Advertisement

L.A. Auto Show: 2011 Saab 9-4X crosses Swedish automaker into new territory

Share

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Saab unveiled its first-ever crossover Tuesday. The 2011 9-4X draws heavily from the Aero X concept the Swedish manufacturer introduced in 2006 to demonstrate the company’s design future, including blue-tinged ‘ice block’ headlamps and taillights, a wraparound windscreen with black A pillars and a low-profile roofline.

‘The 9-4X is an extremely important new vehicle for Saab,’ said Anders Svensson, Saab’s vehicle line director. Its debut entry into the crossover segment is specifically targeting the U.S. market, he said.

Advertisement

Available in three trims, the 9-4X base model is powered by a 265-horsepower, 3-liter V-6 and will cost about $38,000. An all-wheel-drive version is also available using the same powertrain. The top-of-the-line 9-4X Aero, pictured above, employs a turbocharged 2.8-liter V-6 that cranks 300 horsepower and will cost about $50,000.

A large vehicle designed to handle like a much smaller car, this five-door five-seater incorporates all the traditional Saab touches, including a ‘hockeystick’ side-window trim, an ignition switch between the front seats and a driver-centric cockpit that draws from Saab’s aviation heritage.

The 9-4X will be available in U.S. showrooms by May.

-- Susan Carpenter

RELATED:

L.A. Auto Show comes roaring back

About the L.A. Auto Show

Advertisement