Saab introduced the 9-2x Wagon at the 2004 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. The 9-2x marks Saab's entrance into the Premium Compact market. It is part of Saab's new product offensive that began with the 9-3 sports sedan, 9-3 Sport Hatch, and 9-7x Sport Utility Vehicle. The 9-2x is based on the Subaru WRX platform, but it is a more refined product.

9-2x is a 5 door wagon. It will be available in two models, the 9-2X Aero, and the 9-2X Linear. Both versions will have full-time all wheel drive.

The 9-2x Aero will have a 2.0-liter, turbocharged and intercooled 4-cylinder engine that produces 227 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and 217 lb. ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Saab 9-2X 2.5 Linear is naturally aspirated and delivers 165-horsepower at 5,600 rpm with a maximum torque of 166 lb. ft. at 4,000 rpm.

Both cars will come standard with a5-speed manual transmission.A 4-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.

The vehicle retains Saab's distinctive front fascia with the three-hole grille and low, horizontal headlights that wrap around the sides of the car. Below the bumper is a pronounced air intake for the cooling system. In the top-of-the-line 9-2X Aero, the front hood also has an a large air intake on top that feeds air into the intercooler for the turbocharged engine.

The 9-2X's interior is similar to the Subaru WRX but has a more upscale, two-tone finish, and leather seating surfaces.

The rear cargo compartment has lots of room for sports equipment, or for carrying a large load of groceries.

Customer surveys indicate up to 40 percent of all American car shoppers want all- wheel-drive in their next vehicle. As this is a standard feature in all Saab 9-2X models it gives Saab a distinct advantage in this segment.

The price of the 9-2X starts below $25,000. Saab believes that, for many customers, the purchase of a 9-2X will be their first opportunity to own a premium brand vehicle.