Despite having owned over thirty Saabs, I'd always had a dream to own a Turbo X. To me, it represents the pinnacle of a modern Saab, a future classic, much like the 900 Turbo S has now become. It's a celebration of Saab innovation, bringing together their superior Turbo technology with a silky smooth V6 engine and an exceptionally intelligent AWD system Saab named cross-wheel-drive or XWD.
In the middle of last year, I found, what I thought looked like the perfect one. An unmolested, manual saloon with the entire options list thrown at it;
Convenience Plus Pack
Dual electric seats with driver’s 3-position memory, electric folding mirrors, auto dimming interior and exterior mirrors, rain sensor wipers
Business Plus Pack
DVD Satellite Navigation, 6.5" colour touch screen, TMC, voice control, Bluetooth phone integration system*, BOSE Surround Sound Audio
Performance Plus Pack
Bi-xenon cornering headlights, headlight pressure washers, 19” Turbo X alloy wheels
Premium Natural Leather
Sport interior trim with perforated seat bolsters and heated front seats
Added to that, it had just undergone a full refurbishment of the Haldex XWD system and came from a knowledgeable Saab family, sadly though, for the past 32 weeks, it's been one hell of a journey, as from the moment it arrived, it wouldn't start. A long story short, but the timing chain had failed and taken out some of the engine with it, so after sourcing another 2.8 engine, the team at Malcolm Miles set about rebuilding it all; new timing chain, water pump, followers, clutch, slave and endless ancillary hoses and gaskets, and finally, earlier this week, I got to drive it for the first time.
I've taken the opportunity to do a few, very subtle modifications, the suspension has been upgraded to Bilstien B8 shocks and Hirsch springs, it's had a Hirsch 3 piece grille, aluminium pedals and leather interior Hirsch handles. I have a feeling it's not running quite right yet and will require a few further snagging visits, but it's back home and it's survived.
I'll reserve a full review until I've had it back for a while, but needless to say, with this endless rain, wind and mud, the XWD system is feeling mighty reassuring.