What's New for the 2005 Saab 9-7X?
From Saab's standpoint, everything about the 2005 Saab 9-7X is new. The 9-7X is the company's first SUV, a five-passenger midsize model priced around $40,000 that competes against vehicles like the Acura MDX, Infiniti FX, Lexus RX 330 and Volvo XC90. Highlights of the 9-7X include a sport-tuned suspension, all-wheel drive and available V8 power. For consumers, though, the 9-7X is only partially new. Beneath its Euro-look styling lies the underpinnings, mechanical components and general design of a General Motors midsize SUV. (GM owns the Swedish company, and this means that the 9-7X is very similar to the Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, and GMC Envoy.) There are two trim levels for the 9-7X: Linear and Arc. Linear vehicles are powered by a 275-hp, 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine, while Arcs have a 300-hp, 5.3-liter V8. Both engines come mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. In terms of standard features, the Linear trim includes dual-zone climate control, leather seating, side-curtain airbags, a Bose in-dash six-CD audio system, XM satellite radio, and heated seats. Upgrading to the Arc trim tacks on HID headlights with washers, power-adjustable pedals and different 18-inch wheels. In terms of major options, buyers can choose a moonroof or a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. 9-7Xs should start appearing at Saab dealerships in the spring of 2005.

Advantages of the 2005 Saab 9-7X:

• Lower price than some competing vehicles
• Stout V8 power in Arc trim
• Truck-based chassis enables high tow rating

Objections to the 2005 Saab 9-7X:

• Missing a few important features such as satellite navigation and stability control
• Console-mounted ignition aside, interior is more "GM" than "Saab"
• Not as refined as other vehicles in the luxury SUV category

Editor's Advice:
In today's world of truck-addicted buyers, Saab desperately needs an SUV to keep its brand alive. There wasn't enough money to develop an all-new Saab SUV, so an existing GM model was rebadged, tweaked, patted on the back and told, "go get 'em, tiger!" This is the same strategy used for the 9-2X, a Saab version of the Subaru Impreza WRX wagon. There's one important difference, though: the Impreza WRX is a highly regarded vehicle. GM's midsize SUV isn't. Diehard Saab fans (how many of those are left, anyway?) will sniff out the 9-7X's lower-class origins a mile out. What we're left with is another version of GM's midsize SUV that joins the Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy. Among this group, the 9-7X has some advantages, mainly cleaner styling, more agile handling and sharper steering. But compared to other midsize luxury SUVs like the Acura MDX, Infiniti FX, Lexus RX 330, or Volvo XC90, the 9-7X comes up short.