Pre-order a Saab 9-4X, get an Apple iPad. Or not.
Nov 23, 2010 10:44 AM
The Apple iPad seems to have become the latest car-buying incentive, lead by the Hyundai Equus using one for its owner's manual. Now, Saab it turning to this white-hot gadget to generate pre-sale buzz for its upcoming 9-4X crossover. Turns out, it is working.
Co-developed with the Cadillac SRX, the five-passenger 9-4X will be offered in front- and all-wheel drive. The Cadillac-shared powertrains include a 265-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 and a 300-horsepower, 2.8-liter turbocharged V6. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. (In our SRX test, we are critical of the fuel economy and engine performance from the 3.0-liter V6.)
As an upscale model, it's not surprising to find that the 9-4X is fitted with notable amenities such as a Bose surround-sound stereo and eight-inch screen navigation system with a 10-GB digital jukebox. The rear seat has its own climate controls, and the crossover can be upgraded with available eight-inch screens for the front headrests. Saab DriveSense brings adaptive suspension technology to the up level Aero trim, with driver-selectable modes for Sport, Comfort, and Eco.
The incentive program is offered to the first 500 customers who order a 9-4X between January 15 and February 28, 2011, and purchase the iPad from the local dealer. The cost of the iPad will be refunded when the vehicle is paid for. Saab 9-4X pricing will start at $34,205, excluding an expected destination charge of about $800. Saab says the iPad will ship in two to three weeks. (See: What you need to know about the iPad.)
Of course, if you purchase an iPad direct from Apple, it ships within 24 hours for free.
Another twist: If you're interested in an iPad and are content to wait until February or even March to receive it, you should know about the latest Apple rumor. And admittedly, Apple rumors are a dime a bushel. FoxNews.com cites an analyst pointing to April as the time for the next-generation iPad--on year from when the current model was introduced. The 9-4X itself is scheduled to begin deliveries in May 2011.
For a prudent car shopper, this all may be academic. Pre-ordering a car before it is even produced limits your ability to negotiate. Plus, while first-year cars have proven to be more reliable than in the past, it may be wise not to purchase the first example off the boat.
While the Cadillac SRX scores well in our testing, several weak points may carry over to this new variant. Were it me, I'd wait to see how the 9-4X scored in testing and review the first-year reliability data before taking the plunge. (First-year reliability of the redesigned SRX has been average.) By then, there will likely be incentives to match or even beat this one. Plus, there may be a new 2011 iPad available.
—Jeff Bartlett
The incentive program is offered to the first 500 customers who order a 9-4X between January 15 and February 28, 2011, and purchase the iPad from the local dealer. The cost of the iPad will be refunded when the vehicle is paid for. Saab 9-4X pricing will start at $34,205, excluding an expected destination charge of about $800. Saab says the iPad will ship in two to three weeks. (See: What you need to know about the iPad.)
Of course, if you purchase an iPad direct from Apple, it ships within 24 hours for free.
Another twist: If you're interested in an iPad and are content to wait until February or even March to receive it, you should know about the latest Apple rumor. And admittedly, Apple rumors are a dime a bushel. FoxNews.com cites an analyst pointing to April as the time for the next-generation iPad--on year from when the current model was introduced. The 9-4X itself is scheduled to begin deliveries in May 2011.
For a prudent car shopper, this all may be academic. Pre-ordering a car before it is even produced limits your ability to negotiate. Plus, while first-year cars have proven to be more reliable than in the past, it may be wise not to purchase the first example off the boat.
While the Cadillac SRX scores well in our testing, several weak points may carry over to this new variant. Were it me, I'd wait to see how the 9-4X scored in testing and review the first-year reliability data before taking the plunge. (First-year reliability of the redesigned SRX has been average.) By then, there will likely be incentives to match or even beat this one. Plus, there may be a new 2011 iPad available.
—Jeff Bartlett
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