year/100,000 mile warranty! Get them while you can!
Um…are these US Dollars?
They are just trying to move those Cady’s out the door so they can justify killing Saab!!
What looks like a large price premium for the 9-3 2.0T XWD version is largely due to the inclusion of a number of other packages in that price:
“The Saab 9-3 2.0T XWD Sport Sedan and SportCombi will come standard with additional equipment such as a winter package, moonroof and automatic transmission, while a 6-speed manual is also available”
What I don’t get is why can’t they give the buyer the choice?
This is what makes me mad about SaabUSA. Heated seats were standard on my first Saab, a 1972 Saab 99. They’re not standard on a 2009 Saab 9-3, nor have they been standard for some time in the US. You have to buy the cold weather package to get something that should be on a Scandinavian car right from the get-go.
Everything’s designed to funnel you into spending more. If I lived in the US and I’d been hanging out for an XWD 2.0T then I’d be livid right now. They’ve totally betrayed their buyers.
They should have a well equipped base model and the options. It works for other car companies and guess what - those companies are selling cars in sustainable quantities.
The inmates are truly running the asylum.
CNN pointed out one good reason people won’t pay the high Saab sticker. They have an excellent review of the 2009 9-3 Aero Convertible. But they point this out in the article: “Sweden only contributed 19% of this model’s content. That kind of mixed heritage is a turnoff for buyers of high-end cars, who want a glorious history to go along with the inflated sticker price.”
I think that’s one good reason to keep Swedish content in at least their high-end models, and the ones that are true to Saab’s roots, like the 9-X/9-1 (hopefully). I know the history of the marque, e.g., long-standing safety record, rally record, etc., means a lot to me.
Sorry if my post is jarbled due to the fact I’M LAUGHING MY ASS OFF!!!!
GM (or Saab) just doesn’t get it! Do they honestly think people are going to pay and extra $6,000 for XWD without eLSD?!?! The original rumor was maybe $2k more, but this, this is….SUICIDE!
The current trend is people are paying less and getting MORE.
All you Saab salespeople better start looking for new jobs, or pick up knitting…..Man am I glad I bought a car last year.
Swade,
Missed your comment while posting mine. I agree 110%.
Holy smokes. I cant wait to see the price on those up here in Canada, let alone the rest of the world.
As swade mentioned, they have really betrayed their prospect buyers - it’s a shame. And in return, they will probably get the same treatment - Not many people buying their cars.
I kind of feel that GM sort of wants to help other brands (BMW, Merc, Audi) with this sort of pricing
Everyone who probably wanted a Saab will be shocked at these pricings and eventually go on to their neighboring showrooms.
Swade,
I agree with you on giving people a choice in terms of options. Beyond increasing the price of the cars, the bundling of packages sometimes makes for a less attractive product for some of us. The inclusion of the moonroof, for example, is a pain for those of us who need the extra headroom.
I was planning on waiting until MY2009 for a XWD 2.0T, but saw materials hinting at this bundling and realized that I couldn’t get the XWD version because of the “standard” moonroof. Had I not found a 2008 without the moonroof (the dealer had to get it from out-of-state to get the other options I wanted), Saab would have lost a customer.
I am both annoyed at the 2009 XWD bundling and relieved I got the 2008 when I did.
I think the pricing around the world won’t carry as high a % premium for XWD as it does in the US. From what I’ve seen, the Saab USA is more into bundling than it is elsewhere and we have fewer variations of options from which to choose. If you unbundle all of the packages (moonroof, cold weather, automatic transmission, etc.), the XWD alone will not seem as as much of an additional expense.
I have to agree with about everyone. When SAAB is having to give 5-8000 dollar discounts to sell 08’s…. why would you create more gap. They need to go to realistic pricing and move people in to see what a great value. And does anyone wonder why re-sale is so terrible? Which for me is a good thing, since I will pick up a 3 year old wonder for small cash.
Ehh, those prices makes as much sense as inviting people over for coffee when your house is on fire.
BTW: Where is the special edition of the “last” 9-5? A couple of new exterior colors, glossy black metallic interior finish and 17-inch wheels for the aeoro can’t be it, can it?
Meh.
We all know at the point-of-sale inside the showroom that every Saab will go out the door at significantly lower prices than sticker. [need rolls eyes emoticon here ......]
On a separate note, I’m now on the look out for a Viggen rather than upgrade to a 09-Aero after hearing the new prive. Viggen me up!
-1 new car sales for Saab.
+1 for classic.
OMG US$6000 for XWD on the 2.0T. Quite frankly - beyond ridiculous and a MASSIVE betrayal to those who wanted the car with XWD.
My car when it was brand new was a CA$41000 car, 30000miles and four years old I paid CA$15500. So glad I did as new Saab cars are quite ridiculous and I am sure they will be crazier here in Canada. Add to the fact no leasing anymore and Saab is going to have a hard time shifting any cars.
Yeah Ken, but think of all the customers who won’t even make it into the dealerships because of the ridiculously high MSRP’s. GM really botched this one in a big way and 2009 sales are going to make 2008 look like a record year as a result.
So earth to GM, when you’re most competitive model dates back to 2002, you don’t give the turbo awd version the exact same base MSRP as a 335XI, you just don’t do it. When faced with the choice, 95% of consumers will go for the beemer because it’s a far, far better car. So what you have to do is compete on price. Price the FWD 2.0T 9-3 at ~24-25k base MSRP, sell the 2.0T XWD version for ~27-28k, and start the XWD Aero’s at around $35k. You still won’t dethrone Audi or BMW, and you’ll surely make less per car, but at least you’ll actually be moving some product.
Saab desperately needs to win over some of the other 95% of the luxury sports sedan market, and giving their cars MSRP’s that are at least somewhere close to what buyers will actually pay for their aging lineup would be a good start. Unfortunately it looks like 2009 is going to be another year of record low sales.
I fear 2009 will be the death of Saab. Anyone else?
*Smacks forehead*
Why this may be courtesy of Autoblog . .
High commodities prices and the unflattering value gap between the Euro and U.S. Dollar are forcing a lot of European automakers to bump their prices here in the States. We told you a few weeks ago that BMW was planning on raising the sticker price on many of its products, and now we’re starting to see the extent of the damage. The price changes range from an increase of $600 on a 128i to $1,400 on an M6. The 335i received several MSRP increases, with the sedan going up by $800, the coupe by $1,200, and a raise of $1,300 for the convertible. The 328i sedan, meanwhile, rose $700 to an MSRP of $33,400.
What can you say? Any savvy consumer knows this is crazy. I have said Saabs are overpriced currently. But to raise those figures with only modest incentives in value? Something has to be going on at GM in regards to the demise of Saab. This just doesn’t make sense.
Think of it like this: I own a manufacturing business, times are tough for everyone. Our costs to produce products are going up and the dollar is going down. This eats our profits. The natural response is to increase the price of the product on the retail side to offset the increase in production and material costs. However, this is not logical because it is only our costs have gone up, the consumer is not necessarily making more money. In fact, their money is now worth much less than years past. So, now especially, they are not willing to pay more for the same product. Saab or GM, whoever is behind this, is about to learn this lesson the hard way - I fear.
I am transferring the lease on my second 9-3 aero as we speak. By the looks of these prices I would rather get the performance and quality of a BMW. Lets get real Saab/GM.
This summer, Motor Trend noted that the “Key to the Haldex-built XWD unit is an electronically controlled eLSD…” Since the 2009 9-3 will not include eLSD, it is wrong for Saab to claim that XWD is being made available on them. With its current campaign, Saab is diluting the marketing value of XWD as well as overcharging for less than the real thing. How sad. Just when they are on the verge of gaining renewed credibility, they manage to figure out a way to deliver less than expected.
Troll96,
A clarification there….you mention “Since the 2009 9-3 will not include eLSD” which is only half-correct. The 2009 Aero will have XWD with eLSD as standard. The 2009 2.0T has XWD as an option, but eLSD won’t be available at all on that model.
Don’t even get me started on the whole “calling it XWD even if it doesn’t have the eLSD” bit, that’s good old-fashioned GM “stupid pet name” marketing at it’s worst. The only reason it’s called “cross wheel drive” is because the eLSD splits torque across the rear axle.
If they’re selling a car with the same old 4th-gen Haldex unit that can be found on plenty of other cars (sorry, it’s really nothing special without the eLSD) they should call it “AWD” like every other company out there does. “XWD” should be reserved only for the eLSD equipped models.
Oh, and if Audi can sell it’s brand-new A4 2.0T Quattro, with a brand-new platform engineered from the bottom up with a direct injection engine and a more advanced/expensive AWD system not to mention the far, far superior interior and more modern exterior for $30k, then Saab should be selling the old, sloppy, plain-old Haldex-equipped, port-injected, GM parts-binned interior 9-3 2.0T “XWD” for $27k. At the absolute most.
Swade: I should have made it clearer that I was referring to the 2.0T. Thanks.
ALex Barnett: Ditto.
Swade> this is maybe off topic but do you know if there are any plans for Biopower /TTid models for US & Canada?
If E85 starting to be popular in the states then a biopower-model would be cool.
It so weired what SaabUsa is doing and Saab at the global market. In Sweden cold weather package is none existant. Why do they have all these stupid “extras” for other markets. Wouldn´t it be better to build almost the same car?
If you have a high sticker oh why not include stuff to the package?
In sweden I think the got It right. They have smaller engines to get a lower base sticker. They have diffrent kind of packages from 500 euro to 2000 euro. Often they have a big pricereduction on the packages making the buyer “happy” because he got many “nifty” things for a small sum. Thats a better way than the employe pricing in US.
I get the feeling that the managment doesn´t know what people want and what is posible to charge extra for. They need someone that know how to extract the information from the buyers so the can give customers what they want.
And give up premium, Saab is best in the almost premium class. Where you dont spend money on the brand, you spend it on a feeling. (I know better)
OH, but haven’t you heard? Everyone in the USA has plenty of money so price increases are no problem at all! (jk)
AlexB - you are so on the money. I’ll have to check out this new Audi. Business 101 - price yourself in line with the competition unless you have a superior product that justifies a higher price (see BMW).
The good news is that in our market (U.S.) the carmakers often resort to rebates, discounts, financing schemes, employee purchase prices for the public, etc. in order to generate sales. In my opinion, they are upping the MSRPs in order to give bigger discounts and making the savings seem larger on a single purchase. If I am purchasing a car, I would certainly be more attracted to an $8,000 savings rather than a $4,000 savings. If you look across the market right now, you will see these discounts and schemes from just about all car manufacturers. I would wait until pricing is released in other countries before I write off Saab USA for being out of touch with the market. They will only be able to sell the cars for what people are willing to pay, so as their stock increases the discounts will have to follow.
This only the latest in a number of price increases as well as lower incentives for Saab USA this year. The strangling of Saab and its dealers is now in the “back stretch”
Could someone please post last years’ U.S. Saab pricing for comparison purposes? I thought that the MSRP of the most basic 9-3 you could get (the manual-transmission-equipped Sport Sedan) actually dropped since last year, not increased. Same with the 9-5. Am I wrong?
Sure, the “new” product (the 2.0T 9-3 Aero w/XWD) seems overpriced, but I think the price of the models which existed last year actually dropped slightly. I think I remember that Saabs started at just under $30K last year (like $29,750 or something). Again, am I remembering wrong?
With the Kronor-to-Dollar conversion being so different now I’m surprised they aren’t forced to raise the price more than they already have. I’d rather see them raise the price than to reduce the cost of building the car by adding more cheap parts-bin parts. You really do get what you pay for.
Wow, how do these 2009 prices match up to Audi and the others… SAAB is not ready to start charging these prices… Not until they improve.
Why does the 9-3 Aero need to come with the XWD. I live in FL and will never have the need for that.
I could not pay $40k+ for car with the same radio interior parts as a chevy cobalt…
Glad I got a CPO 06 9-3 Aero great warranty, Saab interior, and no chevy radio!!!!
spazzz2002: I would suspect the Aero needs the XWD to be able to apply its power to the ground. The 280 bhp through the front wheels would just spin them. The Aero is meant to be the “performance” model so there’s really no point in having a V6 engine in the car if you can’t apply that power to the ground.
I’m just impressed that Saab is going to have the 2.0T XWD ready in time for the northern hemisphere winter this year. It was ridiculous that the Turbo-X and Aero XWD didn’t come-out until Spring/Summer.
I did a pretty reasonable comparison between last year’s prices and this year’s prices in my article here. The XWD itself is about $2500, but it’s the extra mandatory packages that drive the price up $6k over a base 9-3.
In my article I did the math for a 9-3 SportCombi, and the price of the base vehicle is going up about $180 from 2008 to 2009.
As far as BioPower or Diesel like Dippen was referring to, I wouldn’t look for that to be heading stateside. I had a conversation last week with Jan-Willem Vester, Saab’s head of media relations in the US. He said that the price of federalization for either of those powerplants would price those models too high to feasibly be competitive.
Correct, thanks Kevin.
KR900 aka Kevin Miller >ok thanks for the info:)
So does that mean that Saab USA officially dropped plans to sell the 9-3 2.0T BioPower in the States? As of August 2008 I was informed by none other than Steve Shannon that we’d be getting it in “early 2009″. Also, some time back I ran across a couple of Swedish BioPower-equipped Saabs being trucked across rural California, presumably undergoing testing.
If Saab USA has given-up on BioPower in the U.S. I think this is news to the Saab community. Also, it puts into question GM’s commitment to ethanol-powered automobiles in North America, just as GM is expanding their flex-fuel offerings in the rest of their brand portfolio in N.A. Heck, even HUMMER will start selling flex-fuel V8-equipped offerings soon, which would likely reduce fuel economy in those vehicles to the single-digits!
General Motors (not just Saab USA, so no offense, Mr. Vester) really needs to come-up with a coherent position on ethanol and STICK WITH IT, in my opinion. Saab is GM’s leading ethanol-powered vehicle developer and it’s one of the only GM brands sold in N.A. to not offer flex-fuel vehicles for sale in the market. GM announces the big Coskata cellulosic ethanol investment alongside the debut of the Saab 9-4X BioPower concept, then later it’s revealed the production 9-4X won’t even have a BioPower powerplant!