The 9-7X interiors we experienced during a driving introduction along the edge of the Saint Lawrence Seaway in Quebec, were understated, nicely stitched, beautifully wood-trimmed, with thin chrome surrounds on the instruments to add a touch of class, white-on-black gauges with sharply defined graphics, and a dashboard architecture lifted directly out of a current Saab 9-3. All of the major items were easy to find and use.
The instrument panel is reshaped, rounded and angled toward the driver on the right-hand side, and it mimics the interior design of the current 9-3 successfully, if simply and quietly. All of the controls were in their customary Saab locations, including the Saabesque air vents and the hidden dual cupholder assembly in the right side of the dashboard.
The seats were continuously comfortable at 160 kph and every other speed. Very nice. Front-seat head, leg, and shoulder room is generous, even for a 6-foot, 4-inch driver. The seating position is commanding, which adds to the Saab feel. Rear-seat room is less generous, but good enough for most children.
The behind-the-scenes security of OnStar and the optional XM Satellite Radio made the 9-7X a delightful companion, especially in a fierce rainstorm we encountered on the way to Quebec City airport at the end of the second day. The 9-7X is relatively quiet, with the fat tires contributing to most of the little bit of noise that was there. This is typical of all the GMT 360 trucks, to a greater or lesser degree.
SUVs sooner or later have cargo-hauling duties to perform, and when the time comes, the Saab 9-7X delivers nearly 40 cubic feet with the rear seat up, and 80 cubic feet with the rear seat stowed. The rear seat splits wider than usual, Saab says, at 65/35. An extra bonus is the onboard air compressor system, normally used to pump air into and out of the air suspension sysem, which can be used, along with a standard 22-foot hose, to inflate tires or recreational gear.
