Growing a brand that has been known primarily for a select number of models released over the past few decades is never an easy task. This is one of the biggest reasons that Saab decided to move forward with the 9-4x as one of the new faces of the company, Saab’s first true crossover, a vehicle that feels at home on both the streets of Europe and the highways of North America.

The 9-4x is a departure in many ways for Saab, a company inextricably linked with their sedans and convertibles, and one that has managed to fuse Swedish individualism into global car platforms that resonate with a large and diverse group of drivers. The crossover’s look features the slab sides of a larger SUV, but also blends Saab’s aerodynamic front end onto a long hood and graceful greenhouse. The 9-4x’s tall ride height helps the crossover avoid looking too pudgy around the middle, resulting in a purposeful stance that is sure to attract curious car shoppers. Saab refers to this design philosophy as “ice block” surfacing, and it helps tie the large vehicle to the smaller automobiles that typically make up the company’s lineup.

Underpinning the Saab 9-4x are many proven mechanical setups, which bodes well for the vehicle’s road manners and driving experience. With front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive available, the 9-4x will be ready to handle any weather situation that you might encounter, from harsh blowing snow to torrential rainfall. The 9-4x will be more than up to the task of heading into areas where standard sedans and wagons just couldn’t cut it.

There are still many secrets surrounding the 9-4x’s production details, but the 9-4x BioPower Concept, which was shown off at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, does reveal a few intriguing clues as to the direction Saab is going with its new crossover. The concept vehicle featured a unique 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine that was optimized to run on E85 ethanol fuel. Unlike some other alternatively powered vehicles, the BioPower Concept churned out an impressive 300 hp and 295 lb/ft of torque while still offering lower emissions than a gasoline engine. The street version of the 9-4x may instead opt to wring the same amount of power out of Saab’s 2.8-liter turbo V6. A six-speed automatic also seems destined to be the vehicle’s transmission.

Some of the other interesting features displayed by the 9-4x Concept included a special ski storage system embedded in a slide-out rear cargo floor with a heated compartment, and sweeping entertainment and system controls mounted on a rising center console that meets the aircraft-inspired dash. Designed to accommodate four passengers, the 9-4x BioPower Concept also offered a panoramic glass roof, which has become almost a required feature in this class of crossover vehicle.

Just how much of the concept’s original artistry and mechanical detail will make it through to the production Saab 9-4x is uncertain. However, given the company’s propensity for turning elegant and eye-catching prototypes into elegant, well-received road-going vehicles, it seems likely that the final version of this attractive crossover will have much to offer both Saab loyalists and newcomers to the brand. Keep watching for the latest updates!