Saab 9-7X: First Look

Saab and parent company General Motors are desperate to reinvigorate the prestige Scandinavian marque's line-up, and with cars like the upcoming 9-2X and now the 9-7X, the mood is definitely changing.

Far from standing still, Saab is pursuing many avenues for new product, and further to increasing its vehicle range, the 9-7X will be a key tool for the European company in improving sales in Europe and the US.

Unveiled at the 2004 New York Autoshow, Saab's new AWD wagon targets the lucrative SUV or luxury 4WD market and will focus on driver satisfaction and performance, as well as a touch of luxury.

"The Saab 9-7X is an excellent example of Saab's expertise applied to achieve sporty, driver focused performance," said Kjell-Åke Eriksson, Saab's big chief for future products.

"Although it offers excellent versatility, it is still a delight to drive with minimal body roll and a firm but subtle, quiet ride."

Indeed, with standard features like on-demand, all-wheel-drive, the vehicle's traction and handling performance are optimised, while a preloaded-clutch, limited-slip differential at the rear ensures that energetic cornering won't be compromised by the AWD system.

To help achieve a comfortable ride and improve handling response, the Saab 9-7X uses a uniquely tuned double A-arm front suspension rig with front coil spring, and at the rear sits a a five-link, electronically controlled rear air suspension setup.

A low ride height suggests that the 9-7X will be more of a black-top cruiser than a mudslinger, and all shock absorbers are valved to help provide firm body control for confident handling.

Sitting on chunky 255/55 tyres and 18-inch alloy rims, the new Saab SUV will be offered with two all-aluminium engines when it hits showrooms in early 2005 in the US and Europe.

Giving it's 4-cylinder blocks the boot, the new (and decidedly large displacement) engines suggest that Saab is trying to appease the American market's love of high-torque products.

The entry-level mill is a big 4.2-litre straight 6-cylinder item, delivering a healthy 205kW of power and 372Nm of torque.

Also on offer for those willing to depart with more of their hard-earned is a V8 motor displacing 5.3-litres and generating 224kW of power. 447Nm of torque will ensure quick 0-100km/h times too, and could even challenge the likes of BMW's X5 and Porsche's nat atmo Cayenne S.

The shift to much larger engines for Saab's 9-7X is an interesting move, and could provide an insight as to what will power the 2006 model 9-5.

The Swedish automaker has endowed its big 4WD with a traditional Saab three-port grille, while flared wheel arches and a smooth shoulder line give the SUV a sporty, yet balanced appearance.

Michael Mauer, Saab's executive director of design spoke about the styling: "The exterior and interior design of the Saab 9-7X are in line with the vehicle's dynamic road behaviour and convey the sporty refinement of a Saab rather than the ruggedness of a traditional SUV.

"For example the interior features such Saab icons as the air vents with their distinctive sliding plate design, the famed cup holder like the Saab 9-5, and a center console ignition key."

The front head lights combine xenon globes and halogen projectors to good effect, covered by a uncomplicated clear lens shape. The tail light cluster comprises vertically stacked, clear acrylic lenses, reflector optics and precision-detailed bezels that combine to create a three-dimensional, jewel-like effect.

Step inside the 9-7X and it's cockpit inspired interior looks is very much driver-oriented. The new instrument panel's center stack and controls are angled toward the driver and, like the exterior, it features many of Saab's traditional, brand-distinctive design elements.

Saab's 9-7X will feature a comprehensive safety package standard across the range, including dual-stage frontal airbags, head curtain side airbags like the Volvo XC90, a passenger sensing system and a rollover sensing system.

In addition to the redesigned 9-3 Sport Sedan and 9-3 Convertible models, and the Saab 9-2X that will go on sale in America and Canada on July 1 2004, Saab's star looks to be rising.

Furthermore, General Motors is also rumoured to have been in talks with the local Australian branch, Holden, to build a new all-wheel drive Saab based on the next-generation Zeta platform (also earmarked for the 2006 VE Commodore) that could become the hinted-at Saab 9-6.

Seeing that Holden is looking at dumping a 6.0-litre Gen IV V8 in the new Commodore, Saab's new 4.2 and 5.3-litre L6 and V8 engines would have no trouble fitting in the engine bay, if based on the same floorplan. This would be food for thought particularly for BMW and Audi, who would both face even more competition in the prestige saloon market segment.

The new 9-7X was developed using the General Motors GMT360 architecture and regular production is scheduled to begin in January 2005, at GM’s Moraine, Ohio assembly plant. Vehicles will be available for sale in the first quarter of 2005 and the company is aiming for the $US37,000 to $US45,000 price bracket, which is roughly $50,000 - $60,000 in Australian currency.

In a bid to benefit from one of the fastest growing market segments in the world, Saab's new 9-7X could be a huge success for the marque. It's not overly showy, but still has a very modern appearance, and with the big all-aluminium engines on offer it deserves to do well.