Amidst all the current turbulence, Saab are continuing to road test the Saab 9-4x SUV.
Let me tell you two things I know about this vehicle.
1) Despite the traditional Saab-lover reluctance towards SUVs of any type, this is still a required vehicle for Saab. The segment is alive and well in the US market and Saab would benefit from being amongst it. I really believe they’ll do a pretty good job of it, too.
2) The 9-4x looks pretty darn good in black!
Left Lane News have acquired some spypics of the 9-4x in testing in Michigan, presumably in northern Sweden – Doh!!. Click through to see them in full, but here’s some sneeky peeks.
It’s probably just a product of the background blending so much, but the upward angle on the rear deck spoiler looks kinda awkward to me.
There’s a horizontal there as well, but it’s just that the angled piece looks so dominant in that shot. I’m sure it looks more composed in person and with different colors.
The Saab 9-4x is set to be delayed slightly from the original planned release date. And of course, the current turmoil with GM and Saab could see things shift again, but here’s hoping this one hits the floor as soon as possible.
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Actually Swade, the LLN article said it was spotted Michigan, not Sweden.
The blue license plates would point in this direction, too.
Having to source the new 9-5 from Opel in Germany will be a tough ask for any potential buyer of Saab. Having to source the 9-4x from GM in Mexico will probably be asking too much. As others have predicted, expect to see this one re-badged as a Buick.
9-4x — still not a fan of the crossover or SUV or whatever. It’s what others want, just not me.
I guess not “eyebrow” LED on the headlights…. That would be cool if SAAB created a brand-wide trademark with the headlights like BMW and how Audi are now beginning that trend.
And, I didn’t notice a rear fog light… But I guess since it is testing in the US, there is no requirement.
As our Antipodean leader would – but more than likely wouldnt say – ‘noice’!
Now all I want to see is the new 9-5!!!!!!
That tall section of the center grille is not growing on me.
OMG!! Are they going to use the green tail lights on the production vehicle? That’s awesome! That 9-4 looks really good. No interior I take it. Still looks really good.
God, I hope they make it out of this mess ok. It looks like they (GM) were finally going to do something good with SAAB! It looks very “PREMIUM”.
Not a big fan, but the rear window does look cool. My wife would probably like it though.
I like the 900/9-3 style Saab. Small, fast, efficient, and fun.
If GM want to sell Saab there is not going to be a 9-4X or 9-5.
Of course your right Zippy, that why they have delaying them for a year now, not everyone at GM is stupid, liers yes, but not stupid. By the way all of my Saabs have always been Zippy’s ( currently on Zippy number 3, 9-3 2005 Aero)
I have to agree with Swade,
Compared to the Concept the rear deck spoiler looks to much “added on”. This is probably due to aerodynamic reasons, but I liked the Concept version much better where the roof line just continued into the spoiler. MUCH sleeker but probably not correct in an aerodynamic sence…
/D
Haha.. That car looks so stupid that it´s hilarious. A Saab…
Only detail that reminds me about Saab is the “hockeystick” line. And it looks like it´s added afterwards. Just look closely the side profile. How sidewindows are positioned and how tailgate looks too big. That car is everything else except practical. If that´s what is needed for Saab to survive, so be it. But I´m not going to like that muscular, ugly, American-way build SUV.
Is there more room than outgoing 9-5? If you´d add XWD to 9-5 I guess it would be able to go where 9-4X goes, but with style and economically better. Like a real Saab does.
Oh well…
It’s no secret this is a car that I’d return to Saab for – I think there is a valid place for it, particularly with the correct diesel engine and XWD, this could be an economical motor in a sector that still commands significant sales in Europe and US.
Only worry I had from the first scoops was that rear quarter window is so unresolved – here it fails to attract the chrome strip which just stops short at the second door.
Funny, my 300c wagon has a similar issue with the third window not having the chrome trim and I son’t like it. Audi have always been the masters of chrome – enough but rarely too much.
The current 9-3 can be spec’d with a chrome edge along the upper window line, but it is too timid, needs to be stronger or else not at all. Courage Saab, come on.
Saab need a coupé, a convertible, a small sporty car, able to back the brand on rallying, and eventualy a luxus big sedan, but certainly not a F*** SUv (made in mexico !!!)..Like all others …because Saab must be different !!
Let’s face it, the 9-4x isn’t made for us that read this site, we’re already got Saab under our skin and that only amounted to about 100 000 sales this year. Sales need to increase with at least! 50% from that and I doubt that the people that has bought a new Saab this year wants to buy another 1½ Saabs next year. So Saab must steal sales from other brands = offer something new that may not appeal to the hardcore Saabnuts (that’s you btw
) but to all those who have chosen to buy another brand. Saab needs a broader palette and if this is a way to increase sales and reach profitability and in the end survive then who are we to say it’s wrong.
If you dont like the coffee, then dont drink it….
Looking at the side view photo, the back quarter panel and window line leading to the tailgate looks like the NG900/9-3 hatch but squashed. The taillights have a similar shape as well – also noticing that all of the new Saab concepts/models have that slim one bar “taillight” – also very reminescient of the NG900/9000 single light bar that ran across the entire rear of the vehicle.
Interesting. Looks alot like an LR2 though – just Swedish.
I like it – Swade is right it does look good in black.
My next new car buying window is 2010-11. I’ve been assuming I’d get the next gen 9-5 but I’ll have to have a look at this.
Greg, I’m with you, though when I took out my 9-3 in Dec 06 I was expecting to have a choice of 9-4x and 9-5 in Dec 08 !
Here’s hoping when my new 12 mnth lease expires in Oct 09 that there is some prospect of either model appearing in UK showrooms, else I’ll be tied in again and miss driving the new models as soon as they appear.
woah… such a good looking saab
ok, its a suv but with optical saab-gene
i like it and i’ll buy one in black…