Saab 9-7X

Maybe we've just been talking to too many Saab fans, but everyone seems to hate the new Saab 9-7X. It's an obvious part of the platform-sharing trend at General Motors, it's true, and the world probably doesn't need another V8-powered SUV. Most of all, to the Saab faithful, the notion of a great big sport-ute joining the family is somewhat anathema. Porschephiles reacted the same way to the Cayenne, and long-time Volvo owners revolted when the XC90 hit the streets.

All of the bad attitude may be a normal part of introducing an SUV to a lineup that has traditionally done without. Don't let it prevent you from considering the vehicle at the heart of it. For all of its badge-engineered flaws, the Saab 9-7X might be the nicest version of the General Motors' already respectable mid-size SUV family.

So how do you translate the sleek styling of a Saab sedan or wagon onto the tall, boxy framework of a mid-size sport-utility vehicle? The 9-7X offers a surprisingly handsome answer to this question. The rounded, boat-like chin that's come to characterize the Swedish manufacturer's offerings is present here, as are the three-element grille and catlike headlamp units. Saab's trademark smooth, aero look is also very much in evidence. The bumpers are flush-mounted, making the 9-7X look less truckish. 18" wheels are standard. At the rear, a unique bumper and rear windows that wrap around the D-pillars (as it does in Saab's 9-3 and 9-5 wagons) bring the styling expression to an elegant close.

The 9-7X gets the best interior of General Motors' midsize SUV family. The colors are warm, the seats handsomely stitched. With the familiar Saab instrument panel and the ignition key between the front seats, this doesn't feel like a TrailBlazer at all from the driver's seat--a problem that plagued variants like the Buick Rainier and Oldsmobile Bravada. It's even borrowed Saab's silly dancing cupholder from the 9-3. One might accuse it of trying a bit too hard to be a "Saab," in fact. Get past the theatrics and the 9-7X is comfortable and upscale. The architecture feels a little bit dated-- this platform is about five years old, after all--but it's solid and offers plenty of space for front and rear-seat passengers. It's well- stocked with cool stuff, too; GM's OnStar system offers turn-by-turn navigation to premium subscribers.

On the road, the 9-7X is quiet, with a smoother, firmer ride than competitors like the Volkswagen Touareg. It gives up a lot of interior space and airiness to the Audi Q7, but feels larger and more solid than the Volvo XC90. The luxury SUV market is crowded, and like a fractured European state, it's practically defined by the borders of its neighbors rather than by any particular distinction of its own.

The ride height has been lowered slightly, but the truck-like body-on- frame construction and solid-axle rear suspension makes itself known in the form of head-toss, reminding passengers that the 9-7X is a fairly tall vehicle. Steering response has been tightened, and together with the big wheels the 9-7X feels reasonably confident on the road. To keep things safe, a tire pressure monitoring system and StabiliTrak stability control are standard equipment. StabiliTrak helps to reduce yaw and oversteer in slippery conditions. Four-wheel disc brakes help to bring this SUV to a stop in all conditions.

All-wheel drive and an four-speed automatic transmission are standard. The lack of a selectable automatic transmission will turn some buyers off, as will the behind-the-curve number of cogs to select from. Five- and six-speed automatics are the way to go in the luxury SUV department these days. Give the 9-7X a healthy kick of throttle, and those reservations should disappear pretty quickly. The 9-7X is available with a choice of straight-six or V8 power. The 290-horsepower 4.2 liter inline six is the standard engine and does the job well enough, but the available 5.3 liter V8 brings the 9-7X to life. With 302 horses under the hood, the V8 erupts with a very un-Saab-like roar, and speed is delivered in a confident hurry. Like other GM V8 engines, the 5.3 is equipped with the Active Fuel Management cylinder shutoff system, so it's not sucking down ridiculous amounts of gasoline at all times. Properly equipped, the 9-7X will tow up to 6500 pounds, and a covered receiver hitch is standard equipment.

Ultimately, the 9-7X offers a taste of Sweden by way of Ohio. The Saab faithful may not respect it (as is the case with so many cross- pollinated vehicles these days), and its aggressive Saab-ness comes off as a bit defensive, but it's an extremely nice vehicle once you look past the overacting. Pricing starts at $39,935 for the six- cylinder and $41,935 for the V8.

by Chris Jackson
www.car-data.com