Saab Automobile has begun production the 2012 Saab 9-4X SUV the Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico; the first 9-4Xs will arrived at U.S. dealers in May, with other markets to follow later in the year.
The news of a car starting production, but it feels like it was just a short time ago that the fate of Saab was uncertain as General Motors’ purged divisions through its bankruptcy crisis. Now, Saab is building momentum under new ownership. TV commercials for the Saab 9-5 that tout the company’s quirky and aviation-connected history have been inescapable this week. And now a luxury-minded small SUV is racing to market. Next thing you know, the Detroit 3 automakers will be announcing profits. Oh, wait…
"This is a great day for Saab," said Saab Automobile President & CEO Jan Åke Jonsson, shown in photo with GM's Raymond J. Chess. "The arrival of the 9-4X is another important step in the fulfillment of our business plan. This sporty and distinctive product will significantly broaden the appeal of our brand and give us access to an important new vehicle segment that is still growing, particularly in the United States."
Under hood, the base engine is a 3.0-liter, 265-horsepower V-6, with the top motor being a 2.8-liter, 300-horsepower turbocharged V-6—just like the SRX. These engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and the 9-4X will be available in front- and all-wheel drive.
The interior has been treated to a Saab makeover, as seen in the photos below. Most the features are quite conventional, though there are Saab concessions such as joystick-adjusting knobs for vents and a push-start button mounted between the front seats.
The 9-4X will come well appointed with power amenities, and it will offer traditional upgrades such as a Bose surround-sound stereo and eight-inch touchscreen with a navigation system and 10-gig digital jukebox. Bluetooth connectivity and OnStar telematics are included.
Read our 2011 Saab 9-5 review.
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