In Russia, Saab has long become a car for the select few. It's funny, but the Swedes deliberately maintain this image by producing models that delight avid drivers, but from a marketing point of view look increasingly less attractive. A striking example is the new 9-3 Aero XWD.
Given the modest sales of the 9-3 in our country (only 856 cars over the past two years), Saab decided to go all-in and bring a truly "hot" Aero XWD version to the market. Presenting the new model as a "revival" of the lineup and generously seasoning it with hints of the brand's aviation past, the company offers a volatile mix of emotions and advanced technologies. As bright as the price, which for many potential buyers, except for loyal fans of the brand from Trollhättan, may cause only profane surprise.
We already wrote about the updated Saab 9-3 in March. Then my colleagues praised noticeable changes in the exterior, a comfortable interior, excellent handling, and a torquey engine. But that was about the 175-horsepower version. The new modification, however, received a 2.8-liter turbo engine producing a full 280 hp. The V-shaped "six" delivers peak 400 Nm of torque already at 2150 rpm and holds it up to 4500 rpm. Just the numbers make your heart beat faster, let alone the real sensations! This adrenaline cocktail is impossible to describe in words — the dynamics are simply phenomenal! Only a slight pause at start (the six-speed "automatic" still hasn't gotten rid of a small "stutter") — and the car shoots forward like a bullet, pressing the driver into the seat with excellent lateral support. When you sharply press the gas, the stability control icon immediately flashes on the dashboard, as if warning: "I'll, of course, suppress wheelspin, but then you're on your own." ESP also reminded of itself in corners, allowing a bit of "sliding" sideways before firmly returning the car to the right trajectory.
But the main thing in the Saab 9-3 Aero XWD is not just horsepower and newton-meters. The key highlight is the active all-wheel drive. Without it, this engine would simply be pointless: the front-wheel-drive version would hardly cope with such power without serious modifications. The system cleverly redistributes torque between the axles (and with the optional eLSD differential, also between the rear wheels), allowing the "nine-third" to confidently hold the road on any surface and in any weather. If necessary, up to 100% of torque can be sent to one axle. It seems that the 9-3 Aero XWD was aiming at a higher class — at the BMW 3-series, Mercedes-Benz C-class, and Audi A4. And among them, it looks quite worthy both in characteristics and price, which in Russia starts from 1,300,000 rubles. But in our country, Saab is chosen mainly by those for whom Swedish "premium" is closer and more understandable than the usual "high automotive society" of BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. And there are, unfortunately, still few of them.
Anniversary series
Soon, sales of the limited version Saab Turbo X will start in Russia, timed to the company's 30th anniversary in turbocharging. It will get the same 280-horsepower turbo engine, six-speed manual or automatic, and all-wheel drive (eLSD already standard) — everything like the Aero XWD. Unique exterior and interior details make the Turbo X easily recognizable. It will be available in sedan or wagon body styles, with prices starting from 1,479,000 rubles. True, don't count on exclusivity: only 45 cars are allocated for Russia.
Driving
A dynamic car with excellent handling.
Interior
High build quality, clear ergonomics, and good functionality.
Comfort
Space is not abundant, but it's quite enough for comfortable accommodation of four adult passengers.
Safety
Cars of this brand have historically been distinguished by high safety. Our hero is no exception.
Price
The car is quite worthy, but due to the brand's unpopularity, the price seems inflated.
Pros and cons
+ Handling, power, all-wheel drive, pleasant appearance, quality interior execution.
- A price that is technically explainable but high for our market.
Our opinion
A car with such outstanding characteristics will feel a bit cramped within the city. In this sense, a more rational purchase seems to be the 210-horsepower turbo version with all-wheel drive, which will appear in the lineup later. Naturally, the driving sensation will be less vivid.