2008 Detroit Auto Show: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept

• Looks like: Saab said to parent GM: "Get us in the crossover game now!"
• Defining characteristics: Sleek lines, turbocharged four-cylinder that can run on E85, ski storage system
• Ridiculous features: Heated compartment for ski boots
• Chance of being mass-produced: Good, and this is just the kind of model the brand needs to round out its lineup

Even though it's a concept, the 9-4X looks ready to be on the lot of your local Saab dealership. We expect a production version to follow soon, and that's a good thing for the brand, which is desperately in need of a crossover SUV to take some market share in that exploding area of the industry.

The 9-4X's exterior styling is elegant and restrained. It has sleek body sides accented with pronounced fender flares that arch over 21-inch wheels and tires. There are also swooping creases in the body panels that echo the shape of the side windows. Around back, a portion of the taillights span the width of the vehicle in one uninterrupted band.

Inside, the four-seat cabin features a sliding storage system for skis and related equipment, with space for the skis to extend between the rear seats. A glass roof is also featured in the concept.

The 9-4X's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is turbocharged — a technology used to boost power that Saab uses liberally in its passenger car lineup. The engine makes 300 hp and 295 pounds-feet of torque and can run on E85 ethanol. The engine works with a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels via the company's XWD all-wheel-drive system. Available in the 9-3 sport sedan, XWD incorporates an electronically controlled limited-slip differential that can vary power between the rear wheels.

Would you buy a small Saab crossover? Check out the photos below and let us know.

Comments

[future saab owner]

Been looking at the 9-3 as a possible buy in the next few months and if this goes into production I might wait. Although I highly doubt i'll need a ski storage system and heated boot compartment in Florida.

[JM]

a step forward for Saab and GM.

finally an engine that will be efficient and powerful, and it has a six speed automatic!

the inside looks great, and it really is just what Saab needs to get back into the game and start bringing in some cash for GM.

[L.S.]

Love the clean, elegant design. The rear end is a bit too Edge-like though.

[LM]

Cool looking vehicle, but it seems too big. The first picture makes the vehicle look smaller than the rest. What other vehicles are of similar size?

If they made a cool 5-door hatch with XWD and a stick with the smaller engine I'd be more interested.

[David in Houston]

Is this based on the Equinox, Torrent, old-VUE platform?

[Dave T.]

without GM confirmation I would say its the new Vue platform.

[JM]

doubt they will keep the interior, but if they did it would be an awesome car.

[Ted Y]

According to Motor Trend, it's based on the "premium theta" platform as is the Cadillac BRX. The "regular theta" is used for the Chevy Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, Suzuki XL-7, Saturn Vue, and Opel Antara. Don't know about the new Vue.

[Dave T.]

the new Vue and Opel Antara are not on the same platform as the Equinox and Torrent. I haven't heard it called the "premium" theta before though.

For some reason GM is using the new platform for Saturn and I guess Saab and Cadillac and a revised versiono f the old platform for the next Equinox and GMC version of the Torrent. No more torrent of course.

[WooDz]

The 9-4x will be the first to use GM's new TE Platform and will be launched early 2009. It is expected to only be shared with the Cadillac BRX due to follow later that year.

Somebody was happy to see a 6-spd auto...
The current 9-3 2.8 V6 has a 6-spd auto regardless of it being FWD or XWD.

The info above might lead you to think the eLSD pushes power between front and rear. It actually transfers up to 85% of the power in the rear clutch to the rear wheel that requires the most traction. (to be as brief as possible)

-----------------------------------------------

If you just require a mid-size wagon with AWD and slighty more ride height then look out for the 9-3x due to go on sale later this year as a 2009 Model Year vehicle.

[Phil]

I bought a used 2004 9.3 2T Aero in part because I liked the looks but more so because I wanted to explore how I liked the brand before they have the E85 version ready. I now know exactly what I want- a body style like my '04 Aero but with AWD and the 2L vaiable boost E85 coupled with a 6 speed manual.