In terms of performance, the 2.0 Turbo XWD which is available with both a six speed manual and automatic transmission can accelerate from 0–60 mph (96 km/h) in 8.2 seconds (Auto: 9.1 sec) and reach a top speed of 143mph - 230 km/h (Auto: 137mph). The front-wheel-drive only diesel variant performs the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 8.3 sec (Auto: 8.8 sec) and has a top speed of 137mph - 220 km/h (Auto: 134mph).
As is the case with other vehicles of this sort, compared to the standard 9-3, the ride height has been raised by 35mm on the 2.0 Turbo XWD model and 20mm on the FWD diesel version. But that's about all that's mechanically different between the 9-3X and its Sport Wagon sibling, as there's no special tires or toughened suspension here.
While it's as much of an off-road model as the standard 9-3 Sport Wagon, Saab's designers have tried their best to make the 9-3X look the part. Protective cladding aside, the 9-3X gets new dark grey bumpers, skid panels with a matt aluminum finish, 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, aluminum-colored lower door strips and roof rails with the same finish
There's no picture of the interior, but Saab claims that the 9-3X's cabin features a unique trim, with dark metallic finish to the door trims, glove box and gearbox surround plus unique sports seating features grey fabric inserts in the black leather upholstery.