Part of the departure from tradition is the removal of the center stack. Now the dash slopes toward the firewall as it falls downward, allowing increased knee room and an open, airy ambience. Two parallel glass panels that span the ceiling from the front windshield to the rear window emit yet more light to the 4-occupant cabin below. The designers covered much of the trim and each seat in light green leather upholstery, adding a darker color to the seat inserts and shoulder height surfaces for a complimentary contrast.
Steering wheel mounted buttons, situated at thumb level just above twin rows of switches for adjusting the infotainment system and phone, manually shift the 5-speed semi-automatic transmission. It receives a maximum of 280-hp at 5,500 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque available from 1,700 to 5,500 rpm through an ESP-controlled Haldex AWD system, from a 2.8-L 60-degree V6. The front, lightweight, transversely mounted 'Ecopower 2' unit incorporates double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, direct injection and variable valve timing, and is controlled by Saab's Trionic engine management system. Its 1,550 kg (3,417 lb) curb weight should help it to perform a little better than its 1,565 kg (3,450 lb) Saab 9-5 sibling - an impressive sprinter already.
A fully independent suspension, including front struts, lower A-arm, separate gas-filled shock absorbers, coil springs and anti-roll bar allows, plus a rear four-link system, gas-filled shock absorbers, coil springs and an anti-roll bar, offers entertaining on-road handling while 20x 8.5 inch, five-spoke alloy wheels and low-profile 245/40 R20 Michelin Sport Pilot tires offer ample ground clearance for off-road excursions. Power-assisted, rack-and-pinion steering with 2.5 turns lock to lock should give the 93-X sensationally crisp turn in with excellent straight line stability.