Saab’s 9-4X crossover has finally been officially unveiled. The much awaited production model is almost identical to the 9-4X BioPower concept from the company, and the exterior is certainly impressive. With a wraparound windshield, a grille that stands out and a ‘hockey stick’ waistline, the car is definitely a beauty. Adding to the look is the set of bi-xenon headlights, dual exhaust system and the 18-inch alloy wheels.
But this attitude is only ‘paint deep’ – the inside of the vehicle is straight-laced when compared to the outside. Nevertheless, the eight-way power seats, the wood trim on this model will be faux carbon fiber on the Aero model; air vents are mesh type; ignition is a push button mounted on the center console. Other optional elements that customers can choose to have are power-adjustable pedals, Bose audio system, GPS navigation, tri-zone climate control, and a rear entertainment system.
Reports say the vehicle will have two engines – one is the naturally-aspirated 3.0-liter V6, which produces 265 PS (195 kW / 262 hp) and allows the car to get from 0-100 km/h in 9.0 seconds. Second is the one in the Aero- a turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 with 300 PS (221 kW / 296 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.
This helps the vehicle to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 8.3 seconds. Powered by Saab’s XWD (all-wheel drive) system, that expertly varies torque between the front and rear axles, the vehicle also has an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential (eLSD), which can transfer up to half of the torque to the rear wheel with the most traction.
The crossover is all set to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Word is that sales in the U.S. are slotted for May 2011, with Europe and the other markets getting it next August.
