At the end of the day the 9-7x is up against some formidable competition. Depending on its base price point, expected to be in the high $40K to low $50K range, it's up against the aforementioned Volvo XC90, Acura's MDX (sure to be revised to the TL's impeccably high standards soon), VW's already stellar Touareg, BMW's slick little X3, a redesigned Mercedes-Benz ML, the superb Lexus RX 330, extremely competent Chrysler Pacifica, all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, sports car-like Infiniti FX35/45, upcoming Lincoln Aviator (see concept reviews), the all-new, overwhelmingly improved Land Rover LR3 (Discovery), and more, not to mention all of the GMT360 sport utilities.
So the 9-7x is going to have its work cut out for it, and hopefully the Saab engineers have managed to work magic with GM's truck-like suspension. Finding out just how talented the Swedish brand's team is will have to wait until I have a chance to test drive it, something the Saab spokesman said will be worth the wait. I look forward to the opportunity, but rather look even farther forward to a time when GM gives this revered brand a sport utility with the sophistication the brand's diehard supporters deserve. This will no doubt be a slap in the face to many of them, with negative results that could in-turn harm the brand's continued progress just when it seems to be on the rise. Time will only tell.
Specifications:
- Price Range (estimated MSRP): $ 49,000 - $ 60,000
- Body Type: 5-door SUV, steel side-rail frame
- Layout: front engine, 4WD
- Base Engine: 275-hp, 275 lb-ft torque, 4.2-litre, SOHC I-6
- Opt Engine: 300-hp, 330 lb-ft torque, 5.3-litre, OHV V8
- Transmission: 4-speed auto, O/D
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Cargo Volume (up/folded): 1161 / 2268 L (41 / 80.1 cu ft)
- Towing Capacity (max): 2,948 kg (6,500 lbs) (V8)
- Warranty (mo/km): 48 / 80,000 comprehensive
- Direct Competitors: Acura MD-X, BMW X5, Buick Rainier, Chevy Trailblazer, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, Honda Pilot, Infiniti FX35/45, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Land Rover Discovery, Lincoln Aviator, Mercedes-Benz ML, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Nissan Murano/Pathfinder, Porsche Cayenne, Toyota Highlander/4Runner, Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC90
- Web Site: www.gmcanada.com
Note: Additional larger photos available in photo album.
