For 2009, Saab has is now offering the option of “XWD” Cross Wheel Drive on all of its 9-3 models with the exception of the convertible (note-Audi offers its A4 Cabriolet in Quattro). Developed by Haldex, most reviewers have claimed the 9-3 is a much better car for it. This is important news, because most reviewers have agreed the 9-3 falls short of its competition. 

This marks Saab’s first, true offering of its own all-wheel drive car. The 9-3 Turbo X was offered in extremely limited numbers last year. The Saab 9-2X, a badge-engineered Subaru Impreza, and the 9-7X, a rebadged Chevy TrailBlazer, do not count. Not Saabs. Do not even try to change my mind on that one.

In the world of premium European sport sedans where Saab competes, you would be fair to say that Saab is more than a little late to offer all-wheel drive. BMW first offered its E30 325iX in 1988. Volvo offered all-wheel drive in its XC70 in 1998. I admit-it is hard to blame Saab, who has been a victim of GM’s neglect since they purchased the company 15 years ago. I find it heartbreaking that such a great company has been reduced to selling its own old, outdated cars (The 9-5 is now 13 model years old!) or versions of poorly built, low quality SUV’s. It isn’t fair to Saab, or Saab loyalists. This is a step, but man, Saab has a long way to go….

One of the interesting tech stories at the North American International Auto Show this week, that has lacked coverage, focuses on Saab. They showed off, for the first time, Cross Wheel Drive.

XWD as it is known is said to offer capabilities that aren’t available on conventional all-wheel drive vehicles. In addition to providing a variable torque split between the left and right sides of the car, XWD can optimize traction when a vehicle takes off from a traffic light, even in dry conditions.

Steven Shannon, president and chief operating officer of Saab Automobile USA told us that “The beauty of this system is that it does more than transfer torque from the front to the back. It transfers torque from side to side. And with Cross Wheel Drive, zero-to-sixty is going to be faster.”
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