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2011 Saab 9-4X Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Despite clambering from beneath GM’s mantle, Saab has decided to go ahead and introduce its Cadillac-SRX-derived 2011 9-4X. This foray into the fiendishly competitive luxury crossover market, beginning in May, could be risky, since the 9-4X was conceived and developed when GM held sway in the Saab boardroom. In any case, the Swedish automaker (now owned by the Dutch-based Spyker) has traditionally been a world leader in aerospace technology and design, thus their 2011 9-4X midsize luxury crossover ute reflects this heritage with swooping and gentle angling and even a cockpit-like wraparound front windshield. Inside, dashboard, center stack and shifter console are driver-oriented, reminiscent of modern jet fighter aircraft, and there remains, of course, the traditional between-seat ignition switch. All this is mitigated a bit with lots of leather and faux-wood surfaces, leading more than a few reviewers to speculate that Saab finally gets it in using high-end cabin materials for its luxury-tagged vehicles. Cargo area, meantime, is a middling 61.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though the seatbacks are described by a number of early reviews as folding completely flat, not always the case in many of the pricier crossovers. There’s also an added bonus of a roomy storage area in the floor beneath the cargo bay, with the available U-rail organizer making quick work of stowage.
The brand-new 9-4X is offered in three trim levels, the base 3.0i, midlevel 3.0i Premium, and the performance-endowed Aero. The two 3.0i trims feature front-wheel drive (FWD) standard, though each can be delivered with available XWD, Saab’s version of all-wheel drive (AWD). Saab’s Haldex-sourced XWD system, by the way, monitors and adjusts torque between the front and rear axles, as necessary, while a standard rear limited-slip differential bounces up to 50% extra torque between the two rear wheels, again, as necessary.
The Aero XWD is, obviously, offered only with XWD and also sports a turbocharged V6, as well as the highly touted DriveSense adaptable suspension, in which driving conditions and habits are compensated for by the suspension system. DriveSense technology, similar in concept to the SRX’s Sport Suspension System, boasts driver-selectable modes, whereby a comfortable but bland ride can be achieved with the Comfort setting, or a bit of pizzazz can be injected with the Sport mode. In either scenario, handling is expected to be a high point for this high-end ute. Furthermore, though the 2011 9-4X is hustled by Saab as a midsize luxury crossover, its base price of just over $32,000, not to mention its pint-size dimensions, qualify it, in the minds of a number of media moguls, as a luxury-oriented compact.
Despite the Swedish/Dutch hopes for this GM-originated crossover, it will have to overcome the likes of Volvo’s XC60, BMW’s X3 and the formidable Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class. All of these are established luxury utes with intimidating pedigrees. Pricing and brand loyalty may be determining factors in how well the new kid on the block fares.
In homage to its GM roots, the 2011 9-4X is offered with two engine options, depending on the trim chosen. Standard in the 3.0i and 3.0i Premium trims is a 3.0-liter V6 powerplant that mates with a 6-speed shiftable automatic for 265 hp and 223 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity with the available trailer hitch is 3,500 pounds, and mileage is expected to be similar to the figures for the 2011 SRX, 18/25 mpg in FWD trims and 17/23 in XWD versions. The 9-4X Aero XWD, meanwhile, is delivered with a potent 300-hp turbocharged 2.8-liter V6. This manly mill again combines with the 6-speed shiftable automatic for some 295 lb-ft of torque, once more good enough to tow 3,500 pounds of trailer with the available hitch installed.
In keeping with its luxury tag, the 2011 9-4X trims load up on the standard appearance, convenience and comfort goodies. The base 3.0i is delivered with standard 18-inch six-spoke alloy wheels and a rear spoiler on the outside, while inside occupants will behold perforated leather-appointed upholstery and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory. Also standard for the base trim are power windows and power-adjustable heated outside mirrors, remote power door locks, keyless entry, push-button start, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, a two-tiered cooled glovebox, alloy pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and simulated wood cabin accents. Entertainment is provided by a single-CD player, 150 watts of power, and seven speakers. To this, the 3.0i Premium trim adds a power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, a universal remote garage door opener, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and remote engine start. Added audio and techno-features include ten Bose speakers, satellite radio, 5.1 surround sound, OnStar telecommunications, and Bluetooth technology.
Cabin-wise, the Aero XWD trim reflects its 3.0i Premium sibling, but outside, it throws a few more doodads on the pile, including 20-inch nine-spoke alloy wheels, a power liftgate, and front mesh grille inserts.
Options for the 3.0i include a number of standard items found on the higher trims, as well as a rear-view camera, trailer hitch and wiring, and a power tilt-and-slide moonroof. Options for the 3.0i Premium and Aero XWD include front and rear parking sensors, tri-zone climate control, rear-seat DVD entertainment and rear heated seats. The 2011 9-4X’s higher trims are also eligible for a touchscreen hard-drive-based navigation system, USB connection and 10GB music jukebox.
Standard safety equipment across the 2011 9-4X lineup includes four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, and active front headrests. Further safety items for all three trims include the OnStar Safety and Security Package, remote antitheft alarm and adaptive headlights. The top-shelf Aero trim also sports standard front fog/driving lights.
Because sales of the 2011 9-4X are just beginning to percolate, consumer reviews are nonexistent. Suffice to say that Saab seems to have a pretty nifty compact luxury crossover ute here. But then so does Cadillac in its almost identical SRX. It remains to be seen if Euro cachet will overcome traditional posh.
User reviews for 2011 Saab 9-4X
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Dave S
Nov 15, 2023
Great car but very limited production so know what youre getting in to.Nov 15, 2023
by Dustin N
Aug 14, 2023
very modern features for the year and looks nice - it doesn’t looked dated. they are becoming increasingly rare and there are lots of nice clubs to join. Aug 14, 2023
by Fenris M
Aug 08, 2023
fun and stylish, even in 2023, it holds well in terms of looks. you‘ll get compliments quite often for those who have a curious nature about Saabs since you don’t see them very often. there are many clubs and facebook groups which make owning this vehicle more of a fun experience than most other vehicle brands.; it’s like
being apart of a rare club. maintenance is not terrible and so far the reliability seems better than other high line brands such as bmw and mercedes. it’s heavy and doesn’t get great mpg (22 is what I average with 70% hwy) but it feels safe and sound system is 10/10. i
would recommend this vehicle if you find one.. but they are every rare. Aug 08, 2023
User rating:
by Dave S
Nov 15, 2023
Great car but very limited production so know what youre getting in to.Nov 15, 2023
by Dustin N
Aug 14, 2023
very modern features for the year and looks nice - it doesn’t looked dated. they are becoming increasingly rare and there are lots of nice clubs to join. Aug 14, 2023
by Fenris M
Aug 08, 2023
fun and stylish, even in 2023, it holds well in terms of looks. you‘ll get compliments quite often for those who have a curious nature about Saabs since you don’t see them very often. there are many clubs and facebook groups which make owning this vehicle more of a fun experience than most other vehicle brands.; it’s like
being apart of a rare club. maintenance is not terrible and so far the reliability seems better than other high line brands such as bmw and mercedes. it’s heavy and doesn’t get great mpg (22 is what I average with 70% hwy) but it feels safe and sound system is 10/10. i
would recommend this vehicle if you find one.. but they are every rare. Aug 08, 2023
by Chris T
Jan 17, 2023
This car is amazing! Ive been a long time owner of Saabs. Such a shame this company is no longer producing. Saab was always the leader in style, features, function, and safety! Jan 17, 2023
by Gilberto D
Jul 04, 2022
Great car, excellent driving experience an comfortable, i recommend it Jul 04, 2022
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2011 Saab 9-4X Pricing
Original MSRP
$33,380 to $48,010Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.39
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Mirror color: black · Paint: metallic · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Lights
Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant · Size: temporary
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 6
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.39 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Mirror color: black · Paint: metallic · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit · Size: temporary
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 6
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Wireless headphones · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.39
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Mirror color: black · Paint: metallic · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 8
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Heated: second row · Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit · Size: temporary
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 6
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Wireless headphones · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.39 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Mirror color: black · Paint: metallic · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 8
Lights
Headlights: Xenon · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Rear Seats
Heated: second row · Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant · Size: temporary
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 6
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Wireless headphones · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.75 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Mirror color: black · Paint: metallic · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 8
Lights
Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Rear Seats
Heated: second row · Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit · Size: temporary
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Damper Control: frequency selective · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 9
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer