|
BMW
has its X5. Volvo has its XC90. But notably missing from
the European nameplates lineup of sport utility vehicles
has been Swedish automaker Saab. And it was long overdue.
Saab's American parent, General Motors, rectified the problem
this year by finally giving the Swedish badge an SUV, based
on GM's midsize, truck-based architecture. Now, at last,
Saab has a midsize X of its own.
Saab's
new sport utility, the 9-7X, had a late 2005 model-year
kick-off with an on-sale debut during the Spring. Bolstered
by a flurry of television commercials, it is digging in
for a spot within the more rarefied premium pack, unlike
its volume-centered kin.
Appearance-wise,
the 9-7X sports some distinctive cues, and departs from
its mainstream relatives with a different, more European
feel and look aimed at higher end continental competition.
The "three-port" grille has the feel of a friendly
Saab kind of face. There are no bumper offsets or protruding
shapes and forms to disrupt the cleaner, more pristine Scandinavian
lines, and wraparound rear glass gives a smooth, uncluttered
appearance.
Inside,
there's an attractive cream against off-black among interior
trims that lends a look of smart sophistication. The Saab
character is evident again in a variant of its trademark
airplane cockpit dash, derived earlier from its longstanding
aeronautics heritage. (Being behind the wheel of almost
any Saab gives a heady sense of revving up for a flight,
perhaps a factor in the appeal Saabs have long had for a
sophisticated professional crowd.)
The
9-7X comes in two variations, the entry Linear powered by
a 256-horsepower, 4.2-liter inline six. The tonier Arc model
rides a 325-HP, 5.3-liter V-8. Standard on both is leather
trimmed seating, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, all-wheel-drive,
premium sound, XM Satellite radio and GM's OnStar communications
security system. Driving dynamics are Saab's own, with suspension
aimed at a European feel for crisper handling, underscored
by high tech sophistication.
Now
that Saab has a midsize SUV ($37K to $45K base), how will
it share the sales wealth it is cultivating? Saab execs
cite some encouraging observations. More than a third of
U.S. Saab owners have a family member who drives an SUV.
In 2003 Saab was the fastest growing European premium car
brand sold in the U.S. With a midsize SUV finally on board,
there's optimism it might do it again.
|
