Saab PhoeniX Concept Takes Flight with ‘Aeromotional’ Design

Saab PhoeniX Concept Takes Flight with ‘Aeromotional’ Design


Personally, I’m not a fan of Saabs. The cars just seem to lack any personality with so many of them looking more like overpriced “Saab-arus” than having their own unique character. I guess they’re trying to turn things around with the PhoeniX concept. See what they did there with the capital X? How edgy!

Continuing with the edginess, Saab says that it is inspired by the company’s aviation roots, creating an “aeromotional” design for this concept car. The underpinning architecture will be same as the next-gen 9-3, but the PhoeniX is supposed to provide “liquid metal” forms and “a dramatic jet canopy-inspired glasshouse.”

The “aeromotional” design continues with a teardrop cabin, prominent ripples along the hood, a body-colored scentral wing, LED headlamps, butterfly doors, and roof-mounted winglets.

As is the popular thing to do these days, the PhoeniX also happens to be a hybrid. (Of course it is!) The 200hp 1.6L turbo engine drives the front wheels, while the back wheels are electrically driven. They’re expecting to get 56.5 miles to the gallon.

I’m not convinced, but at least this bird rising from the ashes doesn’t look like an overpriced Impreza.


Saab Phoenix concept: Overview

World Debut

‘Aeromotional’ design inspired by Saab’s aviation roots
Design and technical features to shape next generation of Saab cars
Minimalist cabin with ground-breaking Saab IQon infotainment system
Rightsized petrol turbo engine and innovative Saab eXWD for electric all wheel drive
Showcases technologies in all-new vehicle architecture

Based on a new architecture which will underpin the next Saab 9-3 model, the PhoeniX introduces ‘aeromotional’ design: a visual evocation of the aerodynamic design principles and passion for innovation that inspired the creators of Saab’s first car, the iconic Ursaab,





Under its rippling bodywork, the Saab PhoeniX deploys an innovative driveline, with an electrically-driven rear axle mated to a sophisticated 200 hp, 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine driving the front wheels. The result is an intelligent, hybrid all-wheel-drive capability that enhances driving pleasure while reducing fuel consumption. Combined cycle fuel economy and CO2 emissions are projected to be 56.5 mpg and 119 g/km.

Aeromotional design







Minimalist interior

In true Scandinavian tradition, the 2+2 cabin adopts a clean, minimalist look. It has the ‘stripped out’ feel of a competition car, with shell-like seats and metalised interior sections that mimic the exposed network of a rollover cage.


Angled at 45º to the driver, a separate module accommodates Saab’s advanced IQon infotainment and communications system. For good ergonomics, the 8-inch colour touch screen is as close to the driver’s finger tips as the steering wheel.




Efficient propulsion

Under its sculpted bonnet and beneath its cargo deck, the PhoeniX advances Saab’s rightsizing powertrain strategy. Its propulsion system combines a highly efficient, 1.6-litre turbo engine driving the front wheels with innovative, electric rear wheel drive technology.



Currently under development for the next generation of Saab cars, this hybrid propulsion system enables the benefits of all-wheel-drive while also reducing fuel consumption. Using a six-speed manual transmission, projected combined cycle fuel economy and CO2 emissions are 56.5 mpg and 119 g/km.



[via Saab]