The SRX and the 9-4X may share the same architecture—exemplary in terms of rigidity—but even the most casual observer is unlikely to confuse one with the other.
Unlike the SRX, the Saab’s interior is subdued, with a mostly black color scheme, albeit with high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces. The seats are well shaped, with sporty bolstering; the instruments and dashboard will look familiar to anyone who’s been in a Saab recently; and the Denso nav system is excellent.
Spring rates and damping are a little stiffer than those employed in the Cadillac, and there are two presets for the suspension: normal and sport. However, the 9-4X rarely lets the driver forget its substantial mass. Although the steering is tactile and nicely weighted, transient responses are deliberate. This is not a rig that wants to be tossed into turns or snaked through a slalom.
On the other hand, ride quality is surprisingly supple in both suspension settings; no noise finds its way into the cabin via the suspension; and the six-speed auto is much smoother than the SRX turbo’s we tested last August.
In other words, according to Car and Driver the Saab 9-4X seems to be a nice car for cruising, but not the best choice if you want to drive like a race driver.
