Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction: A Legacy Reimagined
- 2 The Origin of iQon: From Concept to Reality
- 3 Seamless Integration: The iQon Difference
- 4 Enhancing the Saab 9-3 Ownership Experience
- 5 The Installation Process: Designed for Accessibility
- 6 A Glimpse Into the Future: What’s Next for the Saab 9-3?
- 7 Revitalizing the Iconic Saab 9-3
Introduction: A Legacy Reimagined
The Saab 9-3 has always been more than just a car—it’s a symbol of Swedish innovation and design. While the vehicle’s timeless aesthetics and turbocharged performance have kept it desirable, its infotainment technology began showing its age. This gap has now been filled by the NEVS iQon infotainment system, a groundbreaking upgrade that seamlessly integrates modern technology into the 9-3’s cockpit. With this system, Saab owners can maintain their vehicle’s iconic design while enjoying a host of advanced features.
The iQon project, originally intended for the unreleased 2015 Saab 9-3 Aero, embodies the spirit of continuous innovation Saab is known for. Although the system never officially made it to production, dedicated developers from GCG Sweden have made it available for Saab 9-3 models from 2008 to 2014. This initiative gives owners a chance to modernize their cars without compromising the unique Saab DNA.
The Origin of iQon: From Concept to Reality
The development of the iQon system dates back to NEVS’s early attempts to revive the Saab brand. First revealed in prototype form during the limited production of the 2014 Saab 9-3, the iQon system was initially envisioned as a high-tech infotainment solution for the next generation of Saabs.
You can see early glimpses of the iQon concept in action in this SaabPlanet article, showcasing the navigation system and its sleek interface. The head unit was designed to integrate deeply with the car’s ecosystem, offering features like navigation, media playback, and system diagnostics, all accessible via an intuitive touchscreen interface. However, due to financial challenges, the iQon system never reached mass production—until now.
With the efforts of GCG Sweden, this ambitious concept has been realized and adapted for existing Saab 9-3 models, allowing owners to experience what could have been a revolutionary leap in in-car technology.
Seamless Integration: The iQon Difference
What sets the iQon system apart is its seamless integration with the Saab 9-3’s existing infrastructure. Unlike aftermarket infotainment systems that often feel like an afterthought, the iQon is purpose-built for the 9-3, aligning perfectly with its design and functionality.
The iQon head unit doesn’t just replace the outdated Entertainment Head Unit (EHU)—it enhances the entire driving experience. From automatic brightness adjustments using Saab’s dimmer controls to fully functional steering wheel buttons and even integration with the Night Panel mode, the iQon system feels like a natural extension of the car.
Its Android-based interface provides access to popular apps, but it’s not just about adding modern features. The iQon system also retains essential Saab-specific functionalities, such as:
- Date and time synchronization: Ensuring accurate service schedules.
- Diesel heater integration: Perfect for colder climates.
These elements make the iQon more than just an upgrade—it’s a modernization that respects Saab’s engineering principles.
Enhancing the Saab 9-3 Ownership Experience
The addition of the iQon infotainment system transforms the Saab 9-3 into a more contemporary vehicle, aligning it with today’s driver expectations while preserving the core of what makes Saab special. The inclusion of apps like Spotify, Google Maps, and Netflix directly on the head unit ensures that long drives are more enjoyable and convenient.
Moreover, the Ghulam Car Gateway-Unit (GCG-Unit) developed by GCG Sweden plays a pivotal role in this transformation. By bridging the communication gap between the Saab 9-3’s original I-Bus and the high-speed NEVS-LAN, the system delivers a fluid and intuitive experience that feels factory-installed.
But the real beauty of the iQon system lies in its subtle improvements to everyday driving. The auto-blink feature for turn signals, welcome lights that illuminate upon unlocking, and improved sound integration create an experience that’s not just modern but distinctly Saab.
The Installation Process: Designed for Accessibility
Unlike other complex retrofits, the iQon system is designed with user-friendly installation in mind. The process is detailed in a step-by-step guide, ensuring that both enthusiasts and professional installers can achieve seamless integration.
The kit includes:
- The iQon head unit
- Adapter harness for easy connectivity
- GCG-Unit, which facilitates communication between the car’s systems
For those who prefer a professional touch, installation services are available for an additional €175. Regardless of the route you choose, the result is a modernized dashboard that looks and feels like it came straight from the factory.
A Glimpse Into the Future: What’s Next for the Saab 9-3?
The iQon system doesn’t just modernize the Saab 9-3—it extends its relevance in today’s world. By blending a sleek, Scandinavian-inspired interface with robust functionality, it ensures that Saab enthusiasts can continue to enjoy their cars for years to come.
This is more than just a technical upgrade; it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of Saab. In a world where technology often moves faster than legacy vehicles can adapt, the iQon system bridges the gap, giving the Saab 9-3 a new lease on life.
For more on the original vision of the iQon system, visit SaabPlanet’s coverage.
Revitalizing the Iconic Saab 9-3
The NEVS iQon infotainment system is not just a nod to Saab’s innovative past—it’s a bold step toward ensuring its legacy remains alive in the modern era. By upgrading your Saab 9-3 with this advanced system, you’re not only enhancing your driving experience but also preserving the heritage of one of the most iconic automotive brands.
Whether you’re a seasoned Saab enthusiast or a new owner looking to breathe fresh life into your car, the iQon system offers a unique opportunity to combine timeless design with cutting-edge functionality. Visit GCG Sweden to learn more and start your journey toward a smarter, more modern Saab 9-3.
What are the specifications of iQon head unit? Connectivity, screen resolution, applications installed or installable?
Would be great if they could extend to 95ng
Honestly tho any aftermarket radio is an upgrade as long as it has CarPlay for me it’s enough
What about rear camera and CarPlay?
I prefer the standard oem radio. Simpler is better
Anything for the 2003-2007 model?
To Pierre H Hache >
Not a chance mate, nothing works easily with fibre optics. No-one is going to spend R&D money developing anything off the shelf for it.
Where do I buy it?
Hi Theo,
Thank you for your question 😊
You can buy it here: https://gcgsweden.eu
I updated mine to CarPlay and added a rear camera – none of it was hard to do, and the steering wheel controls work.
And still no BT handsfree phone capability…….
TO Carl Tunnicliffe
The new iQon does have bluetooth music streaming and bluetooth phone.
All this can be controlled through the original Saab steering wheel controls or via the touch-screen.
Looks great, but 800+ euro…that’s way too much. I mean, you can get similar or better for half the price. No offence.
The SONY does have bluetooth music streaming and bluetooth phone.
Car play, android auto, video, rear camera.
All this can be controlled through the original Saab steering wheel controls or via the touch-screen.
It was developed for the 2015 model. It really seems to belong to that time. These days people are replacing the head unit with a cheap unit that reads free maps and navigation from a smartphone. And it would be about half the cost, and not be tied in to the cost of regular map updates.
TO Simon,
The maps fee is a one time fee to support our development and the time it takes for us to install the application on the unit, after that, continuous map updates are included worldwide. And the maps on the iQon-headunit is downloaded locally, so no need to have internet connectivity.
The alternative headunits you are talking about usually lands around the same price point, and they are not fully integrated into the Saab 9-3 in the same way that the iQon is. On top of that, our kit is more or less completely plug & play with extremely detailed instructions.
Furthermore, i don’t think this headunit-kit is for normal drivers, but probably more for enthusiasts. The only other car that has this stands at the official Saab Car Museum in Trollhättan, Sweden. That car is called the Saab 9-3 Turbo Edition by NEVS. All the other cars that had this (NEVS 9-3 EVs) has mostly been scrapped. And as of today there is a limited number of iQon-headunit kits available. We manufacture kits after our ordinary work days and the actual headunit does unfortunately not exist in larger numbers.
The extremely nice thing about this headunit is that it’s not only integrated into the 9-3 software-wise (with date & time synchronization for an example) but also that it is integrated by looks. Normally, with aftermarket headunits, they look really aftermarket.
Also, as mentioned above, here you get date & time synchronization and some more functions that make your Saab feel more modern. For an example, diesel heater via remote control and auto-blink for lane change.
TO Malek Ghulam>
The system looks great, but I find the information on the website rather little.
Does it support android auto or apple CarPlay?
Is it possible to connect your phone for internet connection, to use, for example, google maps. Are all apps available through the google App Store?
I currently have the original navigation, but without Bluetooth. Is it possible to connect the phone and a microphone on the unit, and use the steering wheel to answer calls?
I am very interested and it would be great to know what all the features are.
Hi Peter,
I agree, too little information on the webpage. It was an oversight by us.
But to answer your questions, it does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This is because this started development before that was a thing.
However the system uses an LVDS Serializer for transferring video, so it might be possible to add an extension module to get Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and reverse camera. There might even be alternatives out for that today.
It already has support for reverse camera, but the documentation at NEVS is slim to none. So as of today, we can’t activate it naturally.
The iQon does not have the Google Play Store. And a lot of online applications have lost support because of dropped APIs. The iQon headunit runs Android 2.3.7. We could possibly upgrade the Android version, but we would need build-files for that and nobody has them or wants to share them. Again, the big issue is that NEVS laid most of its employees off. But yes, you can share internet connectivity.
Worldwide Maps can be bought for a one time fee of 175 EUR, that’s to support our continuous development and the time it takes for us to load the MAPS-Application on the unit. After that, upgrades are free.
The maps is downloaded locally on the iQon-headunit so no need for internet connectivity. The latest maps update came in October 2024. So they are extremely up to date.
Regarding Bluetooth, it’s completely integrated into the 9-3. You get both phone and music streaming over bluetooth. And everything can be controlled via the original steering wheel controls. From answering calls to changing songs, it all can be controlled via the steering wheel buttons.
No microphone is needed to be added, we take control of the Saabs built-in mic. This is probably to be viewed as a more modern version of the original Saab-radio or Saab-navigation.
Does it have DAB?
Probably a stupid question but will this fit a right hand drive model
Looks great, but 800+ euro…that’s way too much. I mean, you can get similar or better for half the price. No offence.
I prefer the standard oem radio. Simpler is better.
I have the non sat nav one, but even then I think I prefer the oem look on the inside. To me simpler is better hence why I like this car more than a modern one
I agree. I installed a Kenwood Android it works fine for 350€. I agree illuminating is not the strong point of all those digital flatscreens and also ergonomics (eliminating ALL buttons = impossible to command blindly as we are use to on Saabs = insecurity). So this is not the full Saab solution yet. Unfortunately …
Some of y’all are mad crazy. iQON iS OEM!! This is It’s purpose. Saabs never came with carplay and rear cameras because let’s be real this is a 2003 platform car and for It’s time it was already ahead It does not need these things. If you want OEM buy iQON if you don’t stay with your unpredictable laggy aftermarket interior ambience ruining devices.
Just looks like a Pioneer aftermarket unit. If that’s the direction you are going in, I’d suggest something like the Atoto S8 Ultra.
Hi,
What about the Bose amplifier with CenterPoint system does it works fine with it ?
The quality sound is maintenaid ?
The price is outrageous compared to other Android units.