Like the all-new 9-5, Saab’s upcoming 9-4X crossover has survived the Swedish carmaker’s transition from the General Motors umbrella to the ownership of niche sports carmaker, Spyker.
While the urgent push for new models has meant that production of the GM-and-Saab-developed SUV has been considered a foregone conclusion for some time, Saab has this week confirmed that the 9-4X will arrive “later this year,” although little else was revealed.
These spy photos of the 9-4X testing in Europe show an almost completely undisguised look at the upcoming crossover, with the interior revealing that – for now, at least – Saab’s new crossover sports the same steering wheel as the Opel Insignia and Astra.
Introduced as a replacement for the overseas Saab 9-7X, the 9-4X is expected to be positioned in the same size class as the BMW X5, with pricing more in line with the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60.
While no specific details have been offered, previous reports suggest the 2011 Saab 9-4X will be powered by a 210 kW petrol V6, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a Haldex all-wheel-drive system with an electronic differential.
A diesel version is expected to be offered in Europe, developing 185 kW and 550 N.m of torque.
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