Saab Sets Pricing for New Flagship Sport Utility

"The 9-7X joins the Saab lineup at the right time because the demand for premium midsize SUV's is strong," commented Lars Hygrell,

"The 9-7X joins the Saab lineup at the right time because the demand for premium midsize SUV's is strong," commented Lars Hygrell, Marketing Manager for Saab in Canada. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

Marketing Manager for Saab in Canada. "About forty percent of current Saab owners already have an SUV of another make in their garage. With the 9-7X, Saab will be able to take advantage of the continued growth in this segment."

So, if Saab is so positive about the 9-7X's future, why did the automotive press heap controversy on its new SUV when it was introduced, yet in the same breath lauded Volvo's XC90? Both are large-midsize sport utility vehicles, both feature 6- and 8-cylinder power, and both appear similar to other cars in their respective lineups.

What is "acceptable" in the automotive industry, and not, according to critics at least, both professional as well as amateur bloggers, is a vehicle that stays true to a brand's heritage despite deviating in genre. For instance, when BMW announced that it was to build an SUV, faithful fans of the brand were up in arms. After all, none had ever heard of a sport

If Saab is so positive about the 9-7X's future, why did the automotive press heap controversy on its new SUV when it was introduced? (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

utility that behaved anywhere near as well on pavement as the X5, and when they experienced it for themselves the hubbub died down and it was taken in as one of their own. Why? It handled better than a 5-Series wagon while delivering the best interior quality of any BMW to date.

An even greater outcry was heard when Porsche announced its Cayenne SUV. The result has been similar to that of BMW's X5, with a sport 'ute that's not only agile on pavement, but simply amazing off-road. Porsche fans have stepped up to the plate to the point where the German automaker is selling at least as many SUVs as it is sports cars.