Vehicle: 2012 Saab 9-4X 2.8T Aero with Power Pkg, Technology Pkg and Rear Passenger Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$52000 (Estimated)
Performance: Saab’s last attempt on cracking the SUV wasn’t exactly a great one. The nicknamed “Trollblazer” 9-7X wasn’t exactly well-received had any wave reviews. Before General spinned off Saab division, they were given the last chance on the ever growing crossover segment. This is the new 9-4X, Saab’s first attempt at the crossover which is loosely based on Cadillac SRX architecture.
When it comes to powertrain choices, our Aero tester uses the Holden-derived turbocharged 2.8 liter DOHC 24-valve V6 which has been dropped from SRX recently. On the other hand, the base 9-4X comes with 265hp 3.0 liter V6 as in the SRX. This Australian developed turbocharged V6 has 300 ponies while providing 295 lb/ft of torque at driver’s disposal. Given 9-4X’s porky curb weight of 4700 lb with our Aero tester. It manages to launch the Saab off-the-line decently. All have done without the usual turbo lag one associates with this kind of powertrain. Given Saab engineers recalibrated the 6-speed manumatic’s gear ratios and engine’s performance characteristics. we found it performs more willingly than its Caddy silibings. However, the hefty weight still feels through on every moment we pushed the light electronic throttle. This powertrain combination cannot be describe anything as breathtaking, even with 300 stallion. The 295 lb/ft of torque with properly low 1st and 2nd gear ratios do manage to haul its own on the low rev range. On the middle and upper range, it doesn’t feel having as much as 300hp going through all 4 wheels. The maumatic, however, manage to give driver better use of the rev range in order to use the powertrain more effectively.
Handling: Product, product, product. This has always been the yardstick to a successful carmaker. When it was time for Saab to produce their first crossover, General realized its about time to let Saab be a Saab. The architecture was basically developed by Saab, then latter spawn to Cadillac. The whole architecture was completely R&D by Swedish engineers before handing them back to Detroit for further SRX development. In a nutshell, the engineering difference between Saab 9-4X and Cadillac SRX are as distant cousins as what VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne do. In retrospective to the above vehicles, those have been judged as the gold standards for their respective segment. For those who are naive enough, they would have thought latter is just a pathetic rebadged job as the former. Those who have experienced first hands would find out how far distance between those two cousins, when it comes to feel and feedback to overall chassis setting. It really does show how GM wanted to let Saab independent during the developement of 9-4X, after years of pathetic mistakes. Unfortunately, it was a little bit too late when they realized those mistakes. Just when Saab about to lanuch the new 9-4X and 9-5, the finanical tsumani came. That was the time when GM needs to solidering off this Swedish arm.
That’s why this architecture is an excellent place for Saab to begin with their first crossover. Its both strong and solid without any flex and rattles. In terms of its AWD, it remains a front-wheel-drive until it detects any kind of slippage before computer detects on any offending wheel. Its able to transfer from 90%/10% to as much as 10%/90%, for maximum traction. Add to the fact that the AWD works cooperately with its ESC, it acts as a superb active safety feature. While Saab is a car company which always put both of these 2 works nicely together in one sentence, that is “driving” and “fun”. 9-4X’s dynamic package can only be describe as benign and safe. While its spring rates are little higher than those of Caddy silibings, which transform into a sportier crossover than SRX. There are also adjustable dampers with both “comfort” and “sport” to choose from, we would prefer to leave it all in former as this is mainly a blvd cruiser than a crossover which is able to cave a corner with driving fun. While the steering provides feel and feedback, which are both Saab’s traditional forte. It doesn’t feel enough Saab-ness when it comes to driving pleasure and cornering abilities. Understeer is well-tempted while body rolls are more than acceptable. The ride quality has to be rated as one of the top in its class, which has to be a very high praise indeed.
Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, 9-4X is able to stop more than acceptably given its porky curb weight. The stopping distance and pedal feel are both better than average. While the previous 9-7X tends to feel artifical when it comes to braking feel, 9-4X feels very bit as solid as what a Saab should be.
Interior: 9-4X’s biggest interior packaging is the lack of rear headroom, while legroom is at a premium, given its phyiscal dimensions.
The same goes for the somewhat smallish luggage area, even though the wheel intrusions have been kept to a minimum while rear seats are able to fold flat. Another issue is the rear glass doesn’t open independently from the tailgate, which has a low liftover for luggage.
Without the back-up camera, 9-4X’s thick rear pillars would create a huge blind spots which limit rear sightlines.
In front, 9-4X feels exactly like a 9-5. While everything else have been logically placed in Swedish sensible style, the auto climate control is particularly initutitve which is a godsent. Unfortunately, the rest of the interior has been hammered down by the lifeless black plastic around the dashboard and door panels. All those black plastic feels cheesy judging by the price Saab charges for this crossover. Those seats, however, are as comfortable as ever.
Conclusion: The 9-4X represents a giant leap forward over its 9-7X predecessor. As it feels more Saab-ish, in terms of overall execution. Its not only it has a good powertrain, handles exceptionally well with superb comfort. There are also lots of feature content to back up its good looks.
Saab has an uphill battle, however, when it comes to pricing. Just like our loaded Aero with both Power Package, Rear Passenger Package and Technology Package; it has to face some very serious competitions.
Competitions:
Audi Q5
BMW X3
Mercedes GLK
Lexus RX350
Volvo XC60
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2012 Saab 9-4X 2.8T Aero
=====================================
Performance: 2.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 3/5
Overall rating: 3/5