With the Saab 9-4X model, Saab again offered a new SUV in 2011, right before the end of the company’s operations. In fact, the Saab 9-4X is the Swedish brand’s second SUV – after the Saab 9-7X, which also had limited market success from 2005 to 2008.
To remind you, as the first Saab SUV, the 9-7x was officially sold first only in the USA, and the second SUV, the then new Saab 9-4X, was available from 2011 and had nothing in common with the first Saab SUV. In fact, the new 9-4X model was based on the second-generation Cadillac SRX model, so the idea of the Saab 9-4X originated under the old American parent General Motors.
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The Saab 9-4X and its infamous fate
The Saab 9-4X is thus a holdover and legacy from the old GM days, but under new owner Spyker the idea of a sport utility vehicle was retained. The Saab 9-4X was presented back in 2008 in the USA at the Detroit Motor Show, and in 2010 the SUV was to come onto the market as a BioPower model, which means that Saab’s models for bioethanol (E85) are named.
However, due to the then sale to Spyker, the Saab 9-4X market launch was delayed until 2011, and the Swedish SUV was planned to be available in dealerships worldwide from September. Saab then decided on slightly different options regarding the engine, because the drive Saab that were offered were V6 with 3.0 liters and 265 HP (195 kW) or 2.8-liter V6 with twin turbos and 300 HP (221 kW). Diesel models were not planned.
About 800 SUV units of the Saab 9-4x somehow reached the end customers
Unfortunately, we know how everything turned out, and in GM’s plant in Mexico, only slightly more than 800 units of the Saab 9-4x model were assembled. There are no precise data on how many vehicles rolled off the factory lines, but some sources state that it is only 614 examples. However, in the Sabo Museum in Trolhetan, Sweden, information is given about 814 cars produced, of which only 60 belong to the 2012 model year.
The Saab 9-4X was sold exclusively in the United States, where it was offered to customers with a V6 gasoline engine, in two options. The naturally aspirated 3.0 unit develops 270 hp (198 kW), while the 2.8 turbo gasoline engine delivers 305 hp (224 kW). Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic, and power is transmitted to all 4 wheels. The weaker variant accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9 s, and the more powerful one in 8.3 s. A diesel version for the European market was also considered, but was never realized.
Rarity has a price
Years after the sale of about 800 units of the Saab 9-4x model, a number of these cars arrived on the European continent through import business. Here in Europe, the Saab 9-4x is very, very rare, and a few can be found on used car classifieds sites. But, due to their rarity and exoticism, they already have a collector’s value and the price of practically all 9-4x models starts from 30,000 euros and upwards.
Superb Saab 9-4X Aero
On this occasion, we present to you one of the top Aero models from the range of Saab 9-4x models that have reached Europe, and which can now be purchased. The car is located at a car dealer in the Netherlands and its price is € 27,500!
All possible equipment is available
Equipped with a 300 HP 2.8T V6 engine combined with an automatic transmission and XWD (4×4) drive. The body color scheme is Birch White combined with a light gray leather interior with black trim. According to the compiler of the 9-4X production report, this car is an early example of a production run of less than 700 cars. Of these, only slightly more than 200 were in this top-of-the-line Aero version. This car is fully equipped with all options; whatever was available was checked off the order list at the time.
Let’s present to you only a part of the checked list of options that came with this beautiful Saab: panoramic roof, Bose audio, navigation, electric + heated + ventilated leather seats, ACC, cruise control, multimedia entertainment systems on the rear seats, etc. This car is on standard 20-inch air rims, the famous Turbines with 9 spokes.
A new engine was also installed
The mileage of 213,000 km is recorded on the odometer, but it was practically reset because a new engine was installed in the car. A new complete engine block (including turbo, chain, coils, etc.) was installed this fall. The XWD Haldex system was also serviced last year, and the car was serviced at Autohuis Joel in Groningen and Ten Klooster in Zwolle. The steering wheel was also replaced, but also the problematic LED strip on the tailgate was replaced with new ones.
Also, for cosmetic reasons, the (US) Bi Xenon headlights have been replaced for the EU type, so without orange inserts. Same with the speedometer in kilometer scale and EU navigation software. The car is in used but very neat condition inside and out. No rust, scratches or dents.
If you have enough money and desire for a Saab car, this is a unique opportunity to buy a unique Saab car that is already legendary in many ways.
