Ask It: 2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo X
The new 9-3 Turbo X is Saab’s stealth bomber wearing a Jet Black paint job, dark eighteen-inch alloy wheels, and a very aggressive stance. Under the hood lies Saab’s turbocharged 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine which produces 280 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque and all of this power is managed with a six-speed transmission (our test car has the automatic with thumb shifters) and transferred to the wheels via Saab’s new XWD all-wheel-drive system.
It’s clear that Saab has put some serious work into the 9-3 Turbo X and we’ll be sure to give you our full impressions later on. But right now we’re wondering what you want to know about the top shelf 9-3. Sound off in the comments section and stay tuned for our video response next week.
Comments
Anonymous
...Saab jumps on the Audi S4 bandwagon...10 years too late.
j
you mean like how audi jumped on the m3 bandwagon with the s4/rs4? and how saab made the viggen, a powerful & efficient 4cyl? and how audi jumped on saab's small displacement turbo engine bandwagon many years after saab started it? you mean how the 4th gen haldex XWD system in the Turbo X crushed the A4 Quattro on a wet and dry track? might want to do some research before you rattle off nonsense. companies have been making performance versions of their mainstream product lines for eons, and saab has 10x more industry firsts than the 4-ringed Germans.
**
for winding road -- i have driven the turbo x, but i didn't get much of a chance to really throw it around. i am curious to know how intrusive the traction control computer is when put through its paces. does it step in and dial things back? or does it act quietly in the background without making itself known? thanks.
Kroum
J, as an owner of a six speed manual Turbo X for well over a month now, and despite having driven it calmly during the break-in, I can attest that the car is close to impossible to upset. I also had a chance to drive a replica of my car on a Saab-sponsored track day, and that thing eats through corners and bends like mad. The XWD system is extremely sophisticated, to the point where it may well take from the fun factor a little bit. The car is just a joy to drive, and if you're looking for a 335i-ish rush of danger, it's not the right choice.
I recently discussed taking the car to one of the Saab Performance Driving Schools this fall, and one of the instructors instructor - a highly respected and seasoned competition driver and track instructor - was telling me this car is too good for a serious track thrash from a general learning perspective in the sense it lets you get away with too much. To pre-phrase what he said, "if you lose control driving a Turbo X, you are basically dead". This is how forgiving the Saab is. And it can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on what you're looking for.
Anonymous
Well, you got me. All those industry firsts sure did the trick, afterall, Saab certainly does manage to outsell Audi.
And if a Turbo X manages to crush an A4 isn't that a bit of mismatched test? The S4 would be much more appropriate comparision given that it's the performance oriented version. Perhaps when the next generation S4 with the supercharged V6 debuts we'll find out which brand makes a better AWD sports sedan.
Also, would you be so kind as to post the comparison test you are citing? If it honestly managed to "crush" the Audi I'd like to read it.
Kroum
I'll fill in for J: one could be found here (scroll down to G forces), the other one is here.
And without going into too much history, I think your first comment was childish, off the mark and the attempt at mockery "Saab jumps on the S4 bandwagon" was unwarranted, since Saab had the 900 Turbo SPG (for Saab Performance Group) before Audi was even a serious contender in the premium market. Back in that day the aforementioned 900 Turbo's only real competitor was the M3. So while Audi has been more successful in the past decade (being under VAG rather than GM must have helped, too) when you're making remarks with a historic reference, I suggest you familiarize yourself with the respective brands' history first.
On the other hand, I agree that the S4 is a more accurate comparison to the Turbo X than the A4.
DarthCombi
I never comment on most sites where everyone's an f'in expert, but I have to in this instance because, god damn if that Turbo X is not the most fun, controlled, confidence inspiring vehicle I've ever driven. Is XWD neccesary for everyday driving? Hell no, is it fun? HELLL YES. I recently drove a Corvette Z06 which would smoke a Turbo X...especially a sport combi. And I have to say that SAAB has it all over the Vette in terms of everyday drivablility. If you enjoy driving...own this car. Otherwise buy up your Japanese Tuners and throw a whole bunch of money at em to get this kind of refined performance. The only thing I've drivin more Confidence inspiring is a BMW M3 sedan.
Pwel
In everyday driving, does the advanced AWD system makes a noticeable difference?
Ned
I've driven a 9-3 Aero with XWD and automatic, and a six-speed manual Turbo X. In much normal driving, I don't think XWD makes much difference. You feel it when you punch the throttle, and the torque is directed to the rear. For example, floor it from a stop into a right-angle turn, and it just stays completely planted, with no torque steer or other untoward behavior. Just point it, nail it, and go. Same thing in sweepers -- just keep the throttle down, and track through like you're on rails.
I'm on the fence about whether it would make enough difference in my mix of city and highway driving to warrant the extra cost, weight, and fuel consupmtion. But, in the Turbo X at least, it pays huge dividends in grip and performance limits.
chemosaab
As someone who owned a 2000 s4 and now own a Turbo X I have some insight on the matter. I autocrossed the s4, and had quite a lot of fun with it. I just finished an auto-x with the Saab and I must say I came away less than inpressed. The car doesn't drive at all like the S4, in fact it really doesnt feel as fast as my old 9-3 Aero V6. Maybe I didnt push it hard enough, but I never really felt comfortable with it. Just for fun I ran once with traction control on...what a mess, it really slowed me down. Maybe the car is so different, I need to relearn my driving...
Anonymous
I have had a Turbo X for about 2 weeks, a 6 speed. I have had lots of fast cars in my life, including Audis, a BMW, and others. The Turbo X is simply the best car I've ever owned. Its really impressive.
Beren Erchamion
I've got about 5000 miles on my Turbo-X and I can attest that this car exceeds all my expectations: performance, comfort, style, and driving fun. I love this car - there is nothing I don't like about it.
A number of people have asked about the XWD. I've put the car thru some pretty decent paces and to me it is non-intrusive, but you can tell that it is doing its thing. From a standing start the car is solid, straight, and powerful. In tight high-speed turns you cannot shake the car loose. I've had some serious car guystake a ride and they are amazed. Last night a guy that rebuilds Nova's and Camaro's was giggling in the back seat.
Fuel mileage is good too averaging about 21.5 MPG over the 5000 miles.
I've owned BMW's, VW';s, Audi's, and Acura's. This is the best car I've ever driven or owned. Its not even close. I'm not sure I see the S4 comparison as valid either. If you pack out the car's equally the Audi is going to be 10-15K more in price. Anyway - I compared the X to Audi. I picked Saab. Its a better car inside, outside, and on the road.
beren
Steve Jacoby
I've had my 9-3 Turbo X since 5/7/08 - the second X delivered in the US. It's my fourth Saab, and it's unbelievable. The Turbo X Driving Academy, in mid-June, allowed me to put other X's through their paces, without destroying my own. The wet/dry skid, slalom, auto cross and track time, on Road Atlanta, gave us the chance to REALLY test this vehicle. It exceeds every expectation, and more. Looks, handling, acceleration, cornering and braking are vastly superior to any car I've owned, or driven. The XWD system is superb.
Three complaints - minor. Terrible cup holders. The titanium colored trim around the driver's side of the dash reflects in the windshield. Last, this remarkable car is being sold to Saab enthusiasts, like myself. Why isn't GM advertising the hell out of a great product, to attract new buyers?
I don't think there are any more Xs left to buy new. The 2009 Aero w/ XWD and E-LSD, will have to do, but they won't be this very special car!
Anonymous
Come off it, you shameless Saab lovers. I love Saab too, but that six-speed manual is the worst possible manual shifter in this segment WORLDWIDE. The Turbo X drives like a small whale and cannot come close to any comparable German premium performance model. It is a cheap way to prolong the life cycle of an already substandard European car. Take me back to the Saabs prior to the GM disaster of a takeover, or to the last Viggen. There has been nothing whatsoever to get excited about from Saab since that nutball fun-as-Hell Viggen, and you all know that in your hearts.
Kroum
You have quite obviously not driven the car, for if you had you'd not make stupid remarks about the shifter, which is actually quite good and crisp. Or alternatively, you don't know how to drive cars with a short clutch.
FYI, before you spit out another grade 6 insult, some of us "shameless Saab lovers" cross-shopped this vehicle against the competition (335xi and Audi S4 and S5 in my case) and still ended up picking the Saab.
And while I love the Viggen, it cannot compare to the Turbo X in terms of handling and performance. The Viggen is a great car, but it just can't handle the the horsepower it packs.
Jorgen Trued
I have a 300 bhp Hirsch Performance modified Turbo X. This car moves. The character of the Hirsch is very much different compared to stock.
I agree with Steve, how in the world could You put a decor around the dash. But there is help, the leather dash from Hirsch Performance.
gregory
Is your 300 bhp hirsch performance turbo x, manual?
I'm confused. The thing is that the saab turbo x manual accelerates from 0 - 100 in 5.7 sec, while, according to what i have read ( and i can confirm since i own a saab turbo x automatic) the automatic take 7.2 seconds... I ve also read that the hirsch upgrade for it of 300 hp will make the manual go to 0-100 in 5.3 seconds and the automatic, suprisingly, only two tenths slower, going from 0 - 100 in 5.5 sec!!! Why is there suddenly such an improvement??? Is this just some nonsense hirsch wrote to advertise? How would it make the automatic improve by so much???? Does any one have any idea???
Spamouflage
I also drive a Turbo X and I like the car. I don't love it. I prefer the acceleration of my 2004 Volvo S40 T5. I have to agree, the Turbo X is slow off the start and the Turbo lags takes getting use to. The manual transmission is a challenge too. I can't explain it as I've only owned three cars in my life (2002 C230 coupe, Volvo S40 T5 and the Turbo X). But I can tell you that the transmission in my Saab is the worst of the three.
I do love the design, the look and the driving enormously. The car feels planted on the road, it's wonderful in snow (yes, we already have snow in Canada) and the seats are the most comfortable in the industry.
Do I regret my purchase? No. What would I improve on the Turbo X:
1. Build quality: the car squeaks a lot. The sunroof, the doors, the plastics on the dash, it makes for a cheap soundtrack.
2. The sliver trim on the dash does reflect on the windshield.
3. Better electronics. On Star is dated, it needs to go. Give me integrated Bluetooth (Microsoft Sync would be nice) and a better looking GPS.
My Turbo X looks like a million box with my ski rack and the aggressive stance. XWD will see me safely to and from the mountain and I do enjoy turning the ignition key and hearing the evil sound of the engine.
Carguy1268
I purchased the Turbo X with an early reservation which included the Aero Academy.
I have since sold the car - thankfully without much of a hit.
Having owned M3s and S4s and others,
my observations and personal opinions of the turbo x are:
1) Excellent handling - close to, but no M3.
2) Great exhaust sound. Probably amongst the best.
3) A little harsh riding over the roads of NYC. Much better suited to the roads in warmer climates - Florida, California, etc. The suspension and the car overall are very tight - especially going around turns. But this tightness is a tradeoff for comfort over harsh roads. Ultimately, it comes down to a tradeoff between handling and comfort - like most cars in this class.
4) The cross wheel is excellent - probably better than the set up in the Audi.
5) Very distinct, exclusive - which is a nice thing.
6) Seating position - like in any 9-3, does not give the clearest view of the hood and road. High dash and sloping hood - like many Japanese cars - leaves you feeling kind of in a bucket without being able to see the metal around you. The 9-5, albeit ancient at this point, has a better seating position.
7) Pretty good gas mileage - needs highest octane to get the best response.
8) Turbo lag - present but not terrible. The 335xi practically has no lag at all.
9) Not sure if it is as fast as Saab claims in the 0-60. I would check to see if any of the magazines have done independent test of the 0-60. (don't think this car breaks 6.0)
10) The 335XI, for example, is certainly a better product with a great engine and probably better resale value. Although it is common, it is a far better made and all around vehicle. BMW has a better nav - despite the idrive. (No bluetooth in the saab turbo x - at least when I bought the car). Discounts, etc and the 2 cars are probably at a similar price point. While any car takes a hit on resale, the Saab will probably take the bigger hit - unless you find a saab person who really is looking for a turbo x.
11) The exclusivity of the turbo x is nice. But aside from the somewhat different suspension, you can basically build and purchase a 9-3 cross wheel with the same specs - and have more color choices.
12) The tires on the 335 are better suited for an all wheel drive and bad weather. Application of high performance tires - with cross wheel or any kind of all wheel drive set up - really is not ideal - regardless of the turbo x advertisement of its ability on ice - which is much different than snow.
13) Bottom line - if you love saab and like exclusivity - get one - if it can be found. (Saab did not come close to pre-selling the allotment - which I believe was 600. Many dealers were offering steep discounts.) But dollar for dollar - the 335xi is far more sophisticated, technologically and otherwise
14) Subaru has some great high performing all wheel cars for a fraction of the price - and they usually hold value much better than saab or bmw.
All of this - just my opinion.
gregory
I'm confused. The thing is that the saab turbo x manual accelerates from 0 - 100 in 5.7 sec, while, according to what i have read (and i can confirm since i own a saab turbo x automatic) the automatic take 7.2 seconds... I ve also read that the hirsch upgrade for it of 300 hp will make the manual go from 0-100 in 5.3 seconds and the automatic, suprisingly, only two tenths slower, going from 0 - 100 in 5.5 sec!!! Why is there suddenly such an improvement??? Is this just some nonsense hirsch wrote to advertise? How would it make the automatic improve by so much???? Does any one have any idea???
P.S. sorry that I posted twice, its because no one would answer having posted it in the middle.
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