The minimalist style and speedboat-like glass house are just two of the reasons that Saab’s 9-X Air made for a fine Paris debut today, and were also a huge hit with the company’s managing director, Jan Åke Jonsson, if our photos are any indication. Arriving at the Saab stand after the hubbub of the press conference had died down, we showed up just in time to catch Jonsson climbing into the Air concept, while making mention to some of his fellow executives that it was a car that he thought he looked good in. You go Jan Åke, work that “revolutionary Canopy Top” convertible!
Executive ego-bolstering aside, we were quite fond of the open top 9-X concept, which attempts to split the difference between the lines of a coupe and the freedom of a convertible top. The 9-X Air also manages the improbable feet of squeezing four seats into a body shape the really hides the extra space needed for that utility, a clever design trick that more automakers would do well to pay attention to. Saab claims that the car is as good for the world as it is to look at as well, with great excitement surrounding the car’s E85-burning, hybrid powertrain.
Have a look at the Saab 9-X Air (with and without Jonsson) in our gallery above, or read on below for the Saab press release.
