What Changed for 2009:

• New Bluetooth wireless connectivity for hands-free calling
• Special Altitude Edition for 4.2i and 5.3i models
• Optional limited-production black side assist steps (dealer installed)
• Two new exterior colors

Overview
Saab’s 2009 9-7X 4-door, 5-passenger, all-wheel drive (AWD) SUV, last redesigned in 2006, returns as mostly carryover, although the lineup does add the special Altitude Edition, available with 4.2i and 5.3i models; two new exterior colors: Diamond Silver Metallic and Desert Tan Metallic; Bluetooth wireless connectivity for hands-free calling; and a limited-production option of side assist steps (requires dealer installation).

All 2009 Saab 9-7X models include a 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, including courtesy transportation and roadside assistance, no-charge scheduled maintenance for 3 years/36,000 miles, and a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper new-car warranty.

Model Lineup
The 2009 Saab 9-7X is available in three models—9-7X 4.2i, 9-7X 5.3i and the performance-oriented 9-7X Aero—all with automatic AWD, 4-speed automatic transmission, standard 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control, and tire-pressure-monitoring system.

The Saab 9-7X 4.2i has a 4.2-liter, 285-hp 6-cylinder engine; tuned sport suspension; leather seats with heated front seats; power moonroof; 18-inch, 12-spoke alloy wheels and all-season tires; OnStar with one year of Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Directions & Connections plans; and XM satellite radio. The 9-7X 5.3i has the 5.3-liter V-8 engine, and adds 18-inch, 6-spoke alloy wheels with all-season tires and Xenon headlamps with washers. The Aero includes the 6.0-liter V-8 engine; heavy-duty, electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission; heavy-duty rear axle and high-performance rotors and brake pads; AWD with torque-based center differential; 20-inch polished aluminum wheels and P255/50R20 V-rated performance tires; “Aero” embroidered leather seats and embossed floor mats; and Carbon Flash exterior color.

The Altitude Edition package, available on 9-7X 4.2i and 5.3i models, includes highly-polished 18-inch alloy wheels, specific badging, DVD touch-screen navigation radio, and two exterior color choices: Diamond Silver Metallic and Carbon Flash Metallic (the only non-Aero model offering this color).

Options on the 2009 Saab 9-7X include 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, DVD-integrated touch-screen navigation system, and a DVD rear-seat entertainment system. A Prestige package is available and includes adjustable pedals, Xenon headlamps and headlamp washers.

Powertrain
The 2009 Saab 9-7X 4.2i comes equipped with a 4.2-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine that generates 285 hp at 6000 rpm and 276 lb.-ft. of torque at 4600 rpm. 9-7X 5.3i models feature a 5.3-liter V-8 engine with GM’s Active Fuel Management cylinder-deactivation technology, producing 300 hp at 5300 rpm and 321 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. These two engines are mated to a Hydra-Matic 4L60 4-speed automatic transmission. In the 9-7X Aero models, power comes from an LS2 6.0-liter V-8 engine with a unique cold air induction package, delivering 390 hp at 6000 rpm and 400 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. The 6.0-liter engine is paired with the Hydra-Matic 4L70 electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity on the 9-7X Aero model is 6600 pounds.

Automatic AWD, electronic stability control, a rear air-suspension system with load-leveling, 4-wheel ABS, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system are standard on all 2009 Saab 9-7X models. Aero trim adds AWD with a torque-based center differential. EPA fuel economy for both the 9-7X 4.2i and 5.3i is 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway. The 9-7X Aero gets an estimated 12 mpg city/16 mpg highway.

Safety
Standard safety features on the 2009 Saab 9-7X include dual-stage frontal air bags for driver and front passenger; passenger sensing system; head curtain side air bags with rollover sensor; front safety belt pre-tensioners with load limiters and a front safety belt buckle-up reminder; Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) for child safety seats; rear-door child security locks; theft-deterrent system; tire-pressure-monitoring system; 4-wheel ABS; and electronic stability control. In addition, the OnStar safety and security system is standard, including one year of Directions & Connections service that features Turn-by-Turn Navigation, the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system, according to GM.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2009 Saab 9-7X receives a 3-star rating for driver front crash protection and a 4-star rating for front passenger protection in frontal impacts. In NHTSA side-impact tests, the 9-7X receives a 5-star rating for both the front and rear seats. The 9-7X receives a 4-star rating in the agency’s rollover testing.

Technology
All 2009 Saab 9-7X models have a standard AM/FM, 6-disc, in-dash CD changer with rear-seat audio controls, and a 6-speaker Bose 275-watt audio system. Options include a DVD-integrated touch-screen navigation system, and a rear-seat, headrest-integrated DVD entertainment system with 7-inch screen, headphones and controls. Also included are XM satellite radio, driver information center, rear-seat audio controls, and one year of OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation. New for 2009, Bluetooth wireless connectivity enables hands-free calling.